Step Two: Make It Official
Yay, okay. You now know your “why” and have a better feel for your own personal homeschool vibe. Now, its time to open your school and send in your letter of intent.
You’re going to want to check out this website when you’re done reading this- even though it kinda drives me insane. I personally believe they make homeschooling (they being the government) seem intimidating. They use a ton of unnecessary words. They quote the law in every damn post making you feel like its this whole-ass judicial process just to educate your own damn kid. They make it seem like they are breathing down your neck watching you at every moment. (I mean, they are… but, not how you think, haha).
Key Points
you know your why, you have an idea as to which method would fit your lifestyle best, now all you need to do is send a letter/email, open your school, and do the damn thing
it is legal to homeschool in all fifty states
every state has their own “structure” so be sure you read through your state’s and familiarize yourself comfortably
if you need help figuring out which option you should choose or want me to guide you along, message me here
your state may or may not require a letter- you can check the list below
if you need a sample letter, I provided you with one in the next post
I assure you, in my two years of homeschooling, I have yet to turn a damn thing in to anyone. I don’t get letters. I don’t get calls. I simply sent an email to her school when I started getting emails saying she was absent. (Remember, this was during the whole mask thing.)
I basically just said “yeah, I don’t know who needs my letter or what all you guys need from me but consider this my official notice to homeschool <MY CHILD> until further notice.”
They then replied “thank you, we forwarded this on. All you need to do now is “open your homeschool” and send us the name and school ID.” So, I did. Haven’t heard from anyone since. Which, all I have to say is: damn straight.
Anyway, I went to the HSLDA website and made a quick-reference list for you down below. I have every state listed and whether or not you need to file a letter of intent/withdraw letter.
All this means is you have to otify the public school district that you are leaving. Not really that intimidating, I promise. If it says “maybe”, that means you need to click the link and check out why.
If you want to see how I would phrase my letter, today, if I had to send another one…click here. You have my permission to copy and paste the letter, replace the information in bold as needed, and submit it as your own. No need to reach out and let me know you’re doing it. Although, I would love to know that you are officially homeschooling! THAT I give a shit about.
Love you!
Does My State Require A Letter of Intent (aka Withdraw Letter)?
Alabama: yes
Alaska: maybe (yes; if you choose option 4)
Arizona: yes
Arkansas: yes
California: yes
Colorado: yes
Connecticut: no
Delaware: yes
District of Columbia: yes
Florida: maybe (yes; if you choose option 1, but only the first year)
Georgia: yes
Hawaii: yes
Idaho: no
Illinois: no
Indiana: no
Iowa: maybe (yes; if you choose option 3, 4 or 5)
Kansas: yes, first year only
Kentucky: yes
Louisiana: yes
Maine: yes
Maryland: yes
Massachusetts: yes
Michigan: maybe (yes, if you choose option 2)
Minnesota: yes
Mississippi: yes
Missouri: no
Montana: yes
Nebraska: yes
Nevada: yes
New Hampshire: yes
New Jersey: no
New Mexico: yes
New York: yes
North Carolina: yes
North Dakota: yes
Ohio: yes
Oklahoma: no
Oregon: yes
Pennsylvania: yes
Rhode Island: yes
South Dakota: yes
Tennessee: yes
Texas: no
Utah: yes
Vermont: yes
Virginia: yes
Washington: yes
West Virginia: yes
Wisconsin: yes
Wyoming: yes
You’ve got this. Millions of people have homeschooled their kids. Think about it. Where did public schools come from? Why did they originate? Who is Mr. Rockefellar? Where did textbooks come from? I promise, its not that weird that you want to be the sole educator of your child. Love you!
