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.
