How to withdraw from public school

So, you've decided to homeschool. That's great! One of the first things you may need to do is withdraw your child from public school. How you do this depends on where you live. Each state has its own regulations and requirements for homeschoolers.

Withdrawing from public school may be as easy as turning in your child's books and walking out the door. But you may have to fill out state forms or even get approval of your education plan from the local school district in order to begin.

Take a look at the map above. The states colored green are the least restrictive. Notice of intent to homeschool is not required in these states. However, if your child is already enrolled in public school, the statewide homeschool organizations in most of these states suggest that you submit a short withdrawal letter, just to avoid any problems with truancy accusations.

You can find links to sample withdrawal letters, state mandated forms and instructions to help you begin homeschooling legally in every state at the links provided below.

No notice required

No notification of the state or local school district is required in these states. However, most of the state homeschool groups recommend submitting a withdrawal letter or notice of intent to homeschool to the local district if your child has previously been enrolled in public school.

Alaska – Alaska Private and Home Educators Association

Connecticut – Connecticut Homeschool Network

Idaho – Idaho Coalition of Home Educators

Illinois – Illinois Christian Home Educators

Indiana – Indiana Association of Home Educators

Iowa – Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators

Michigan – Information Network for Christian Homes

Missouri – Families for Home Education

New Jersey – New Jersey Homeschool Association

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Christian Home Educators Consociation

Texas – Texas Home School Coalition

Notice required

The following states require parents to file a notice of intent or submit a withdrawal letter when beginning to homeschool. The linked sites provide information and/or sample letters.

Alabama – Alabama Homeschool Expo

Arizona – Arizona Families for Home Education

California – Private and Home Educators of California

Delaware – State of Delaware

Georgia – Georgia Home Education Association

Kansas – Christian Home Educators Confederation of Kansas

Kentucky – Christian Home Educators of Kentucky

Mississippi – Mississippi Home Educators Association

Montana – Montana Coalition of Home Educators

Nebraska – Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association

Nevada – Nevada Homeschool Network

New Mexico – Christian Association of Parent Educators – New Mexico

Utah – Utah Home Education Association

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Parents Association

Wyoming – Homeschoolers of Wyoming

Notice plus other requirements

The following states require either a notice of intent to homeschool form or withdrawal letter, plus other requirements such as testing, professional evaluations or even permission from the local school superintendent. The linked sites provide more information about the requirements in each state.

Arkansas – Arkansas Education Alliance

Colorado – Christian Home Educators of Colorado

Florida – Florida Parent-Educators Association

Hawaii – Hawai’i Homeschool Association

Louisiana – Christian Home Educators Association of Louisiana

Maine – Homeschoolers of Maine

Maryland – Maryland Home Education Association

Minnesota – Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators

New Hampshire – Christian Home Educators of New Hampshire

North Carolina – North Carolinians for Home Education

North Dakota – North Dakota Home School Association

Ohio – Christian Home Educators of Ohio

Oregon – Oregon Home Education Network

South Carolina – South Carolina Home Educators Association

South Dakota – South Dakota Christian Home Educators

Tennessee – TnHomeEd.com - “Tennessee’s Homeschool Information Site”

Virginia – Home Educators Association of Virginia

Washington – Washington Homeschool Organization

Washington, D.C. – DC Home Educators Association

West Virginia – Christian Home Educators of West Virginia

Highest regulation

The following states are the most highly regulated in the nation at this time. Although homeschooling is legal and you may withdraw your child from public school, you may have to obtain approval of your education plan and fulfill other requirements, such as testing and evaluations, curriculum review and more in order to legally homeschool in these states.

Massachusetts – Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts

New York – New York State LEAH (Loving Education at Home)

Pennsylvania – Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers

Vermont – Vermont Home Education Network

The linked organizations above provide information only. Legal advice and representation may be recommended, especially in highly regulated states. HSLDA is a great place to start.