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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Mississippi requires to start

   A parent files a certificate of enrollment with the school attendance officer where the child lives; the state does not approve it. The Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement says district staff cannot complete the form for the parent, and the certificate now also lists the public school district of residence.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The certificate of enrollment is the required filing, and the Department states that a district told a parent is seeking home school must notify the state attendance office. A separate withdrawal letter, exit meeting, or mid-year start rule is not found in primary sources, so informing the school in writing is a courtesy.

   Less certain: the sources on this were thin or in conflict. Confirm with the state office before relying on it.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   Under SB 2103 (2026, effective July 1, 2026) and the final Rule 30.7 of 10/19/26, the certificate is due by August 15 each year, which is a change from September 15 before 2026. The Department page also says to wait until the current school year has ended before enrolling a child in home school for the upcoming year.

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

   State-specific school records rules for home school families were not found in primary sources. Under federal FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) a parent has the right to inspect and review the child's education records, and the school must respond within 45 days of a request.

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

   State-specific withdrawal rules for a child with an IEP or 504 plan were not found in primary sources. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) a parent can revoke consent for special education services in writing, after which the school must give prior written notice and may not continue the services.

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 Mississippi: the items Mississippi 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 school attendance officer of the district where I live [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 Miss. Code Ann. 37-13-91 and State Board Rule 30.7, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Mississippi asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name and date of birth [fill in]
- Street address and phone [fill in]
- Parent, guardian or custodian name and mailing address [fill in]
- County and school year [fill in]
- Type of program: home instruction or home instruction online [fill in]
- Simple description of the educational program [fill in]
- Public school district of residence [fill in]
- Parent signature and date [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Certificate of Enrollment (revised 09.17.2026), 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 Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement (home school), 601-359-5743, 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