Withdrawing Your Child from Public School

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school in Texas, you’ll need to formally withdraw them before beginning to homeschool. If your child has never been enrolled in public school, you can skip this step entirely.

The Withdrawal Process

Withdrawing is straightforward. Here’s what to do:

1. Write a Withdrawal Letter

Send a written notice to your child’s school (email is fine) stating that you are withdrawing your child to homeschool. You do not need the school’s permission — this is a notification, not a request.

Your letter should include:

  • Your child’s full name
  • Your child’s grade level
  • The effective date of withdrawal
  • A statement that you will be homeschooling under Texas law (operating as a private school)
  • A statement that your curriculum will be bona fide, in a visual medium, and will cover reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship

The Texas Home School Coalition has an excellent template and guide for writing this letter:

👉 THSC Withdrawal Letter Guide

2. Send It to the Right People

Send your withdrawal letter to:

  • Your child’s school principal
  • The school district’s attendance officer (optional but recommended)

Keep a copy for your records. If you send it via email, save the sent email as proof.

3. What to Expect After

  • The school should process the withdrawal and remove your child from their rolls
  • You may receive a follow-up call or letter — this is normal
  • You do not need to allow a home visit or provide curriculum details
  • If the school pushes back, contact THSC for support — they offer legal guidance for member families

Important Notes

Timing matters for attendance. If your child has been absent and you then decide to homeschool, make sure to withdraw promptly. Unexcused absences can trigger truancy proceedings, but once you’ve properly withdrawn, those concerns go away.

You don’t need to wait for a specific time. You can withdraw at any point during the school year — you don’t have to wait for a semester break or the end of the year.

Records. You can request your child’s academic records from the school. These can be helpful for your own planning, but you’re not required to continue where the school left off.

You’re Ready for the Next Step

Once you’ve sent that withdrawal letter, you’re officially a homeschool family. Take a moment to celebrate — this is a big step, and you’re doing it for your kids. Now let’s talk about something that confuses a lot of new homeschool parents: accreditation.