District of Columbia Homeschool Funding
Scholarships, services, and available supports.
DC
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No state ESA or reimbursement for homeschooling
Admin: Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) regulates homeschooling; the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) is a separate, federally funded private-school scholarship.
Typical award
Amount: Homeschool: $0 (no ESA). OSP (private school): up to about $10.3k (K–8) and $15.3k (9–12) per student toward tuition/fees (amounts vary by year).
Disbursement: OSP pays participating private schools directly; not usable for home education purchases.
Who qualifies
- Homeschool: DC resident; parent/guardian with HS diploma/GED (or a plan for a qualified tutor); submit required OSSE notifications and teach required subjects; maintain a portfolio.
- OSP (private school): DC resident; income-eligible (priority for lowest income and other categories); student must enroll in an approved participating private school.
Timeline
- Homeschool notice: At least 15 business days before instruction begins; annual continuation due by Aug 15.
- OSP: Application window opens annually (typically winter/spring) for the next school year; awards offered on a rolling/lottery basis until funds are exhausted.
Overview
DC does not fund homeschool expenses. Families who homeschool must file required notices with OSSE and follow DC’s home education regulations (instructional subjects, portfolio, and monitoring). Separate from homeschooling, the federally funded DC Opportunity Scholarship Program offers private-school tuition scholarships to eligible DC students; OSP funds cannot be used for curriculum or supplies at home. Homeschoolers may request access to AP exams at their right-to-attend DCPS school under District law when they have timely notified OSSE of homeschooling.
Programs
DC Homeschool (OSSE)
- Type: Regulation & compliance (no ESA)
- Uses: N/A — the District does not reimburse homeschool purchases
- Requirements: Notice to OSSE 15 business days before starting; annual continuation by Aug 15; instruction must include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health/PE depending on grade; maintain a portfolio available for OSSE review.
- Admin: OSSE (Homeschooling)
DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (Private-School Voucher)
- Type: Scholarship for participating private schools (not for homeschooling)
- Award: Typically up to about $10k (K–8) and $15k (9–12) toward tuition/fees (varies annually)
- Uses: Private-school tuition and required fees (program-specific rules apply)
- Admin: Federally funded program; administered locally by the DC OSP
AP Exam Access for Homeschoolers
- Type: Access to testing at your right-to-attend DCPS school (fees may apply)
- Eligibility: Must have timely homeschooling notice on file with OSSE and submit an AP request on time
- Admin: OSSE (certification) & DCPS (test site)
Eligibility
- Residency: Student must reside in the District of Columbia.
- Homeschool requirements: Parent/guardian with a high school diploma or equivalent; provide instruction in required subjects; maintain a portfolio; comply with OSSE notices/monitoring.
- OSP (private school) basics: DC resident, income-eligible; student enrolls in a participating private school; homeschool purchases are not covered.
- Special education: Homeschooled students are not entitled to DC special education services once withdrawn from public school; families may request evaluation (“child find”) from DCPS to determine eligibility for services.
How to apply
- For homeschooling: Submit the OSSE Homeschool Notification at least 15 business days before you start; file the annual continuation form by Aug 15.
- Maintain your student’s portfolio (work samples, reading lists, etc.) and be prepared for OSSE monitoring.
- Optional: If pursuing private school with aid, apply to the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program and complete the school’s admissions/enrollment process.
- AP exams: After you’ve notified OSSE, follow OSSE/DCPS guidance to request an AP exam seat at your right-to-attend DCPS school by posted deadlines.
Covered expenses
- Homeschool: No District funding for curriculum, materials, or activities.
- AP exams: Law provides access to an exam seat; families may be responsible for test and processing fees.
- Evaluations: Public-school “child find” evaluation is available to identify potential special-education eligibility.
- OSP (private school): Tuition and required school fees at participating schools (program rules apply).
- Transportation or other costs may have separate rules; check the OSP handbook each year.
- Homeschool purchases (curriculum, tech, tutors) are not eligible under OSP.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschool notification (initial) | ≥ 15 business days before instruction | Submit to OSSE before you begin homeschooling. |
| Annual continuation notice | By Aug 15 each year | Renew your intent to continue homeschooling. |
| AP exam request (homeschool) | Varies (spring testing) | You must have timely OSSE notice on file first. |
| OSP application | Opens annually (winter/spring) | Rolling/lottery; confirm dates on OSP portal. |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does DC give homeschool ESAs or reimbursements?
No. DC regulates homeschooling but does not offer ESA funds or reimbursements for homeschool purchases.
Can homeschoolers get special-education services?
Homeschooled students are not entitled to DC special-education services after withdrawal from public school. However, families can request an evaluation (child-find) through DCPS to determine eligibility and available options.
Can my homeschooled student take AP exams in DC?
Yes—if you’ve filed timely notice with OSSE and submit an AP request, DCPS must permit a seat at your right-to-attend school, subject to scheduling. Testing fees may apply.
Can OSP funds pay for homeschool curriculum?
No. OSP scholarships apply only to tuition/fees at participating private schools and are not available for home education expenses.
Contacts
OSSE Homeschool Support
Email: osse.homeschool@dc.gov
Website: OSSE Homeschooling
DC Opportunity Scholarship Program
Law & regulations
- OSSE Homeschool Policy & Guidance — notifications, portfolio, monitoring, and required subjects.
- D.C. Code § 38-381 — access to AP exams for homeschoolers (non-enrollees).
- DC Opportunity Scholarship Program overview — eligibility, award amounts, and administration.