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.
Connecticut – Connecticut Homeschool Network
Illinois – Illinois Christian Home Educators
Indiana – Indiana Association of Home Educators
Michigan – Information Network for Christian Homes
Missouri – Families for Home Education
New Jersey – New Jersey Homeschool Association
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
Kentucky – Christian Home Educators of Kentucky
Mississippi – Mississippi Home Educators Association
Montana – Montana Coalition of Home Educators
Nevada – Nevada Homeschool Network
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
Maine – Homeschoolers of Maine
Maryland – Maryland Home Education Association
New Hampshire – Christian Home Educators of New Hampshire
North Carolina – North Carolinians for Home Education
North Dakota – North Dakota Home School Association
Oregon – Oregon Home Education Network
South Carolina – South Carolina Home Educators Association
South Dakota – South Dakota Christian Home Educators
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
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.
