How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in North Dakota

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what North Dakota requires to start

   Notice, not approval. N.D.C.C. 15.1-23-02 requires a parent to file a statement of intent to supervise home education with the superintendent of the district of residence (or the county superintendent if none) at least five days before beginning, and once each year after. The Department of Public Instruction form is SFN 16909, and its guide says districts cannot deny home education or ask for documentation beyond what the statute lists.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute and the Department's page do not say how to leave a public school; they only describe the statement of intent, and the Department's page tells families to contact their district about withdrawal. The statement must be filed at least five days before home education begins, so instruction starts no sooner than five days after filing, including mid-year.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   At least five days before beginning home education, or within fourteen days of establishing a child's residence in a school district, and once each year thereafter (15.1-23-02). Instruction must total at least four hours a day for at least 175 days a year (15.1-23-04).

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

   15.1-23-05 says the parent keeps an annual record of courses and progress and must furnish it on request if the child transfers to a public district. FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) gives a parent the right to inspect and review the child's education records, and the school must respond within a reasonable time, not more than 45 days after the request.

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

   Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent can revoke consent in writing for special education services; the school must give prior written notice and then stop providing the services, and it is not considered to have denied a free appropriate public education. Under 15.1-23-13, if a multidisciplinary team finds a child disabled and needing special education, the parent may continue home education by filing a services plan with the district superintendent, and failing to file means the parent is in violation of compulsory attendance; 15.1-23-14 sets a separate path for developmental disability.

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 North Dakota: the items North Dakota 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 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 N.D.C.C. ch. 15.1-23, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

North Dakota asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name, address, date of birth and grade level [fill in]
- Parent's name, address and qualifications [fill in]
- Public school courses the child will take and the district [fill in]
- Extracurricular activities and the school offering them [fill in]
- Copy of child's immunization record [fill in]
- Proof of child's identity (per 12-60-26) [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Statement of Intent to Supervise Home Education (SFN 16909), 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 North Dakota

ND Department of Public Instruction, Home Education (701-328-2260), 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