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How to withdraw from public school to homeschool in Texas

Texas asks for no notice of intent, so leaving school mostly comes down to a clear withdrawal letter and good records.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Texas. Not legal advice: confirm with the source before you file.

Before your child’s last day at school

  1. 01

    Check that no notice is due

    Texas does not require a notice of intent to homeschool. That makes the withdrawal letter to the school the main piece of paper you send.

  2. 02

    Send the school a withdrawal letter

    Tell the principal in writing that your child is leaving to be homeschooled, and the date. Without it, the school may keep marking your child absent. Hand-deliver it or send it by certified mail, and keep a copy.

    Fill in the letter below
  3. 03

    Ask for records and return school property

    Request a copy of the cumulative file (grades, test scores, any IEP or 504 plan, health records). Return the laptop, textbooks and library books so nothing is held against the records.

Texas school withdrawal letter

Fill in the details and the letter updates on the right. Nothing is uploaded: it stays in this browser.

Children

[Parent name(s)]
[Street address, city, state, ZIP]
[Email · phone]

November 5, 2026

[Principal’s name], Principal
[School name]
[School address]

Re: Withdrawal of [child’s full name] to homeschool

Dear Principal,

Please accept this letter as notice that we are withdrawing the following child from [school name] to be educated at home, in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas:

  - [Child’s full name, grade]

Please remove our child from the attendance roll as of that date.

We also request a copy of the cumulative school records, including grades, test scores, health records and any IEP or 504 plan, sent to the address above.

Thank you for your help with this transition.

Sincerely,


______________________________
[Parent name(s)]

Keep a dated copy and note how it was delivered. Some districts also have their own withdrawal form.

Your first two weeks at home

  • Start light. A child coming out of a classroom often needs a few days to adjust. Reading together, a library trip and a little math are enough at first.
  • Cover what Texas asks for. Reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship, using a written curriculum (online programs count).
  • Set the calendar. Texas sets no minimum days or hours, but a calendar keeps the year on track. Plan the school year.
  • Log attendance from day one. Even where nothing is required, a dated log helps if you move, return to school or apply to college. Open the attendance tracker.
  • Make a simple weekly schedule. Build it here, print it and put it on the fridge.

Questions about withdrawing in Texas

Do I need the school’s permission to withdraw my child to homeschool in Texas?

No. Texas does not ask the school to approve your decision. You tell the school in writing that your child is leaving to be homeschooled.

Can I withdraw my child in the middle of the school year in Texas?

Yes. Families start homeschooling at any point in the year. Send the withdrawal letter and keep your child in school until it is delivered.

Will my child be marked truant after I withdraw?

Not if the paperwork is in place first. Keep your child in school until the withdrawal letter is delivered and any required notice is filed, and keep dated copies of both. Most truancy problems come from simply stopping attendance without telling anyone.

What happens to my child’s IEP or 504 plan?

Once your child is no longer enrolled, the school’s IEP or 504 plan stops applying the way it did. Some districts still offer services to homeschooled students, for example speech therapy or part-time enrollment, so ask the district what is available before you withdraw. Request a copy of the plan for your own records either way.

How long does it take to start homeschooling in Texas?

You can start as soon as the school has your withdrawal letter. Many families take a few days to settle in before starting full lessons.

The full Texas requirements

Days, subjects, testing and records are on the Texas homeschool laws page. This page is not legal advice; read the HSLDA summary for Texas before you file.

Withdrawing in another state