Indiana Homeschool Withdrawal Letter: How to Leave Public School

If your child is currently enrolled in public school and you’re planning to begin homeschooling, you must formally withdraw them. This guide walks you through the withdrawal process for each school level in Indiana.

Key Takeaways

• Elementary/middle school: Submit written withdrawal letter to principal
• High school: Request and complete withdrawal form (IC 20-33-2-28.6)
• Keep copies of all withdrawal documentation
• School cannot refuse or delay processing withdrawal
• Request copies of student records at time of withdrawal

Before You Withdraw

Before formally withdrawing, prepare:

• Planned homeschool start date
• Student records request list (transcript, test scores, health records, IEP if applicable)
• Any pending grades or assignments (clarify if student should complete current work)
• Extracurricular participation details (sports, clubs, programs the student is in)

Having these items ready when you withdraw makes the transition smoother.

Elementary and Middle School Withdrawal

For students in elementary or middle school, the withdrawal process is straightforward.

Step 1: Write a Withdrawal Letter

Submit a written letter of withdrawal to the school principal. The letter should include:

• Student’s full name
• Current grade level
• Effective date of withdrawal (when homeschooling will begin)
• Brief statement that the student is withdrawing to pursue homeschool education
• Your contact information (for records requests)

Sample Withdrawal Letter

“` [Date]

[School Principal Name] [School Name] [School Address]

Dear [Principal Name]:

I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to withdraw my child from [School Name] effective [Date].

Student Name: [Full Name] Current Grade: [Grade Level] Reason for Withdrawal: Transition to homeschool education

I request that my child’s educational records, including transcript, health records, and any assessment results, be prepared for transfer.

Please contact me at [Your Phone] or [Your Email] with any questions regarding this withdrawal.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Signature] “`

Step 2: Submit the Letter

• Hand deliver to the principal’s office (recommended, so you have proof of submission)
• Mail with signature confirmation or certified mail
• Email (if the school accepts email submissions, request read receipt)

Step 3: Request Records

Simultaneously with your withdrawal letter:

• Request a copy of the student’s transcript
• Request health and immunization records
• Request any standardized test results or assessments
• Request IEP or 504 plan documents (if applicable)
• Request report cards and grades

Many schools have a records request form. Ask the principal’s office if one is required or if you can request records via letter.

Step 4: Keep Copies

Save copies of:

• Your withdrawal letter
• Dated receipt or email confirmation of submission
• All records the school provides
• Any correspondence about the withdrawal

Why keep copies? These documents prove you formally withdrew your child and provide documentation of your child’s academic history before homeschooling.

High School Withdrawal

High school withdrawal is slightly different because Indiana law requires a specific withdrawal form (IC 20-33-2-28.6).

Step 1: Request the Withdrawal Form

Contact the high school registrar and request the high school withdrawal form. You can:

• Call the registrar’s office and ask for the form to be emailed or mailed
• Visit the registrar’s office in person
• Check the school’s website (some post the form online)

The form exists specifically for students leaving high school. It documents the student’s exit from public school enrollment.

Step 2: Complete the Withdrawal Form

The form will ask for:

• Student name and ID number
• Current grade level
• Date of withdrawal (when homeschooling begins)
• Reason for withdrawal (select “homeschool” or “private education”)
• Parent signature

What if the form asks where the student will attend? You can write “Homeschool” in that field. You are not required to provide additional details beyond what the form asks.

What if the form asks for parent credentials or curriculum information? You are not legally required to provide this. Your obligation is limited to completing the required fields on the withdrawal form itself.

Step 3: Submit the Form

• In person: Hand deliver to the registrar’s office
• By mail: Mail with signature confirmation (optional but recommended)
• By email: If the school accepts email, request read receipt

Obtain a dated receipt or written confirmation that the form was received.

Step 4: Request Records and Transcripts

At the time of withdrawal, request:

• Official transcript (for college applications and records)
• Course descriptions (what was covered in each course)
• Health and immunization records
• Any test scores or assessments
• IEP or 504 plan documents (if applicable)
• Report cards and grades

High schools typically provide an official transcript at no cost. If transcripts are needed for college applications, clarify whether you need an official (sealed) copy or unofficial copies for your records.

What Happens After Withdrawal

The School Will…

• Process your withdrawal and remove the student from enrollment
• Provide requested records (usually within 5-10 business days)
• Update internal systems to show the student is no longer enrolled
• Stop providing services (lunch, transportation, etc.)

The School Cannot…

• Refuse to process your withdrawal
• Delay the withdrawal process
• Require you to enroll in another school
• Demand additional information beyond what’s requested in the withdrawal form
• Refuse to provide student records

You Should…

• Keep all withdrawal documentation
• Maintain copies of requested records
• Document any correspondence about the withdrawal
• Begin homeschool enrollment tracking once withdrawal is effective

Special Situations

Student Is Mid-Course

If your student is withdrawing in the middle of a course:

• Check whether the school requires completion of current work
• Clarify what grade will appear on the transcript (incomplete, withdrawal, or final grade)
• Request the transcript showing what was completed before withdrawal

Student Has IEP or 504 Plan

If your student has special education services or accommodations:

• Request the full IEP or 504 plan documentation
• Request a summary of accommodations and services provided
• Understand that when homeschooling, you are not legally bound to follow the IEP structure

However, you may choose to continue implementing helpful strategies identified in the IEP.

Student Is in Advanced Classes or Programs

• Request documentation of advanced placement (AP courses, gifted programs, etc.)
• Request copies of work from advanced courses for portfolio
• Request transcripts clearly showing the level of coursework completed

Multiple Children Attending the Same School

• Withdraw each child separately with individual withdrawal letters or forms
• Request records for each student
• Keep documentation for each child separate

Timeline Considerations

When to withdraw:

• Most families withdraw at the end of a semester or school year (December or May)
• Withdrawal can happen mid-year, though end-of-year is often cleaner
• Some families withdraw on a specific date to align with homeschool start date

Notice period:

• Indiana law does not require advance notice of withdrawal
• You can withdraw effective immediately, even same-day
• However, many schools ask for at least a few days’ notice to prepare records

Effective date of withdrawal:

• Your withdrawal letter should specify when the withdrawal becomes effective
• This is typically immediately or within a few days of submission
• This date determines when your homeschool instruction begins

After Withdrawal: Starting Homeschool

Once withdrawn, you should:

• Begin tracking 180 days of instruction
• Maintain daily attendance records
• Organize student records from the school
• Connect with Indiana homeschool organizations for support

Summary

Withdrawing your child from public school in Indiana is a straightforward process. For elementary/middle school, submit a withdrawal letter to the principal. For high school, complete the withdrawal form (IC 20-33-2-28.6) with the registrar. Keep copies of all documentation. The school cannot refuse to process your withdrawal or delay the transition. Once withdrawn, you begin homeschool tracking and instruction.

This is a clean, clear transition that protects your right to educate your child at home.