Ohio Homeschool Withdrawal Letter: How to Leave Public School

Withdrawing from public school is straightforward. You notify the school in writing, request records, and file your homeschool notice of intent with the superintendent. This guide walks you through both steps.

Key Takeaways

• Formal withdrawal from school doesn’t prevent homeschool exemption
• File withdrawal with your school; file notice of intent with superintendent (different offices)
• Get all records: transcripts, cumulative file, test scores, IEP (if applicable)
• You can file both on the same day
• Withdrawal is effective when notice of intent is filed
• Keep copies of everything for your records

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Step 1: Withdraw from Public School

Who to notify: The school your child currently attends (principal’s office)

How: In writing, using a formal letter

When: Late August, or whenever you plan to start homeschool

Effect: Removes your child from enrollment; updates district records

Sample Withdrawal Letter

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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]

[Date]

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

Dear [Principal Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of [Student Name]’s withdrawal from [School Name] effective [Date—usually August 31 or first day of homeschool].

Effective immediately, I am withdrawing [Student Name], currently enrolled in [Grade], from enrollment.

Please provide the following records:

• Academic transcript and grades
• Cumulative file/student record
• Standardized test scores (if any)
• [If applicable: IEP, 504 Plan, or other special education documents]
• Proof of immunization record
• Any other official school records

I will arrange pickup of records at your earliest convenience or request mailing to the address below.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

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Step 2: File Notice of Intent with Superintendent

Who to notify: School district superintendent (different from school principal)

When: By August 30, or within 5 days of starting

How: Email, postal mail, or hand delivery to superintendent’s office

Effect: Your homeschool exemption becomes effective immediately

See Ohio Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide for complete instructions and template.

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What to Request from the School

When withdrawing, ask for all of these records:

Academic Records:

• Transcript (grades and courses taken)
• Current grades for the year
• Report cards from previous years
• Standardized test scores (OAKS, other assessments)

Student Information:

• Cumulative file (attendance, discipline, health records)
• Proof of immunization
• Emergency contact forms
• Free/reduced lunch eligibility (if applicable)

Special Education (If Applicable):

• IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and all IEP meeting notes
• 504 Plan (if applicable)
• Evaluation reports
• Psychological or psychoeducational testing reports
• Speech/language evaluation (if applicable)
• All accommodation records

Why: You need these to:

• Create a homeschool transcript for high school
• Document special needs for Jon Peterson Scholarship (if eligible)
• Establish baseline for your child’s learning
• Understand what your child has already covered

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Timeline: When to File

Ideal: File both withdrawal and notice of intent in late August, before school starts

Flexible: You can file mid-year if you’re starting homeschool after school has begun

If unsure: Call both the school and superintendent’s office to ask about deadlines

Example timeline:

• August 15: Call school for withdrawal form
• August 20: Submit withdrawal letter
• August 25: Request records pickup/mailing
• August 28: File notice of intent with superintendent
• August 31 or September 1: Start homeschooling

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Getting Records

Pickup: Most schools will have records ready within 3–5 business days. Visit the main office to collect.

Mailing: If you prefer mailing, include your address in the withdrawal letter and ask for records to be mailed.

Transcripts: Schools can provide unofficial transcripts immediately; official transcripts may take a few days.

Immunization records: Often provided separately; ask specifically.

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Both Forms: Same Day OK

You can file the school withdrawal and the superintendent notice of intent on the same day.

Timeline:

• Morning: Submit withdrawal letter to school
• Afternoon: File notice of intent with superintendent

Effect: Your exemption is effective when the superintendent receives notice. Withdrawal to school is documentation.

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Special Situations

IEP Students

When withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1. Request copy of current IEP — you’ll need this to access Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (if eligible)
2. Request all evaluation reports — understanding your child’s diagnosis helps you plan support
3. Determine services needed — will you seek services through ESC or apply for scholarship?
4. File notice of intent as usual — the IEP doesn’t prevent homeschooling

See Special Needs & IEP Services for services available to homeschoolers.

Mid-Year Withdrawal

If you’re withdrawing mid-year:

1. Contact school immediately to discuss process
2. Request records available to date
3. File notice of intent within 5 days of starting homeschool
4. Get mid-year grades/transcripts

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Withdrawal Checklist

• [ ] Call school office to confirm withdrawal process
• [ ] Write formal withdrawal letter (use template above)
• [ ] Deliver or mail withdrawal letter to principal’s office
• [ ] Get written confirmation of withdrawal
• [ ] Receive all requested records
• [ ] Review records and file records safely
• [ ] File notice of intent with superintendent (same time or shortly after)
• [ ] Get confirmation from superintendent that notice was received
• [ ] Keep copies of all documents

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After Withdrawal

You’ll have:

• Copies of academic records and transcripts
• Special education documents (if applicable)
• Immunization records
• Proof of withdrawal from district records

You’ll need to:

• Create a homeschool transcript for high school (you’ll use the records you received)
• Keep records organized for future college applications
• File notice of intent to activate homeschool exemption

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Common Questions

Do I need permission to withdraw? No. Parents have the right to withdraw at any time. No approval needed.

Can the school prevent withdrawal? No. You have legal authority to withdraw your child.

What if I want to return to public school later? You can re-enroll anytime. Just stop homeschooling and enroll at the school.

Do I need a reason to withdraw? No. You don’t need to explain why.

What if my child has an IEP? The school must provide all IEP documents. The IEP doesn’t follow you to homeschool, but you can request services through ESC or apply for Jon Peterson Scholarship if eligible.

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Next Steps

1. Call your school and ask about their withdrawal process
2. Customize the withdrawal letter template above
3. Submit in person or mail to principal’s office
4. Collect records
5. File notice of intent with superintendent
6. Begin homeschooling

For complete process overview, see How to Start Homeschooling in Ohio: Step-by-Step Beginner Guide.