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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Indiana requires to start

   Registration is not required. The Indiana Department of Education offers an optional one-time enrollment report for homeschools, and there is no approval. A high school student's withdrawal does need a signed state form (see withdrawing).

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   Parents must inform the school of the withdrawal; the state sets no method, and the department says writing is recommended. For elementary and middle school students the school cannot require a form, while for a high school student the parent signs the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form (IC 20-33-2-28.6), or the student can be counted a dropout. No exit meeting or waiting period appears in the sources we read.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No filing deadline appears in the sources we read, and withdrawal can occur mid-year, with days at the prior school counting toward the 180 days of instruction. Failing to inform the school could lead to a truancy report, and there is no yearly renewal of the optional enrollment report.

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

   The department help sheet says a parent is entitled to a copy of the public school records under state law and FERPA. 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 department FAQ says a child with an IEP may still be homeschooled and some services may remain available through the school. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends the services after the district gives prior written notice.

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 Indiana: 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 IC 20-33-2.

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 Indiana

Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Information (1-317-232-6610), 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