Arkansas Homeschool Withdrawal Letter: How to Leave Public School

When you’re ready to transition from public school to homeschool, you’ll need to formally withdraw your child from their current school. Here’s how to do it clearly and professionally.

Key Takeaways

• Withdrawal letter should go directly to your child’s school principal, not the district office
• Provide notice as early as possible (ideally 2 weeks before withdrawal)
• State your intention to homeschool clearly
• Keep copies for your records
• File your Notice of Intent with the district after or simultaneously with withdrawal
• Some schools may request your homeschool NOI as verification

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Why Send a Withdrawal Letter?

The withdrawal letter serves several purposes:

• Creates official record — Documents when and why your child left
• Triggers records transfer — Prompts the school to prepare academic records
• Prevents re-enrollment — Formally removes your child from the student information system
• Establishes timeline — Creates dated documentation of the transition
• Professional courtesy — Gives the school time to process the change

While Arkansas law doesn’t explicitly require a withdrawal letter, sending one is best practice and prevents confusion.

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When to Send the Withdrawal Letter

Timing Considerations

If filing by August 15:
– Send withdrawal letter: July–early August
– Allows time for school to process before the new school year
– Student remains enrolled through the end of the previous school year
– New homeschool year begins August 16 or later

If starting mid-year:
– Send withdrawal letter: As soon as you’ve decided to homeschool
– Provide at least 2 weeks’ notice if possible
– File NOI within 14 days of starting
– Calculate the 5-day waiting period from NOI receipt

Summer start:
– Send withdrawal letter: End of school year (May/June)
– File NOI by August 15
– Begin homeschooling in August

Example Timeline

Date	Action
July 1	Decide to homeschool starting Aug 16
July 5	Send withdrawal letter to school principal
July 10	Request records from school
Aug 1	Receive academic records
Aug 10	File NOI with district
Aug 16	Begin homeschooling

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Sample Withdrawal Letter Template

Use this template, adjusting dates and details as needed:

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[YOUR NAME]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

RE: Formal Notice of Student Withdrawal from [School Name]

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am writing to formally notify you of my child’s withdrawal from [School Name], effective [DATE—typically the last day of school or specific date you’re starting homeschooling].

Student Information:
– Name: [Child’s Full Name]
– Grade: [Current Grade]
– Student ID: [If known]

Reason for Withdrawal:
My family has decided to pursue homeschool education for [Child’s Name] beginning [DATE]. We believe this educational approach is best suited to meet my child’s learning needs and family circumstances.

Records Request:
Please prepare my child’s academic records, including:
– Current transcript
– Attendance records
– Standardized test scores (if applicable)
– Copies of report cards and grades
– IEP documentation (if applicable)
– Any other pertinent educational records

Please send these records to:
[Your Mailing Address]
or
[Your Email Address]

Point of Contact:
Please direct any questions to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for [Child’s Name]’s time at [School Name]. We appreciate the education and experiences provided.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

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Customizing the Letter

For Elementary Students

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am writing to formally notify you of my child's withdrawal from
[School Name] effective [DATE]. My family has decided to homeschool
[Child's Name] beginning [DATE].

Please prepare [Child's Name]'s academic records and send them to
[Your Address]. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for your service to our family.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For Mid-Year Withdrawals

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am writing to notify you that my child will be withdrawing from
[School Name] effective [DATE], to begin homeschool instruction.

Please prepare [Child's Name]'s records for transfer and contact me
at [Phone Number] regarding the process.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

If Student Has Special Education Services

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am notifying you of [Child's Name]'s withdrawal from [School Name]
effective [DATE] to begin homeschool education.

Please arrange for:
1. Transfer of IEP documentation to my custody
2. A transition meeting if appropriate
3. All academic and special education records

I understand my child will no longer receive special education services
through the school district but may access services through alternative
providers. Please contact me at [Phone Number].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Where to Send the Letter

Primary Recipient: Your child’s school principal or school secretary

Finding the Right Address:
1. Check the school website for the principal’s address
2. Call the school’s main office: “What’s the best way to submit a student withdrawal letter?”
3. Ask if email is acceptable (usually preferred)

Delivery Methods:

Option A: Email (Fastest)
– Email to principal: [principal’s email]
– Subject: “Student Withdrawal Notice: [Child’s Name]”
– CC the school secretary
– Keep the email confirmation

Option B: Hand Delivery
– Drop off at the school office
– Request a dated receipt
– Ask secretary to confirm receipt with principal

Option C: Certified Mail
– Mail with return receipt requested ($10–$15)
– Provides proof of delivery
– Allow 1–2 weeks for receipt

Keep Documentation

• Copy of the letter you sent
• Date sent and method (email, mail, hand delivery)
• Confirmation of receipt (if available)
• Email confirmation or certified mail receipt

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What to Request in Records

When asking for academic records, request:

Essential Records
– Report cards and grades (all years)
– Current transcript
– Attendance records
– Test scores (standardized, grade-level, benchmark assessments)

Additional Records (if applicable)
– IEP documentation (if receiving special education)
– 504 Plan (if applicable)
– Behavior incident reports (if relevant)
– Teacher recommendations or evaluations
– Copies of work samples or portfolios

For Transfer/New Enrollment
– Immunization records
– Health forms
– Birth certificate copy (if they have it on file)

Most schools will provide these within 5–10 business days of request.

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After Sending the Withdrawal Letter

School Processing

• School removes student from system (1–2 weeks typically)
• Records are prepared and sent to you
• No further enrollment billing occurs
• Student’s locker and materials are returned

Your Follow-Up Actions

• File Notice of Intent with district (if not already done)
• Confirm receipt of academic records
• Store records in your homeschool folder
• Create a cumulative transcript if needed for high school

Addressing Questions from the School

If the school asks why you’re homeschooling:
– You don’t need to explain or justify
– Simple response: “Our family feels homeschooling is the best fit for our circumstances.”

If the school asks to see your homeschool plan:
– Reference Arkansas Code § 6-15-503
– “Our notice of intent with the district fulfills state requirements.”
– You’re not obligated to share curriculum or educational plans

If the school requests proof of homeschool enrollment:
– You can provide a copy of your NOI filing confirmation
– This is optional—the school doesn’t have authority to verify

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Important Note on Special Education

If your child currently receives special education services (IEP):

• Withdrawing from public school ends district-provided special education services
• You can still access services through alternative providers (private therapists, tutors, etc.)
• Confirm you receive complete IEP documentation before withdrawal
• You may want a transition meeting with special education staff
• The district’s Child Find obligation continues for homeschooled children

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What NOT to Include in Your Letter

Don’t:
– Criticize the school or teachers
– Provide detailed curriculum plans
– Explain teaching credentials or qualifications
– Describe educational philosophy at length
– List grievances or complaints

Keep it: Brief, professional, factual

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Sample Email Version (Faster)

Subject: Student Withdrawal Notice — [Child's Name]

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am writing to formally withdraw my child, [Child's Full Name],
from [School Name], effective [DATE].

My family has decided to pursue homeschool education beginning
[DATE]. Please prepare [Child's Name]'s academic records for
transfer.

I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] if you
have questions.

Thank you.

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]

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Timeline Checklist

• [ ] Decide on homeschool start date
• [ ] Write withdrawal letter (customize template)
• [ ] Send letter to school principal (email or mail)
• [ ] Request academic records
• [ ] Receive records from school (follow up if delayed)
• [ ] File Notice of Intent with district
• [ ] Organize records in your homeschool folder
• [ ] Begin homeschooling on planned date

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Bottom Line

The withdrawal letter is a simple, professional way to formalize your transition from public school to homeschool. Keep it brief, provide adequate notice, and request your child’s records.

After the letter is sent and the NOI is filed, you’re fully compliant with Arkansas homeschool law.

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Last updated March 2026. For questions about withdrawal procedures, contact your school’s main office or your district superintendent.