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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Maine requires to start

   A parent files a written notice of intent at the same time with the school officials of the administrative unit where the student lives and with the Commissioner of Education (20-A M.R.S. 5001-A(3)(A)(4)). The Department's 2026 requirements page says one portal submission serves both, and a paper notice goes to the superintendent. It is notice only; no approval is required.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The notice of intent starts home instruction, and the Department FAQ says a parent who stops home instruction mid-year should notify the superintendent as a courtesy. Maine sources we read do not describe a separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period; it is common courtesy to tell the school in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The notice is due within 10 calendar days of the beginning of home instruction (5001-A(3)(A)(4)). In later years a letter is due by September 1 with one of five assessment types, and no assessment is required in the first year. Days attended in school before starting count toward the 175 required days, per the FAQ.

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

   The Department FAQ says Maine issues no grades, credits, diplomas or transcripts for home instruction students. Federal FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) gives a parent the right to inspect and review, and to request a copy of, the child's education records.

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

   The Department requirements page says home instruction students are eligible for special education at their resident public school only if the student elects classes there, citing Chapter 101 Section IV.4.H (rule text not read). Under the federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), if a parent revokes consent in writing for continued special education and related services, the school may not keep providing them and must give prior written notice before stopping.

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 Maine: the items Maine asks to be included are listed in it. The state also has an official form, so send that with the letter. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The superintendent of the school administrative unit where my child lives and the Commissioner of Education [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [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]. Under 20-A M.R.S. 5001-A(3)(A)(4), I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Maine asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Parent's name, signature and address [fill in]
- Student's name and age [fill in]
- Date home instruction begins [fill in]
- Assurance of 175 days of instruction annually in listed subjects [fill in]
- Assurance of an annual assessment [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Home Instruction Notice of Intent, with this letter.

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

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 Maine

Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction, 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