This post contains affiliate links.
If your child is currently in public school, you’ll need to formally withdraw before starting homeschool. A withdrawal letter is a simple, professional document that informs the school of your intent and triggers the transfer of your child’s records.
Key Takeaways:
- Submit a formal withdrawal letter to your school before beginning homeschool
- The 15-day filing deadline to BESE starts from your withdrawal date
- Request all student records: transcripts, standardized test scores, IEP (if applicable)
- Keep copies of everything for your homeschool files
- Withdrawal is irreversible mid-year; plan accordingly
Why a Formal Withdrawal Letter?
You could simply stop sending your child to school, but a formal letter:
- Creates a paper trail (important for compliance)
- Notifies the school officially so it’s not marked as truancy
- Triggers automatic record transfer
- Prevents future confusion if records are requested
- Demonstrates you’re organized and intentional
The school will mark the withdrawal in your child’s file, and you’ll receive official records.
When to Submit
Timing: Submit your withdrawal letter 1-2 weeks before you plan to start homeschool. This gives the school time to process, gather records, and prepare transfer paperwork.
The 15-day window to file with BESE starts from your withdrawal date. So if you withdraw on April 1, you have until April 15 to file your Notice of Intent with BESE.
What Information to Include
Your withdrawal letter should be brief and professional. Include:
- Your child’s full name
- Current grade and teacher (if elementary)
- Effective date of withdrawal
- Reason for withdrawal (e.g., “to pursue homeschool education”)
- Request for student records to be transferred
- Your contact information
Sample Withdrawal Letter
[Date]
[School Principal Name] [School Name] [School Address] [City, State ZIP]
Re: Withdrawal from [School Name]
Dear [Principal Name]:
I am formally requesting the withdrawal of my child, [Student Full Name], from [School Name], effective [Withdrawal Date]. My child is currently enrolled in [Grade] and has [Teacher Name] as their teacher.
We are withdrawing to pursue homeschool education through the Louisiana BESE-Approved Home Study Program. Please prepare all student records for transfer, including:
- Official transcript
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Current report cards
- IEP documentation (if your child has an IEP)
- Attendance records
- Any other relevant educational records
Please send these records to:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Your Phone] [Your Email]
Thank you for your assistance in this transition. Please confirm receipt of this withdrawal request and advise the expected timeframe for record delivery.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
How to Deliver the Letter
In person: Visit the school office and hand the letter directly to the principal or office manager. Ask for a stamped copy as proof of delivery.
By email: Send to the principal and office manager with a read receipt request.
By certified mail: Send to the principal’s office. Request delivery confirmation.
By phone: Call and confirm withdrawal, then follow up with the letter.
Best practice: Do both email and in-person. It’s faster and creates immediate notification.
What Records to Request
Get copies of everything you might need:
Essential:
- Official transcript (all subjects and grades)
- Standardized test scores (LEAP, other assessments)
- Current year progress reports
If applicable:
- IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and all special education documentation
- 504 Plan documents
- Attendance records
- Disciplinary records (if relevant)
- Teacher evaluations or progress notes
College bound:
- Transcript with course titles and credits
- Test scores (standardized tests taken)
- Any AP, dual enrollment, or advanced coursework documentation
Handling Special Education (IEP)
Important: If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), withdrawing from public school means they lose eligibility for free special education services from the public school.
If your child is in the BESE-Approved Home Study program, you’re responsible for providing any special education support. Options:
- Hire a private tutor or special education specialist
- Use specialized online curricula
- Join a homeschool co-op with special needs support
- Apply for Louisiana’s GATOR ESA (which provides higher funding for students with disabilities, though it requires waiving IDEA rights)
See for more on special education and funding options.
Timing and Public School Calendar
Plan your withdrawal strategically:
End of school year (most common): Withdraw in May-June. Summer gives you time to plan curriculum and prepare. You can start homeschool in August/September without mid-year disruption.
Mid-year: Some families withdraw mid-year if they’re struggling. The student loses their public school seat for that year (can’t switch back in that same school year), but you can start homeschool immediately.
Before school year starts: If enrolling in a public school but changing your mind, notify the school before classes start. Much simpler.
After Withdrawal: Next Steps
- File your Notice of Intent with BESE within 15 days of withdrawal
- Set up your homeschool schedule and curriculum during the transition period
- Gather and organize your records in your homeschool file
- Begin instruction by your planned start date
- Maintain attendance and progress records throughout the year
If Your School Resists
In rare cases, schools might push back or delay record transfer. If this happens:
- Follow up by phone and email
- Reference Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 17:236.1) and student record access rights
- Contact your local school district office if the school isn’t cooperating
- Document all communication
Schools are legally required to transfer records within a reasonable timeframe (usually 5-10 days). If you face unusual delays, contact the Louisiana Department of Education.
For Students in Private School
If your child is in a private school, the withdrawal process is similar:
- Provide formal written notice to the school
- Request student records
- Follow your private school’s withdrawal policy (which should be in your enrollment contract)
Returning to Public School Later
Withdrawing from public school doesn’t permanently close that door. You can re-enroll in public school later. However:
- Mid-year public school re-enrollment can be complicated (seat availability)
- You’d need to meet the school’s intake requirements
- Your homeschool transcript would become part of the student record
This is rare, but it’s possible if your family circumstances change.
Summary
A withdrawal letter is your formal handoff from public school to homeschool. Make it professional, request all records, and keep copies for your homeschool file. Once you withdraw, start your 15-day clock to file with BESE.
For the full homeschool startup process, see . For filing your Notice of Intent, see .