How to Withdraw Your Child from Public School

TL;DR: Write a withdrawal letter to the school, get your child's records, check your state's homeschool notification requirements, and start homeschooling. You do not need the school's permission.

Know Your Rights First

In every U.S. state, parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from public school and homeschool. You do not need the school's permission, and the school cannot legally prevent you from withdrawing.

What the school can do is ask you to follow state notification procedures — but that is between you and your state, not between you and the school.

Before withdrawing, check your state's laws so you know what notification (if any) is required when you begin homeschooling. See our state homeschool laws guides to find your state.

Step 1 — Write a Withdrawal Letter

Send a simple written notice to the school principal or the school district office (check your state's rules — some require the district, not just the school).

Your letter should include:

• Your child's full name
• Grade level and current teacher's name (if applicable)
• A clear statement that you are withdrawing your child to homeschool
• The effective date (can be immediate or within a few days)
• Your contact information

You do not need to explain your reasons. A brief, polite letter is all that is required.

Sample letter:

Dear [Principal's Name],

I am writing to formally withdraw my child, [Child's Full Name], from [School Name], effective [Date]. We have decided to homeschool [him/her/them] going forward.

Please provide me with [his/her/their] complete academic records, including transcripts, test scores, and immunization records, at your earliest convenience.

Thank you, [Your Name] [Phone / Email]

Send it via email and certified mail (so you have a delivery confirmation). Keep a copy for your records.

Step 2 — Request Your Child's Records

You are legally entitled to your child's school records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Request:

• Official transcripts (grades and courses completed)
• Most recent standardized test scores
• Immunization records
• Any IEP, 504 Plan, or special education documents
• Attendance records (sometimes required for state notification)

The school has 45 days to provide these records under federal law, though most schools act faster than that.

Step 3 — Handle the School's Response

Schools occasionally push back when parents withdraw. Common scenarios:

"You need to come in for a meeting first." — You do not. A written notice is sufficient. You may attend a meeting out of courtesy, but it is not required.

"We need documentation of your homeschool curriculum." — In most states, schools have no authority to demand this at withdrawal. Check your state's law; typically this documentation (if required) goes to the school district or state, not the school itself.

"Child Protective Services will be notified." — This is not standard and is not appropriate. If a school makes this threat, contact HSLDA immediately.

"Your child can't re-enroll later." — Not true. Homeschooled students can re-enroll in public school in almost all cases.

If you encounter pushback, HSLDA's legal team can help — even for non-members, their public resources explain your rights clearly.

Step 4 — Complete Your State's Homeschool Notification

Withdrawing from school and notifying the state that you are homeschooling are two separate actions. Check your state:

• No notification required: Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, Idaho, and a handful of other states
• Notify the school district: Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, and others
• Register as a nonpublic school: North Carolina, California (PSA)
• Annual affidavit: Pennsylvania

Find your state's specific requirements in our state law guides or at HSLDA's legal map.

Step 5 — Decide Your Start Date

Most families give themselves 1–3 weeks between withdrawal and the first day of homeschooling to:

• Get organized and gather materials
• Allow their child to say goodbye to friends
• Research curriculum options

However, if the situation is urgent (bullying, mental health, safety), you can withdraw and begin homeschooling the same day.

Consider building in a deschooling period after withdrawal — especially if your child has been in traditional school for several years. Read our guide on deschooling to understand what this looks like.

What to Tell Your Child

Be honest and matter-of-fact. Avoid framing it as "school was bad" — your child likely has friends and positive memories there. Instead:

• "We're going to try something different that we think will work better for you."
• "You'll still see your friends [at co-op, at church, at activities]."
• "We're going to learn together at home."

Let your child grieve the transition if needed. It's a big change.

What to Tell Extended Family

Not everyone will immediately understand or support your decision. A few phrases that help:

• "We've researched it carefully and feel it's the right choice for our family."
• "We know a lot of families who have done this successfully."
• "We're happy to share more about it when you're curious."

You don't need to justify your decision — but having a confident, calm response ready helps.

Key Resources

• HSLDA — Withdrawal from Public School — Know your rights by state
• FERPA — Your Rights to School Records — Federal law on accessing records
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education — Independent guidance
• Enate Homeschool — Build your first week of lessons right away