New Mexico Homeschool Withdrawal Letter: How to Leave Public School

When you decide to homeschool, your first step is withdrawing your child from their current public (or private) school. This is simpler than many parents think—usually just a letter to the principal or enrollment office stating your intent.

This guide explains the process and includes a template you can use.

Key Takeaways

• Send a simple, professional withdrawal letter to school principal/enrollment office
• Request copies of records (grades, attendance, IEP if applicable)
• Provide at least 5–10 days notice before withdrawal date
• Keep a copy for your records
• Then file your notice of intent to homeschool with NMPED

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When to Withdraw

Timing

You can withdraw at any point during the school year, but common timing is:

• Summer (June–July): Before the new school year starts
• Winter break: Start fresh in January
• End of semester: Clean transition point
• Immediately: If you need to switch quickly

Pro tip: If withdrawing mid-year, do so at a natural break (end of grading period) to simplify records.

Notice Period

Schools typically ask for 5–10 days notice. Some require enrollment through a specific date. Check your student handbook or call enrollment office to confirm requirements.

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How to Withdraw: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Withdrawal Letter

Use the template below (or adapt to your circumstances). Key elements:

• Date of letter
• Student name and ID number (if available)
• Current grade level
• Effective withdrawal date
• Reason: “to pursue homeschool education”
• Your signature
• Your contact information

Step 2: Request Student Records

Include in your letter:

• “Please provide a copy of [student name]’s academic records, including transcript, report cards, and attendance history.”
• If applicable: “Please also provide a copy of the IEP [if your child has special education services].”
• Request: “Cumulative file” or “permanent record” (contains all official information)

Step 3: Submit the Letter

Options:

• Email to enrollment office or principal
• Hand-deliver to main office
• Certified mail (creates proof of sending)

Who to address:

• Elementary: Principal or Enrollment Secretary
• Middle/High School: Enrollment office or Assistant Principal

Step 4: Confirm Receipt

If submitting by email, ask for confirmation that they received it.

If submitting in person, ask them to stamp/date the letter before leaving.

Step 5: Request Records Within 30 Days

Schools must provide records within 30 days. If they’re slow:

• Call enrollment office to check status
• Submit written request if needed
• Be persistent but professional

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Sample Withdrawal Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email]

[Date]

[School Principal/Enrollment Office]

[School Name]

[School Address]

[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Principal Name/Enrollment Office]:

I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to withdraw my child, [Student Full Name], Student ID [if available], from [School Name], effective [Withdrawal Date: e.g., June 15, 2026].

[Student Name] is currently in [Grade Level] and will be pursuing full-time homeschool education beginning [Start Date, typically same or near withdrawal date].

Please provide the following records:

• Official transcript and report cards
• Attendance records
• Cumulative/permanent file

[If applicable: – Copy of Individualized Education Program (IEP) and all related special education documentation]

Please mail or email these records to the address/email above, or let me know how I can pick them up.

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

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

[Your Relationship to Student: Parent/Guardian]

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Special Considerations

Students with IEPs (Special Education)

If your child receives special education services (speech, OT, resource, self-contained class):

Before withdrawing:

1. Request a copy of the current IEP
2. Get evaluation reports and assessments
3. Ask for a summary of accommodations and services provided

After withdrawing:

• You maintain the IEP records for your reference
• New Mexico may offer special education services to homeschoolers under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), but it’s not automatic
• Contact NMPED’s Special Education Bureau to learn about available services
• You may need to pursue independent evaluations or private services

Key point: Don’t lose access to documented evaluations and IEP records—request them before leaving.

504 Plans (Accommodation Plans)

If your child has a 504 Plan (for ADHD, anxiety, health conditions, etc.):

• Request a copy before withdrawing
• These accommodations don’t transfer to homeschool (you decide how to accommodate)
• But having the documentation helps if you pursue later diagnosis or accommodations

Attendance Concerns

If your child has chronic absenteeism, the school may flag concerns:

• Address attendance issues proactively in the withdrawal letter if relevant
• Frame it positively: “We’re transitioning to a learning environment that better suits [child’s] needs”
• Don’t blame the school; keep it professional

Outstanding Fees or Materials

Check if your child owes:

• Library books
• Technology (Chromebook, laptop)
• Athletic uniforms
• Fees

Return or pay these before withdrawing to avoid complications.

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After Withdrawal

Within 30 Days: File Notice of Intent to Homeschool

Once you’ve withdrawn, file your notice of intent with NMPED within 30 days. New mexico notice of intent to homeschool

Organize Records

Create a file containing:

• School transcript(s)
• Report cards
• IEP/504 documents (if applicable)
• Withdrawal letter (copy you kept)
• NMPED confirmation of homeschool enrollment

This becomes part of your homeschool records.

Address Eligibility Check

Some homeschoolers wait until:

• End of school day on withdrawal date
• Student “officially” leaves the school

Verify with enrollment office when your child is considered withdrawn for attendance purposes.

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Common Questions

Do I Need Permission from the School?

No. You are notifying them, not asking permission. They must release your child from enrollment.

Can the School Refuse to Withdraw My Child?

No. Parents have the right to withdraw. The school cannot refuse or delay unreasonably.

Do I Have to Give a Reason?

No, but it’s professional to state that you’re pursuing homeschooling. Some parents simply say “withdrawing for personal reasons.”

What If School is Uncooperative?

• Keep communication professional and documented
• Request records in writing (creates a paper trail)
• File a formal records request if they’re unresponsive
• Contact the district superintendent’s office if the school is uncooperative
• Most schools cooperate; this is rare

What If My Child is a High School Student?

• Same process applies
• Request full transcript and progress toward graduation
• Ask about credits earned and transcript format
• Verify you understand credit requirements for state graduation
• You’ll create your own transcript going forward

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Key Takeaway

Withdrawing from public school is straightforward: a professional letter, request for records, and keeping copies. Within 30 days, file your notice of intent with NMPED. Then you’re free to begin homeschooling.

Ready to start? How to start homeschooling in new mexico guides you through the full setup process.