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Pennsylvania Homeschool Withdrawal Letter: How to Leave Public School
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, you must formally withdraw before beginning homeschooling. This guide provides sample language, filing instructions, and what to expect.
Key Takeaways:
– Submit withdrawal letter to school principal (not superintendent)
– File homeschool affidavit with superintendent simultaneously
– Request official school records (transcript, test scores, health records)
– Allow 10-15 days for processing
– Withdrawal effective date determines when homeschooling can legally begin
Why You Need a Withdrawal Letter
When your child is enrolled in public school, you must formally notify the school of withdrawal. This:
– Removes your child from the state’s enrollment records
– Stops school attendance requirements
– Allows you to legally begin homeschooling
– Initiates release of school records
Important: Withdrawal from public school and filing homeschool affidavit should happen simultaneously.
Who to Notify
Principal (Not Superintendent)
Send your withdrawal letter to the school principal (the school your child attends).
Why not the superintendent? The superintendent oversees the district; the principal manages your child’s individual school enrollment.
Simultaneous Filing
File your homeschool affidavit/unsworn declaration with the superintendent at the same time. This ensures seamless transition: child withdraws from public school while being enrolled in homeschool program.
Sample Withdrawal Letter Template
Letter 1: Formal Notification
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[School Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State ZIP]
RE: Formal Withdrawal of [Child’s Full Name] from [School Name]
Dear [Principal Name]:
I am writing to formally notify you of my intent to withdraw my child, [Child’s Full Name], Grade [X], from [School Name], effective [date: typically 10 business days from submission].
My child will be enrolled in a Home Education Program in accordance with Act 169 of 1988 (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1).
Please process this withdrawal and arrange for transfer of all school records, including:
– Transcript/report cards
– Standardized test results and scores
– Health/immunization records
– Any special education records (if applicable)
– Portfolio or achievement documentation
I will arrange pickup of records within [7–14 days] or provide a mailing address if preferred.
Please confirm receipt of this letter and the effective date of withdrawal.
Thank you,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Letter 2: With Request for Specific Records
If your child has special needs or you need specific documentation:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[School Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State ZIP]
RE: Formal Withdrawal and Records Request
Dear [Principal Name]:
I am formally withdrawing my child, [Child’s Full Name], Grade [X], from [School Name], effective [date].
Please transfer the following records:
– Complete transcript (grades [X] through [current date])
– All standardized test results and scores (if any)
– Report cards and progress reports
– Attendance records
– Immunization and health records
– Any IEP (Individualized Education Plan) documentation or special education services
– Teacher recommendations or evaluations
– Behavioral or disciplinary records
My child will be enrolled in a Home Education Program authorized under Pennsylvania Act 169.
I will pick up records by [date] or can arrange for mailing to:
[Alternative address if different from above]
Please confirm this request by [date].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Timing & Process
When to Withdraw
Ideal timeline:
– June/July: Submit withdrawal letter (end of current school year)
– August 1 or earlier: File homeschool affidavit with superintendent
– August: Begin homeschooling
Alternative timing:
– Mid-year withdrawal is permitted (end after current marking period)
– Effective date is typically 10 business days after letter submission
– File homeschool affidavit before or on the same day as withdrawal
Delivery Methods
- Hand-delivery: Most direct; request written confirmation
- Email: Confirm with principal’s office before emailing; ask for read receipt
- Certified mail: Creates official record; recommended for mid-year withdrawals
- Office visit: Deliver in person and request sign-off
Recommendation: Use hand-delivery or email + certified mail combination for documentation.
What Records to Request
Request these documents from the school:
Essential Records
– Transcript or report cards (all grades/marking periods attended)
– Standardized test results and scores
– Immunization records
– Health records (any conditions, medications, etc.)
If Applicable
– IEP (if receiving special education services)
– 504 Plan (if in place)
– Behavioral/disciplinary records
– Attendance records
– Teacher comments or evaluations
– Aptitude or ability test results
Why they matter:
– Transcript shows grade progression
– Test scores establish baseline for homeschool planning
– Health records prevent re-vaccination or document exemptions
– IEP/504 informs modified homeschool curriculum
– Records support future college admissions or transfers
How to Request
Include in your withdrawal letter (see template above) or contact the school after withdrawal:
– Guidance counselor (handles transcripts)
– Special education coordinator (IEP, 504 documentation)
– School nurse (health and immunization records)
– Principal’s office (general records management)
After Withdrawal: Next Steps
Within 10 Business Days
- School processes withdrawal
- Child is removed from attendance requirements
- Homeschooling can legally begin
Request Records Pickup/Delivery
- Most schools prepare records within 2–3 weeks
- Pickup in person (faster) or request mailing
- Ask for unofficial copy for your records and official copies for future transitions
File Homeschool Affidavit
If not already submitted, file with superintendent immediately after withdrawal is effective.
Begin Homeschooling
Once affidavit is filed and school withdrawal is processed, you can legally begin instruction.
Common Withdrawal Issues
School Requests Reason for Withdrawal
Schools may ask why you’re withdrawing. You can:
– State simply: “We are beginning a Home Education Program.”
– No detailed explanation required
– Politely decline if asked for more detail
Mid-Year Withdrawal Complications
If withdrawing mid-year:
– School may ask to complete marking period (optional for you)
– Request partial transcript up to withdrawal date
– Effective date is determined by school policy (usually 10 days notice)
Special Education Concerns
If child receives services (speech, special education, counseling):
– Withdrawal ends special education entitlement
– Request complete IEP documentation before withdrawal
– You may choose to continue services privately or incorporate into homeschool
– School cannot require continuation of services after withdrawal
Attendance Issues
If there are unexcused absences or truancy concerns:
– Withdrawal still permitted (it’s your legal right)
– Provide written withdrawal letter to principal
– File homeschool affidavit to establish legal enrollment
– Document that homeschooling prevents truancy going forward
Deschooling Period
After formal withdrawal, many families take a deschooling period before officially starting homeschool curriculum:
What is deschooling?
– 1–3 month transition period of low-pressure learning
– Child adjusts to home environment (not institutional school)
– Family observes child’s learning style and interests
– Minimal formal instruction; emphasis on reading, play, exploration
Why it helps:
– Reduces school-to-homeschool shock
– Allows child to decompress from traditional school structure
– Gives parents time to set up space, order materials, plan curriculum
– Can prevent behavioral/emotional adjustment issues
Timeline:
– June/July: Withdraw from school
– August–September: Deschooling period (rest, explore, light learning)
– September/October: Formal curriculum begins
Deschooling is optional but recommended if your child has been in traditional school for several years.
Important Notes
Your Legal Right
Withdrawal is your right. Schools cannot:
– Prevent withdrawal
– Require completion of current term
– Demand additional notice (except standard district policy)
– Retain records (they must transfer to you or your request)
Immunization Transfer
Immunization records transfer with school withdrawal. Ensure you have:
– Copy of immunization records for your files
– Medical exemption letter (if applicable)
– To submit with homeschool affidavit
Grade Documentation
Request official grade documentation before withdrawal; it’s harder to obtain after the fact.
Checklist: Withdrawal Process
- [ ] Determine withdrawal date (end of marking period or desired date)
- [ ] Draft withdrawal letter using template above
- [ ] Deliver to principal (hand, email, or certified mail)
- [ ] Request written confirmation of receipt
- [ ] Request records list in withdrawal letter
- [ ] File homeschool affidavit with superintendent (simultaneously or within 1 week)
- [ ] Pickup/receive school records
- [ ] Organize records in your files
- [ ] Begin homeschooling after effective date