At a Glance
180 days/year
School days
Ages 5-18
Compulsory attendance
Notice Requirements
Notice is required
You must notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool.
Assessment Requirements
No assessment required
District of Columbia does not require standardized testing or formal assessment.
Portfolio & Records
No portfolio required
While District of Columbia doesn't mandate a portfolio, keeping records is still recommended.
Additional Notes
Notice of intent required. Instruction must be regular and thorough.
Source: Official state requirements · Verified March 2026
Track DC Compliance
Homeschool Fox automatically tracks your hours and progress against District of Columbia's requirements.
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What we track for DC
- Attendance days toward 180-day goal
- Activity log with descriptions
- PDF exports for evaluators
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in District of Columbia
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires you to file notice of your intent to homeschool.
You must notify your local school district.
How many hours do I need to homeschool in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia doesn't specify a minimum number of hours, but requires at least 180 days of instruction per year.
Does District of Columbia require testing for homeschoolers?
No, District of Columbia does not require standardized testing or formal assessments for homeschooled students. However, many families choose to use assessments voluntarily to track progress.
Do I need to keep a portfolio in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not legally require you to maintain a portfolio. However, keeping records of your homeschool activities is still highly recommended for your own reference and for potential college applications or if you ever need to demonstrate educational progress.
What subjects must I teach in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia does not mandate specific subjects. Families have complete flexibility in designing their curriculum and choosing what to teach. This allows you to tailor education to your children's interests and learning styles.