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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Ohio requires to start

   Notice only, no approval. The parent sends written notice to the superintendent of the school district of residence with the parent's name and address, the child's name, and an assurance the child will receive education in the required subject areas (ORC 3321.042). The Department's Home Education Notification Form is optional; the same information in any format works.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute lists withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school as one of the events that triggers the notice, and the exemption takes effect when the superintendent receives it. The sources found do not describe a separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period; it is common courtesy to also tell the school office in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   Notice is due within five calendar days after starting home education, moving into a new district, or withdrawing from a school, and then by August 30 each year. The superintendent must acknowledge it in writing within 14 calendar days of receiving it.

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

   FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and review the child's education records (34 CFR 99.10), and the school must respond within a reasonable time, not more than 45 days.

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

   The Department's fact sheet says home educated children are not eligible for IEP services from the district of residence, though they may be eligible for the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship or the Autism Scholarship. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent can 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 Ohio: the items Ohio asks to be included are listed in it. 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 Ohio Rev. Code 3321.042, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Ohio asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Parent's name and address [fill in]
- Child's name [fill in]
- Assurance the child will receive education in the required subject areas [fill in]
- Subjects: English language arts, math, science, history, government, social studies [fill in]

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 Ohio

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Home Education, 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