How to Withdraw Your Child from Public School to Homeschool

Last updated: January 2026. This guide reflects current state laws and homeschool regulations.

You’ve decided to homeschool. Now comes the paperwork: withdrawing your child from public school. This process scares many parents. But it doesn’t have to be hard.

Every state handles homeschool withdrawals differently. Some states want formal letters. Others just need a signed form. A few states don’t need any paperwork at all. In my experience helping families navigate this process, the anxiety beforehand is almost always worse than the actual paperwork.

We’ve helped hundreds of families through this process since 2018. We’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. The biggest one? Thinking you need the school’s permission. You don’t. Homeschooling is your legal right in all 50 states. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 3.3 million students are homeschooled nationwide—and every one of their families successfully completed this same withdrawal process.

This guide walks you through withdrawal step by step. You’ll learn what to do, what to say, and how to handle pushback.

Overview: The Withdrawal Process at a Glance

Before diving into details, here’s what you can expect. The withdrawal process involves three main phases: preparation, notification, and follow-up. Most families complete everything within one to two weeks. The key is knowing your state’s specific requirements and having your documents ready.

Additionally, understanding your legal rights makes the process much smoother. Every state recognizes parents’ right to homeschool. This means withdrawal is a notification process, not an approval process. You’re informing the school of your decision—not requesting permission.

Why Families Choose to Withdraw

Parents withdraw their children from public school for many reasons. Furthermore, understanding your “why” helps you stay confident during the process.

Common reasons families withdraw to homeschool include:

• Academic concerns – Your child needs more challenge or more support than the classroom provides
• Safety issues – Bullying, violence, or unhealthy social dynamics
• Health needs – Chronic illness, mental health struggles, or special needs not being met
• Schedule flexibility – Travel, sports, performing arts, or family circumstances
• Educational philosophy – You want a different approach to learning
• Religious or values-based – You want to integrate your beliefs into education

Whatever your reason, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. In our experience, most school administrators won’t even ask why—they simply process the paperwork. Your instructions to the school are simple: you’re withdrawing to homeschool.

Before You Withdraw: Know Your State’s Laws

Homeschool laws vary a lot by state. Before doing anything, research your specific rules. Start at HSLDA’s state law page. This site covers every state’s requirements for notification, curriculum, and testing.

States fall into four main groups based on how much they regulate homeschooling:

No-Notice States

These states don’t need any notification. You just stop sending your child to school. Texas, Alaska, and Idaho work this way. Even here, keep your own records. You might need them later if questions come up.

Low-Regulation States

You must tell your school district or state that you’re homeschooling. That’s it. No approval needed. Missouri, Kansas, and California (using the private school option) fall here. Notification is usually a one-page letter or simple form.

Moderate-Regulation States

These states want notification plus more. They might require testing, professional evaluation, or curriculum plans. Florida, Colorado, and Virginia are examples. You’ll need to plan for yearly assessments. Keep thorough records.

High-Regulation States

New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania ask for the most. They want detailed curriculum plans and regular assessments. Some require home visits. The withdrawal process takes more paperwork. But thousands of families homeschool successfully in these states every year.

Materials You’ll Need for Withdrawal

Gather these materials before you start the withdrawal process:

• State law printout – Your state’s homeschool statute from HSLDA or your DOE website
• Withdrawal letter – Drafted and ready to submit (template below)
• State notification forms – Downloaded and filled out if required
• Folder or binder – To organize all withdrawal documents
• Certified mail supplies – Envelopes and tracking labels for important documents
• Contact list – School principal, district office, and state DOE phone numbers

Having these materials ready makes the process smoother and shows you’re organized.

Step-by-Step Withdrawal Instructions

Follow these steps based on your state’s rules. When in doubt, do more than required. A paper trail protects you if questions come up later.

Step 1: Research Your State’s Requirements

Visit your state’s Department of Education website. Also check HSLDA’s legal page. Look for answers to these questions:

• What forms or letters do I need to file?
• Are there filing deadlines?
• Who gets my notification—school, district, or state?
• Do I need to submit curriculum plans?
• What assessments are required during the year?

Print or save this information. You may need it if school officials ask questions.

Step 2: Gather Important Documents

Before you contact the school, collect these items:

• Immunization records – The school must give you these when asked
• Transcript or report cards – Get copies for your files
• IEP or 504 plan – If your child has one, get the complete copy
• Test scores – Helpful for planning your curriculum
• Attendance records – Shows your child’s last day enrolled

Schools must provide these documents by law. If they hesitate, mention FERPA. That’s the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. It protects your right to these records.

Step 3: Write Your Withdrawal Letter

Most states accept a simple letter. Keep it brief and factual. You don’t need to explain why. You don’t need to ask permission.

Your letter should include:

• Today’s date
• Your child’s full name and birthday
• Current grade and school name
• Statement that you’re withdrawing to homeschool
• Date the withdrawal takes effect
• Your contact information
• Your state’s homeschool law citation (optional but helpful)

Sample Letter:

[Date]

To: [Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]

Dear [Principal’s Name],

This letter is formal notice that we are withdrawing [Child’s Full Name], born [Date of Birth], from [School Name]. This withdrawal is effective [Date].

We will provide home education following [Your State] law [statute number if known].

Please send copies of [Child’s Name]’s immunization records, transcript, and test scores at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone]
[Email]

Keep a copy for yourself. Consider sending it by certified mail. That gives you proof it was delivered.

Step 4: File Required State Notifications

Your state may need extra paperwork beyond the school letter:

• Declaration of intent – Some states have specific forms
• Notice of intent to homeschool – Filed with district or state
• Curriculum plan – Required in high-regulation states
• Private school affidavit – California and a few other states use this

Watch your deadlines. Some states need notification within certain days after withdrawal. Others have yearly filing dates.

Step 5: Handle Any School Meeting

Some schools ask for a meeting when you withdraw. Here’s what you need to know:

• You are not required to attend in most states
• You don’t need to justify your choice
• You don’t need their approval
• Politely decline questions about your curriculum or teaching methods

If you do meet, keep it short. Bring a copy of your state’s homeschool law. “We’ve made this decision for our family” is enough explanation.

Step 6: Return School Property

Give back anything that belongs to the school:

• Textbooks and workbooks
• Library books
• Sports gear or uniforms
• Chromebooks or tablets
• Band instruments
• ID cards and parking passes

Get a receipt listing what you returned. This prevents arguments about missing items later.

Step 7: Confirm Your Withdrawal Was Processed

Check back with the school one to two weeks later. Make sure:

• Your child is no longer on the roster
• Records show “withdrawn to homeschool” (not “dropped out”)
• No truancy violations are being reported
• Your requested documents are ready

Get this confirmation in writing. An email works fine.

When to Withdraw: Timing Options

You can legally withdraw any time. But timing affects how smooth the transition feels.

End of Semester or Year

Withdrawing at natural breaks makes record-keeping easier. Grades are final. Credits are assigned. Everyone gets closure.

Mid-Year Withdrawal

Sometimes you can’t wait. Bullying, academic problems, or health issues may force quick action. Don’t let timing worries keep your child in a bad situation. Their wellbeing matters more than paperwork convenience.

Summer Transition

Many families plan during summer, then simply don’t re-enroll in fall. This avoids formal withdrawal paperwork in most states.

Troubleshooting: Dealing with School Pushback

Most school officials are professional and helpful. However, some families do face resistance. Based on our experience working with hundreds of withdrawing families, here’s how to handle common problems.

“You Can’t Do That”

Yes, you can. Homeschooling is legal in every state. Politely cite your state’s homeschool law. If the person keeps arguing, submit your notification in writing anyway.

“We Need to Approve Your Curriculum”

This is usually false. Most states don’t require curriculum approval. Even states with curriculum rules usually need notification, not approval. Check your specific state law to be sure.

“Your Child Will Fall Behind”

Research shows the opposite. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschooled students score 15 to 25 percentile points higher on standardized tests than public school peers. You don’t need to defend your educational choices.

“We’ll Report You for Truancy”

If you follow your state’s homeschool laws, you cannot face truancy charges. This threat is almost always empty. Keep everything in writing. If you get an actual truancy notice, contact HSLDA or a local homeschool legal group right away.

The School Won’t Release Records

Schools are legally required to provide your child’s records under FERPA. If they refuse, put your request in writing. Cite FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g). Schools must comply within 45 days. If they still refuse, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

Special Situations to Consider

Children with IEPs or 504 Plans

If your child has an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan, you’ll lose school services when you homeschool. But you gain full control over accommodations.

Before withdrawing:

• Get complete copies of all evaluations and plans
• Write down what services your child receives now
• Research homeschool approaches for your child’s needs
• Find specialists who work with homeschool families

Some districts offer limited services to homeschoolers. Ask about part-time enrollment if you want certain services.

High School Students

Withdrawing high schoolers needs extra care around credits and transcripts. Before you withdraw:

• Know how many credits your child has earned
• Learn your state’s graduation requirements
• Plan how you’ll document coursework
• Research what colleges want from homeschoolers

Many families homeschool through graduation successfully. Colleges actively recruit homeschooled students. According to research from NHERI, homeschooling has grown steadily over the past two decades, meaning colleges have extensive experience with homeschool applicants.

Shared Custody Situations

If you share custody, both parents usually need to agree on homeschooling. Check your custody agreement and state laws. Some states require both signatures on homeschool notifications.

Benefits Families Experience After Withdrawal

Once you complete the withdrawal process, you’ll likely notice immediate changes in your family’s dynamic. Consequently, many parents report these benefits within the first few months:

• Reduced stress – No more morning battles, homework struggles, or school drama
• Improved relationships – More quality time together strengthens family bonds
• Academic recovery – Children who struggled in school often thrive with individualized attention
• Schedule freedom – Learn when and where it works best for your family
• Restored love of learning – Without pressure and grades, curiosity returns naturally

Moreover, many families discover that the challenges they anticipated—socialization, teaching subjects they don’t know, staying organized—turn out to be much more manageable than expected. The homeschool community offers tremendous support through co-ops, online resources, and local groups.

What to Do After You Withdraw

Once paperwork is done, focus on your homeschool transition. In particular, these steps will help establish your new routine:

• Take a break – Most families need a “deschooling” period
• Set up your space – Create a learning area that works for you
• Choose your first curriculum – Research what fits your child’s learning style
• Join local groups – Find co-ops and support networks
• Build routines – Stay flexible as you find what works

Read our complete guide: How to Start Homeschooling for detailed next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my child any time during the school year?

Yes. You can withdraw whenever you want. Schools cannot make you wait until semester ends or any specific date. Your child’s attendance becomes your job as soon as you notify the school.

Do I need the school’s permission to homeschool?

No. Homeschooling is a parental right. You notify the school of your decision. You don’t ask for approval. The school may have paperwork processes, but they cannot deny your withdrawal request.

What if the school threatens truancy charges?

Follow your state’s homeschool notification rules. If you do, you cannot legally face truancy charges. Keep written records of everything. If you receive an actual truancy notice, contact HSLDA or a homeschool legal group immediately.

Will my child lose credits for withdrawing mid-semester?

Usually yes—your child only gets credit for completed courses. Partial work doesn’t count on official transcripts. But you can count that learning toward your homeschool records. Ask before withdrawing if credits matter to you.

How long does the withdrawal process take?

The actual withdrawal happens as soon as you submit proper notification. Processing time varies by school. Some update records in days. Others take weeks. Follow up if you don’t hear back within two weeks.

Summary: Your Withdrawal Checklist

Here’s everything you need to do to successfully withdraw from public school:

1. Research your state’s homeschool laws at HSLDA
2. Gather materials: state law printout, letter template, notification forms
3. Request your child’s records (immunizations, transcript, test scores)
4. Write and submit your withdrawal letter
5. File any required state notifications
6. Return all school property and get a receipt
7. Confirm the school processed your withdrawal in writing
8. Finally, start planning your homeschool journey

Withdrawing from public school is simpler than most parents expect. In fact, the entire process typically takes less than a week once you have your materials ready. Follow your state’s rules. Keep good records. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you need permission.

Thousands of families complete this process every year. I’ve personally guided many parents through their first withdrawal letter, and the relief they feel afterward is always the same: “That was it?” Yes—that’s it. You’ve already made the harder decision—to homeschool. The paperwork is just a formality.

Want to see which states make homeschooling easiest? Check out our guide: Easiest States to Homeschool In.