How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Georgia

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Georgia requires to start

   A parent files a Declaration of Intent (DOI) with the Georgia Department of Education, and the DOI is the only document submitted. It is notice only, with no approval, and can be filed online, by fax, by mail or by email. Fields include student names and ages, local school system, school year dates, parent name, address, email, phone, signature and date.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   SBOE Rule 160-5-1-.28 says the parent withdraws the child under the local school system's policy, and a DOI signed by the parent is the proof of a home study transfer. If the school does not receive proof, it may withdraw the student after 10 consecutive unexcused absences and may refer the matter to DFCS. The state page says the system needs proof within 45 days.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The DOI is due within 30 days of starting the home school, and then by September 1 each year. The local system needs proof of home school enrollment within 45 days of withdrawal, which the DOI satisfies.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   No Georgia-specific records rule was verified in the sources we read. FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   The DOI has an optional box to mark special education status. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, and revocation ends those services. No Georgia-specific form was found.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Georgia: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.

I am filing a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education.

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Georgia

Georgia Department of Education, Home School ([email protected], fax 770-344-4623), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions