Homeschool Notification Letter (Intent to Homeschool)

Purpose

This template is used by parents or guardians to formally notify the appropriate educational authority of their intent to homeschool their child. Requirements vary significantly by state, so this template includes multiple options to accommodate different state requirements.

State Regulation Levels

States fall into different categories of homeschool regulation:

No Notice Required (11 states):

Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas

One-Time Notification (14 states):

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia

Annual Notification (25 states):

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

High Regulation (Additional Requirements):

New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island (may require curriculum submission, assessments, or other documentation)

IMPORTANT: Check your specific state's requirements before using this template.

Basic Homeschool Notification Letter

[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[Superintendent's Name]
[School District Name]
[District Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested

RE: Notice of Intent to Homeschool
School Year: [20XX-20XX]

Dear Superintendent [Name]:

Pursuant to [State] law [cite specific statute], I am hereby providing notice of my intent to establish a home education program for the following student(s):

Student Information

Student 1:
| Field | Information |
|-------|-------------|
| Full Legal Name | [Student's Full Name] |
| Date of Birth | [MM/DD/YYYY] |
| Age | [Age] |
| Grade Level | [Grade] |
| Previous School | [Name of last school attended, or "N/A"] |

Student 2: (if applicable)
| Field | Information |
|-------|-------------|
| Full Legal Name | [Student's Full Name] |
| Date of Birth | [MM/DD/YYYY] |
| Age | [Age] |
| Grade Level | [Grade] |
| Previous School | [Name of last school attended, or "N/A"] |

[Add additional students as needed]

Home Education Program Information

Parent/Guardian Information

State-Specific Addendums

Select the appropriate addendum for your state:

Addendum A: States Requiring Curriculum Information

(For states like New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and others requiring curriculum details)

Subjects to Be Taught:

I will provide instruction in the following subjects as required by [State] law:

☐ Reading/Language Arts
☐ Mathematics
☐ Science
☐ Social Studies/History
☐ Health/Physical Education
☐ Art
☐ Music
☐ [State-specific required subject]
☐ [State-specific required subject]

Instructional Materials:
[List curriculum, textbooks, or educational materials to be used - be general; specific titles typically not required]

• Language Arts: [General description, e.g., "Literature-based curriculum"]
• Mathematics: [General description]
• Science: [General description]
• Social Studies: [General description]
• Other: [As applicable]

Hours of Instruction:
I will provide a minimum of [number - typically 900-1000 hours per year or as required by state law] hours of instruction during the school year, with at least [number] hours in core subjects.

Addendum B: States Requiring Qualifications

(For states requiring information about parent qualifications)

Parent/Instructor Qualifications:

[Some states require only a high school diploma or GED; others have no requirements]

Addendum C: States Requiring Immunization Records

(For states requiring immunization documentation)

☐ Current immunization records are attached for each student

☐ I am claiming an exemption from immunization requirements:
☐ Medical exemption (documentation attached)
☐ Religious exemption
☐ Philosophical exemption (where permitted)

Addendum D: States Requiring Annual Assessment

(For states like New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia requiring assessment)

I acknowledge that I will comply with the assessment requirements of [State] law, which include:

☐ Annual standardized testing at grade level
☐ Evaluation by a qualified evaluator
☐ Portfolio review
☐ Other assessment as required: ________________________________

I will submit required assessment results by [date required by state law].

Addendum E: Withdrawal from Public/Private School

(If student is currently enrolled in a school)

Notice of Withdrawal:

I am also providing notice that [Student Name(s)] is/are withdrawn from [School Name] effective [Date]. Please process this withdrawal and provide:

☐ Official transcript/records
☐ Immunization records
☐ Any special education records (IEP, evaluations)
☐ Confirmation of withdrawal

Certification

I certify that:

1. I am the parent or legal guardian of the student(s) named above
2. The information provided in this notice is true and accurate
3. I will provide instruction in compliance with [State] homeschool law
4. I will maintain required records as specified by law
5. I will comply with any assessment or reporting requirements

_________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian

_________________________________
Printed Name

_________________________________
Date

State-Specific Requirements Quick Reference

Note: This table is a general guide. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Education or a homeschool legal organization.

Delivery and Documentation

Best Practices:

1. ☐ Send via certified mail with return receipt requested
2. ☐ Keep a copy of the letter and all attachments
3. ☐ Keep the return receipt as proof of delivery
4. ☐ Note the date sent and received
5. ☐ If delivering in person, request a signed and dated copy

Resources

• Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): hslda.org/legal
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education: responsiblehomeschooling.org
• A to Z Home's Cool State Laws: homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws
• Your State Department of Education: [Research your state's website]

Sample State-Specific Letters

New York IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan) Requirements

New York requires an IHIP submitted by July 1 each year. The IHIP must include:
- Student's name, age, and grade
- Name of parents providing instruction
- List of syllabi, textbooks, workbooks for each subject
- Dates of planned instruction
- Statement of attendance

Pennsylvania Affidavit Requirements

Pennsylvania requires a notarized affidavit including:
- Name of supervisor and each child
- Address and telephone number
- Statement of understanding of home education law
- Signatures of supervisor and notary

Disclaimer

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws vary significantly by state and change frequently. Some states require specific forms that must be used. Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Education or consult with a homeschool legal organization before submitting your notification.