How to withdraw from public school and start homeschooling

A calm, step-by-step path for families making the switch mid-year or between years.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ a lot from state to state, and following them is the parent's responsibility. Confirm the details for your state at HSLDA or your state education department before you withdraw.

1. Look up your state's requirements first

Some states require no notice at all (Texas and Missouri, for example). Others need a notice, affidavit, or declaration filed before or within a set number of days of starting (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and others). Start at hslda.org/legal. Our state guides summarize 20 states.

2. File any required notice

If your state requires a notice, file it the way your state says to (online, with the district, or with a state office), and keep a copy with the date on it. In many states, filing before you withdraw helps avoid truancy questions.

3. Send a written withdrawal letter to the school

Keep it short and factual, for example: "Please withdraw [child] from [school] effective [date]. We will be homeschooling in compliance with [state] law." Keep a copy. You usually don't have to explain your reasons. Ask for a copy of your child's records.

4. Take a breath (deschooling is normal)

Many families take a few lighter weeks to reset routines before starting full lessons. Check whether your state has attendance-day rules before planning a long break.

5. Pick a starting grade and curriculum

Take our free placement check, look through the scope & sequence, and try Week 1 free. Plans cost $35/month or $336/year per student, or $69/month or $662/year for up to 4 students.

6. Set up simple records

Keep attendance, work samples, and any test or evaluation results your state requires. Grab the free start checklist and planner.

7. High schoolers: protect credits

Ask the school for an official transcript of credits earned so far. Then keep building a parent-issued homeschool transcript. Read Transcript basics.

8. Find your people

Join a local co-op or your statewide homeschool association. If a subject gets tough, book live 1:1 tutoring with David over Zoom or Google Meet ($45/hour). The first 15-minute consult is free.

Life Academy is a parent-directed online K–12 curriculum, built to help meet homeschool requirements in all 50 states. It is not accredited, and parents issue the homeschool transcript. Nothing here is legal advice. Check your state's law at HSLDA. Questions? Email david.dukes77102@gmail.com.