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Key Takeaways:
- Notice of intent must be filed within the first two weeks of your school year with your local superintendent
- No official form required — a simple letter with required information works
- Keep a copy for your records; most superintendents acknowledge receipt
- This is your primary legal obligation; don’t skip or delay it
What Is a Notice of Intent?
Your notice of intent is a formal letter informing your local school district superintendent that you are establishing a homeschool. It’s the legal notification that your child is being educated as a private school student rather than a public school student.
This is required by KRS 159.040 and is your primary ongoing legal obligation. You file it once per year, within the first two weeks of your school year (any school year start date you choose).
Required Information in Your Notice
Your notice must include:
- Child’s full name
- Child’s date of birth
- Child’s grade level (or previous grade if new to homeschool)
- Your homeschool’s name (a “bona fide school” name)
- Your name and address (parent/guardian contact info)
- Date of the letter
- Superintendent’s mailing address
That’s it. No additional forms, documentation, or signatures required (though you should sign your letter for clarity).
Template: Notice of Intent Letter
Copy and customize this template with your information:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
[Your School Year Start Date]
[Superintendent Name] [School District Name] [Superintendent Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Superintendent Name]:
I am writing to notify you of my intent to homeschool my child beginning [school year start date, e.g., “August 26, 2026”] under the private school exemption provided by Kentucky Revised Statute 159.030.
Student Information:
- Name: [Child’s full name]
- Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
- Current/Previous Grade Level: [Grade]
Homeschool Information:
- Homeschool Name: [Your chosen school name, e.g., “Smith Family Academy”]
I will maintain records of daily attendance and scholarly progress and ensure instruction totals 170 instructional days and 1,062 instructional hours per school year, as required by Kentucky law. Instruction will include reading, writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics, science, history, and civics.
Please confirm receipt of this notice.
Sincerely,
[Your signature] [Your printed name]
Customizing the Template
Choosing Your Homeschool Name
Select a name reflecting your educational approach:
Classic approach: “[Family Name] Academy” or “[Family Name] Homeschool”
- Smith Academy
- Johnson Family Homeschool
Descriptive approach: Names describing your philosophy
- Evergreen Classical Academy
- Lighthouse Learning Center
- Mountain View Academy
Faith-based approach: (if applicable)
- Blessed Hope Academy
- Kingdom Builders Homeschool
The name doesn’t need approval; it’s simply your school’s identifier.
Multiple Children
If homeschooling more than one child, include all in one notice or create separate notices — check with your superintendent’s preference. Most prefer consolidated notification:
Student Information:
- Name: [Child 1 full name], Date of Birth: [DOB], Grade: [Grade]
- Name: [Child 2 full name], Date of Birth: [DOB], Grade: [Grade]
Returning Homeschooler
If you homeschooled previously but are resuming (after a gap year or prior break), your notice is the same. Simply file again at the beginning of your new school year.
How to File Your Notice of Intent
Step 1: Get Your Superintendent’s Contact Information
Search “[Your County] Kentucky Schools Superintendent” or “[Your City] Schools Superintendent.” You need:
- Full name of superintendent
- Mailing address
- Email address (if available)
- Phone number (optional but helpful)
Most superintendents’ contact information is on the school district website.
Step 2: Decide Filing Method
Email (Recommended — Fastest)
- Fastest delivery
- You receive confirmation
- Creates email trail of receipt
- Most superintendents accept email
Certified Mail
- Provides proof of delivery
- Takes 3-5 business days
- Costs $7-10 per letter
- Good option if you prefer paper trail
Regular Mail
- Simplest but no proof of delivery
- Takes 5-7 business days
- No confirmation unless superintendent replies
- Acceptable but riskier
In-Person Delivery
- Immediate delivery
- Best proof of compliance
- Superintendent offices typically open 8am-4pm weekdays
- Ask for receipt or confirmation
Step 3: Send Your Notice
Send your letter by your chosen method within the first two weeks of your school year.
Step 4: Keep Records
File a copy for yourself. If you emailed, save the email confirmation. If mailed, keep the mailing receipt. You may need to reference this later.
Step 5: Follow Up if Needed
Most superintendents acknowledge receipt within 1-2 weeks. If you don’t hear back:
- Email a follow-up: “I sent my notice of intent on [date]. Can you confirm receipt?”
- Call the superintendent’s office
- Check that you sent to the correct address
It’s rare for superintendents to deny receipt; usually it’s just a matter of confirmation.
What Happens After You File
Your superintendent will:
- Review your notice to ensure it contains required information
- File it in their records
- Acknowledge receipt (in most cases)
They will NOT:
- Review your curriculum
- Evaluate your school
- Request additional documentation
- Conduct home visits
- Monitor your instruction
Filing notice of intent is notification, not approval. You don’t need permission; you’re informing.
Annual Filing
You file a notice of intent every school year. It’s an annual notification, not a one-time filing. Many families set a calendar reminder for the first week of their school year to file notice for the upcoming year.
Special Situations
Mid-Year Start
If you begin homeschool in January or later, file your notice of intent within two weeks of your start date (not the standard September start).
Moving to a New County
If you relocate to a different school district during the school year, notify your new superintendent within two weeks of moving. You don’t need a new notice for the same school year; a simple informational email is sufficient. The formal notice applies to the beginning of each school year.
Changing Homeschool Names
If you rename your school, include the new name in your next annual notice of intent. You don’t need to file an amended notice for a mid-year change.
Common Questions
Q: Does my superintendent need to approve my notice? No. You’re notifying them, not requesting approval. Approval is not part of Kentucky law.
Q: What if I don’t file? Filing within two weeks is your legal requirement. Non-filing could be treated as compulsory attendance violation. Always file on time.
Q: Do I need a specific form? No. A letter with the required information is sufficient. Kentucky law does not prescribe a form; the letter you draft works.
Q: What if I miss the two-week deadline? Contact your superintendent immediately and explain. Most districts work with families who file shortly after the deadline, but timely filing is the safer legal position.
Q: Can I file electronically? Yes, if the superintendent accepts email. Call or check their website to confirm their preferred filing method.
Summary
Your notice of intent is simple: a letter to your superintendent with basic information about you, your child, and your homeschool, filed within the first two weeks of your school year. It’s notification of legal status, not approval or permission.
Use the template above, customize it with your details, send it via email or certified mail, keep a copy, and you’ve satisfied Kentucky’s primary legal requirement.
Next step: to understand the full scope of what’s required after you file.