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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Oregon requires to start

   Oregon requires written notice only, not approval. The parent notifies the Education Service District (ESD) that contains the child's resident school district, and the ESD must acknowledge receipt in writing (ORS 339.035(2); OAR 581-021-0026(4)). The Oregon Department of Education says notice can be sent electronically or by paper mail, and it names no state form.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   Oregon law says that when a child is withdrawn from public school to be taught by a parent, the parent must notify the ESD in writing (ORS 339.035(2)). The statute and rule name no separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period and are silent on telling the school itself. The state says families may move between public school and homeschooling without restriction, and it is common courtesy to tell the school in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   Notice is due within 10 days of withdrawing the child from school, or within 10 days of the start of the school year if homeschooling begins then (OAR 581-021-0026(4), amended in 2024). The 10-day figure is in the administrative rule, not in ORS 339.035 itself. Notice is also due within 10 days after moving to a new ESD, and the ESD must acknowledge in writing within 90 days.

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

   Not found in primary sources: the Oregon homeschool pages and rules do not address the family's right to school records on withdrawal. Federal 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

   Oregon rule OAR 581-021-0029 says the ESD tells the child's school district about a homeschooled child with a disability, and the district writes the parent each year that it stands ready to provide a free appropriate public education. The Oregon Department of Education FAQ says the IEP remains valid and districts must identify these children but need not provide services; a privately developed plan is also an option under ORS 339.035(5). Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, after which the district gives prior written notice and stops 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 Oregon: the items Oregon asks to be included are listed in it. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The Education Service District that contains my child's resident school district [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 ORS 339.030(1)(e), I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Oregon asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name, address and birth date [fill in]
- Parent's name and address [fill in]
- Telephone number and email address (both optional) [fill in]
- Name of school the child now attends or last attended [fill in]
- Name of resident public school district, if never enrolled [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 Oregon

Oregon Department of Education, Homeschooling information for families, 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