Letter of intent to homeschool
Some states ask you to tell your district, in writing, that you are teaching at home. This is a plain letter that covers what most of them want — and, just as important, what to check before you send it.
Read this before you use it
This template was not written by a lawyer and it is not legal advice.
- Mamas In Session is not a law firm. We accept no responsibility for how this letter is used, or for anything that follows from filing it.
- Notice requirements are set by your state, and sometimes by your own district. They differ enormously — in what you must say, who you send it to, and by when.
- Many states publish their own form, and where they do, you must use it. A letter like this one will not count.
- Some states ask for things this letter does not include: immunisation records, a curriculum outline, your own qualifications, attendance records, or a notarised signature.
- Filing windows matter. Several states require notice a set number of days before you begin, or within a set number of days of withdrawing a child from school.
Check what your own state asks for before you send anything, and use its form if it has one. If your situation is complicated — a custody arrangement, a child already enrolled, a special education plan — talk to someone qualified.
Where to check yours
The official requirements, the form if there is one, and the deadline. Search for your state's name and "homeschool notice of intent".
A plain-English summary of what each state requires, kept current. hslda.org/legal
Some districts ask for more than the state does, or want the notice sent to a particular office. A phone call settles it.
The letter
Copy it into whatever you write in, fill in every bracket, and delete anything your state does not ask for. The PDF has the same letter on its second page, with these warnings on the first.
[Your full name]
[Street address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone number] · [Email address]
[Date]
[Superintendent of Schools, or the name of the person your state names]
[School district name]
[District address]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Superintendent / To whom it may concern],
I am writing to notify you that I will be providing home instruction for my
child[ren] named below for the [20__ – 20__] school year, beginning
[start date].
Full name: [child's full name]
Date of birth: [date of birth]
Grade level: [grade]
Full name: [child's full name]
Date of birth: [date of birth]
Grade level: [grade]
[Include here anything else your state specifically requires — for example a
list of subjects to be taught, the number of instructional days, the name of
the curriculum, or a statement of your own qualifications. Remove this
paragraph if your state asks for none of it.]
I would be grateful if you would confirm receipt of this notice in writing. If
anything further is required of me, please let me know what it is and by when.
Sincerely,
_____________________________
[Your full name]
[Date]Once you have checked
- 1Fill in every bracket, and delete any paragraph your state does not ask for.
- 2Keep a copy for yourself, with the date you sent it.
- 3Send it the way your state says to. Where it does not say, posting it and asking for written confirmation leaves you with proof.
- 4If you do not hear back within a couple of weeks, follow up. A notice nobody received is the same as no notice at all.