Letter of intent to homeschool: What it is and how to write one

For many families, starting the homeschooling journey involves more than choosing a curriculum or setting up a learning space. In many states, the first step is submitting a letter of intent to homeschool. While not every state requires it, this document acts as a formal notification that your child will be learning at home, protecting your family from potential misunderstandings about attendance or truancy.

But how do you know if you need to file one, and what should it say? This guide breaks it down, covering where letters are required, the key details to include, and how to write yours with confidence. Once you’ve taken care of the paperwork, Outschool is here to help you build a personalized learning experience that matches your child’s needs and interests.

What is a letter of intent to homeschool?

The letter of intent to homeschool is one of the most common requirements families may encounter when starting out. It’s essentially a short letter that informs your local district or state that your child’s education will happen at home. Some states make this an annual requirement, while others may not ask for it at all, so it’s always worth checking the rules where you live.

Why families file this letter:

• To notify authorities: It lets your district or state know your child isn’t enrolled in a public school.
• To protect your family: It prevents misunderstandings that could lead to truancy notices.
• To establish responsibility: It formally recognizes you as the primary educator.
• To follow state laws: Requirements differ, so knowing what’s needed in your state avoids surprises.

Think of the letter as a safeguard. It documents your decision and ensures there’s no confusion about your child’s education. Having that confirmation in place gives you peace of mind as you move forward.

Letter of intent requirement by state

Whether you need to send in a letter of intent depends entirely on your state. Some families will file one every year, others only once, and in a handful of states, no letter is required at all. According to the Coalition for Responsible Home Education:

• Annual notification: Around 25 states expect parents to file a new letter each year.
• One-time notification: Fourteen states only ask for notice when you first start homeschooling.
• No notification: Eleven states don’t require parents to notify anyone.

The current letter of intent or notification requirements by each state as of 2025 is outlined below.

• Annual notice required
  • 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
  • What it means: Parents must file a letter of intent (or equivalent form) every school year, often by a set deadline. Some states provide their own continuation forms for yearly filing.
• One-time notice required
  • States: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia
  • What it means: Parents submit notice once when they first begin homeschooling. Unless you move to a new district or state, no repeat filing is necessary.
• No notice required
  • States: Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas
  • What it means: Parents don’t need to notify state or local officials before homeschooling.

Because laws change, it’s best to confirm with your state’s education department. Local homeschool associations and online parent forums can also provide practical insight into how families in your area handle the process.

You can also explore our homeschooling guides to find state-specific resources and learn how to get started in your state, including whether a letter of intent or notification is required.

How do I write a letter of intent to homeschool?

When writing a letter of intent to homeschool, the goal is to keep it simple and cover the essentials your state asks for. Most letters follow a similar format, though the details can vary.

Here’s what many letters include:

• Child information: Your child’s full name, date of birth, and home address.
• Statement of intent: A clear sentence saying you plan to homeschool for the school year.
• Parent/guardian details: Your name, contact information, and role as the primary instructor.
• Educational plan (if required): A short outline of the subjects or curriculum you’ll cover.
• Timeline compliance: Mention the school year or the start date of homeschooling.
• Signature and date: Sign and date the letter to make it official.

While these points give you a guide, many states make it even easier by offering forms or sample letters. If that’s the case where you live, all you need to do is complete the form and submit it.

Where and how to submit your letter of intent

Once your letter of intent is ready, the next step is getting it to the right place. Each state has its own rules, so it’s important to check where yours should go.

• Local school district: In many states, letters are mailed or delivered to the superintendent of your local district.
• State Department of Education: A few states ask families to submit directly to the state level rather than the district.
• Online submissions: Some states allow parents to complete and file letters through online portals for convenience.
• Keep proof of submission: Whether you send it by mail, email, or online, always keep a copy or receipt for your records.

Having confirmation in hand gives you peace of mind and makes it easier if questions come up later.

Mistakes to avoid when submitting your letter of intent to homeschool

Filing a letter of intent is usually simple, but there are a few common pitfalls families run into. Knowing these ahead of time can save stress.

• Missing deadlines: Each state sets its own timelines, and missing them can cause your child to be marked truant. Some states want letters by a fixed date each year, while others expect them within a certain number of days of when homeschooling begins. Mark the deadline on your calendar as soon as you confirm it.
• Forgetting additional requirements: Some states expect more than just a letter. They may also require separate paperwork, like curriculum plans. Double-check your state’s expectations so nothing gets left out.
• Avoiding oversharing: At the same time, don’t add more than is necessary. If your state only asks for a short statement and basic details, keep it simple. Extra explanations can complicate things or lock you into plans you may want to adjust later.
• Skipping state forms: Some states provide their own form or template instead of requiring a written letter. Not using the official format can slow down approval or create unnecessary back-and-forth with the district or state Department of Education. Always check first to see if a form is available.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll keep the filing process simple and stress-free, leaving more time to focus on your child’s learning.

Letter of intent to homeschool: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Parents often have questions about the letter of intent process, especially when homeschooling for the first time. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Where do I send my letter of intent to homeschool?

Most states require you to send your letter to your local school district superintendent or the district office where you live. Some states direct letters to the state Department of Education instead, so checking your state's specific requirements is important before mailing anything. Contact your local school district office if you're unsure about the correct address or recipient.

What happens after I submit my letter of intent?

You'll typically receive a confirmation letter or email acknowledging your submission within a few weeks. Many states require additional documentation throughout the year, such as attendance records, progress reports, or curriculum updates. Keep copies of all correspondence and mark important deadlines on your calendar to stay compliant with your state's ongoing requirements.

Can I withdraw my child from school before submitting the letter?

In most states, you should submit your letter of intent first and then formally withdraw your child from their current school to avoid any truancy concerns. Contact both your school district and your child's current school to understand the proper sequence for your area.

Do I need to submit a new letter every year?

It depends on your state. Many states require families to file annually, while others only ask once at the beginning. A few states don’t require any letter at all. Confirm what your state expects so you don’t miss important deadlines.

What if my family moves to a new district or state?

You'll need to notify your current district about your move and research the homeschooling requirements in your new location. Submit any required paperwork to your new district promptly and connect with local homeschooling groups who can guide you through the transition process.

Bringing your homeschool plans together

With the right preparation, submitting a letter of intent to homeschool becomes a quick process that protects your family’s choice and provides a clear starting point. Once it’s behind you, you can focus on what really matters: building a homeschool program that reflects your child’s strengths and interests.

If you’d like extra support along the way, Outschool can help. From small-group classes to one-on-one tutoring and thousands of subject options, Outschool makes it easy to personalize your child’s learning. Having reliable resources at your fingertips allows you to approach homeschooling with confidence and creativity.

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