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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in District of Columbia

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in District of Columbia, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

OSSE says the right to a free appropriate public education applies only to students enrolled in a D.C. public school, so specialized services end once your child is withdrawn to homeschool. DCPS must still evaluate homeschooled children who may have a disability without requiring enrollment, and services are available again if your child enrolls in a D.C. public school.

Primary source: 5-A DCMR 3001.2, 3003.4, 3040; OSSE homeschool guidance

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

DCPS must conduct child find for resident children who are homeschooled and may not require enrollment in DCPS before evaluating your child or developing an IEP (5-A DCMR 3003.4).

How to request: Send a referral to the DCPS Central IEP Team with your OSSE homeschool authorization letter.

5-A DCMR 3003.4

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Dual enrollment

Not available. OSSE does not allow a student to be registered to homeschool while also attending a D.C. public or public charter school.

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Equitable services

Not available. D.C.'s special education rules treat homeschooled children separately from parentally placed private school children, and equitable services cover children attending religious and other private schools (5-A DCMR 3003.4, 3040).

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in District of Columbia?
OSSE says the right to a free appropriate public education applies only to students enrolled in a D.C. public school, so specialized services end once your child is withdrawn to homeschool. DCPS must still evaluate homeschooled children who may have a disability without requiring enrollment, and services are available again if your child enrolls in a D.C. public school.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in District of Columbia?
Child Find: DCPS must conduct child find for resident children who are homeschooled and may not require enrollment in DCPS before evaluating your child or developing an IEP (5-A DCMR 3003.4).

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Requirements sourced from D.C. Code Section 38-202. Last reviewed October 2026