Sample Letter (or Notice) of Intent to Homeschool

In most states, you need to notify the district that you'll be homeschooling. Here's a sample letter plus requirements for different states.

Michele Meleen, M.S.Ed.

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Updated July 17, 2024

Young Father homeschooling his son

A lot of parents decide to homeschool their kids instead of sending them to public school. To get started, a letter or notice of intent to homeschool is often the first step in filing paperwork. You'll need to check the laws in your state, but most require some standard information. If you're ready to start homeschooling, use a sample letter of intent to help you get started.

What Is a Notice of Intent to Homeschool?

A notice of intent to homeschool is simply a letter stating that you are planning on homeschooling your child. For states that require a lot of paperwork in order to homeschool legally, the letter of intent is generally the first step in filing. A notice of intent to homeschool does not usually require a witness or notary.

Information to Include in a Letter of Intent

A notice of intent to homeschool generally includes the following information:

Need to Know

Typically, the parent or guardian of the child writes and submits the letter of intent to homeschool. Even if you plan to use a tutor, church, or homeschool co-op, it's the parent's responsibility to notify their district.

Who to Give the Letter of Intent To

In most cases, you'll give the letter of intent to the superintendent of the school district in which the child resides. The address for the superintendent should be available on the district website or by asking any office personnel at the school. Keep a copy of the letter for your own files. If you want proof of receipt, you can mail it so it requires a signature or deliver it in person and ask the recipient to sign and date your copy and theirs.

Sample Letter of Intent to Homeschool

Most states suggest you only include the required information in your letter of intent and leave out things like specific curriculum plans. If additional documentation is required, it should be separate from this letter.

Parent/Guardian Name
Parent/Guardian Address
Date

Dear Dr. Jefferson,

Please accept this letter as notice that I intend to enroll my child, Jennifer Grace Jones, in homeschool for the 2024-2025 school year.

Jennifer will be in second grade for this school year. Her birthday is July 11, 2014. Jennifer will receive her home education from me, her mother, Elizabeth Jones in our home at the address listed above. Jennifer's homeschool education will be effective starting September 1, 2024.

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones

Other Types of Homeschooling Notifications

While a letter or notice of intent is standard, some states require different types of homeschool notifications.

Intent to Homeschool Form

If your state requires intent to homeschool forms, those will be available on the state's Department of Education website. These forms usually include the same information as a letter of intent and often have room to include the names of multiple children. These forms often require a witness or notary.

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Letter of Withdrawal

Instead of a letter of intent, some states require a letter of withdrawal. This letter is still sent to the superintendent and indicates that you will be removing, or withdrawing your child from that school district. A letter of withdrawal would include the date when your child will be removed and the purpose for withdrawing them.

States That Require a Notice of Intent to Homeschool

For more information regarding how to homeschool legally in your state, visit your state's Department of Education website or a legal organization, such as HSLDA. There, you can find out all the requirements for homeschooling.

As of July 2024, the following states require a notice of intent or similar documentation:

State Notice Type Deadline
Alabama Letter of Intent Within five days of the start of public school
Arizona Notarized Affidavit of Intent Within 30 days of homeschooling
Arkansas Notice of Intent form Aug. 15 annually
California Private School Affidavit required to create a home-based school Filed between October 1 and 15 annually.
Colorado Letter of Intent Within two weeks of homeschooling
Connecticut Intent form; suggested, not required Annually
Delaware Report enrollment by 9/30 and attendance at end of school year Annually
Florida Notice of intent Within 30 days of homeschooling
Georgia Declaration of Intent form September 1st annually
Hawaii Letter of intent or Form 4140 N/A
Idaho Letter of withdrawal; suggested, not required N/A
Indiana Keep attendance records in case you're asked N/A
Iowa Competent Private Instruction form Varies by district
Kansas Private school notice of attendance Annually no later than the 2nd week of August
Kentucky Letter of intent Within 10 days of public school start
Louisiana Home study application and letter of withdrawal Within 15 days of homeschooling
Maine Notice of intent Within 10 days of withdrawal
Maryland Notice of Consent form 15 days before homeschooling
Massachusetts Letter of intent; based on attendance law Within seven days of homeschooling
Minnesota Letter of intent October 1st annually
Mississippi Certificate of Enrollment N/A
Montana Letter of intent Annually
Nebraska Exempt status packet July 15
Nevada Notice of Intent form Within 10 days of withdrawal
New Hampshire Written notification Within five days of homeschooling
New Jersey Letter of intent; based on attendance law N/A
New Mexico Notification of a Home School form Within 30 days of homeschooling
New York Notice of intention July 1st annually
North Carolina Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School 30 days before homeschooling
North Dakota Statement of Intent form Two weeks before homeschooling
Ohio Letter of intent Within one week of withdrawal
Oregon Notification of intent Within 10 days of homeschooling
Pennsylvania Affidavit N/A
Rhode Island Varies by school district N/A
South Carolina Varies by school district N/A
South Dakota Notification for Exemption form Annually
Tennessee Notice of intent Annually
Utah Affidavit of Intent: form varies by district N/A
Vermont Home study enrollment forms May 1st
Virginia Notice of intent August 15
Washington Declaration of Intent form September 15 Annually
West Virginia Notice of intent When starting homeschooling
Wisconsin Home school enrollment form October 15 annually
Wyoming Letter of intent or homeschool registration form N/A
Need to Know

As of July 2024, the following states have few regulations and no notification requirements for homeschooling: Idaho, Alaska, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut. To be certain you meet any regulations in these states, please check with the state's Department of Education.

Do Your Homework

Homeschooling your child requires a lot of work on your end, from choosing a homeschool curriculum and format to notifying your local school district about your plan to homeschool. Check with your local school district and your state Department of Education to make sure you've covered all the bases for homeschooling.