Free Tool · District of Columbia

Moderate regulation

How to withdraw your child from public school in District of Columbia.

Yes — homeschooling is legal in the District of Columbia. File a Notice of Intent 15 days before starting, then a Continuation Form by August 15 each year. Maintain a portfolio that OSSE may review up to twice per year.

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Last reviewed May 5, 2026

D.C. requires a 15-day advance Notice of Intent, not a post-withdrawal filing. Time the effective date on your withdrawal letter accordingly. OSSE has the right to review your portfolio twice per year — keep it organized from day one.

We don't store your child's information. PDFs are generated in memory and discarded. We are not your attorney; for edge cases call HSLDA or a local attorney.

Step 2 of 6 · Children~72s left

Who are you withdrawing in District of Columbia?

Add every child you're pulling from school. We'll list them on the letter and produce one packet for the whole family. Use the legal name on school records.

Child 1

Full name

Grade(optional)

Date of birth(optional)

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School Administration

District of Columbia

May 5, 2026

RE: Withdrawal of student

Dear Principal,

I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately, I am withdrawing my child from your school. As of the date of this letter, my child will no longer be enrolled at this school and will instead be educated at home in accordance with District of Columbia law.

I will fulfill my obligations under District of Columbia's homeschool statute, including filing the appropriate notice of intent or declaration with the state or district as required.

Please remove my child from your attendance roll as of the effective date below and forward all academic records to the address listed on this letter. Do not contact me, my child, or my child's other parent regarding compulsory attendance after this date — my child is now legally enrolled in a home education program.

I am happy to provide written confirmation that my notice of intent has been filed. I do not consent to a home visit, interview, or in-person meeting as a condition of this withdrawal.

Effective date of withdrawal

May 5, 2026

Sincerely,

Date: May 5, 2026

Children covered by this withdrawal

What happens after you withdraw in District of Columbia

The District requires a Notice of Intent filed with OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education) at least 15 days before starting, then an annual Continuation Form by August 15. OSSE can request to review your portfolio up to twice per year.

By day 1

Deliver this withdrawal letter to the principal in person, by certified mail, or by email with read receipt. Save the confirmation.

By day 7

File District of Columbia's required notice of intent with the appropriate state or district office. Verify the official form on District of Columbia's Department of Education website.

14d

By day 14

Set up a daily attendance log and start tracking from day one. Use the printable log we generated, or HomeschoolOS does this automatically.

30d

By day 30

Confirm in writing that the school has removed your child from the roll and that District of Columbia has acknowledged your notice (where applicable).

60d

By day 60

Pick a curriculum spine for each required subject and create a simple weekly rhythm. Resist the urge to over-buy in the first month.

90d

By day 90

Build a portfolio shelf — even if District of Columbia doesn't legally require one. Save 3–5 work samples per subject per quarter; you will be glad you did at year-end.

Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia withdrawals

Is homeschooling legal in District of Columbia?

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent in District of Columbia?

What does District of Columbia require beyond the withdrawal letter?

In District of Columbia, beyond the withdrawal letter you'll need to file a notice of intent (or equivalent declaration) with the state or your district. District of Columbia requires a portfolio of student work, available for review. Verify the current procedure on the District of Columbia Department of Education website before filing.

What records do I need to keep in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia doesn't specify required hours or days, but keeping a daily attendance log and a portfolio of work samples is the standard precaution. The wizard generates both.

Can I generate one letter for multiple kids in District of Columbia?

Yes. The wizard supports up to 10 children per family. The letter lists each child by name, grade, and date of birth; one packet covers the entire withdrawal.

Official sources

HSLDA — District of Columbia Laws District of Columbia Dept. of Education

Want this all tracked automatically going forward?

Homeschool OS handles the District of Columbia attendance log, compliance deadlines, and portfolio for you — pre-configured for your state. Free for 21 days, no card.

Start your free trial

We’re not your attorney. Always verify District of Columbia-specific requirements with your Department of Education before filing. For edge cases — religious exemption, IEP/504 disputes, custody contests — call HSLDA or a local attorney.