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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Pennsylvania requires to start

   Notice with required attachments, but district approval is not required. The supervisor (parent) submits a notarized affidavit, or an unsworn declaration, to the superintendent of the district of residence with an outline of objectives, immunization and health-service evidence, and a criminal-history certification. PDE says the program is not official until this is submitted.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   PDE treats a move from public school to homeschooling as a change in status that is made by submitting the affidavit and attachments before the program begins. The PDE guide (revised May 2026) does not describe a separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The first affidavit is submitted any time before the home education program begins; later affidavits are due by August 1 each year. A written evaluation is due to the superintendent by June 30, and districts may have their own local policies, so check the district.

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

   PDE says districts keep a base record for homeschooled students, including affidavit and evaluation dates and immunization and health 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

   For a child identified as needing special education, the affidavit must include written approval from a certified special education teacher or a licensed or certified psychologist, per the PDE guide. PDE says that if a parent revokes consent to special education services in writing, that approval is not needed and the district will not provide those services. 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 Pennsylvania: the items Pennsylvania 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 schools 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 24 P.S. 13-1327.1, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Pennsylvania asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Name of the supervisor of the home education program [fill in]
- Student's name and age [fill in]
- Address and phone number of the program site [fill in]
- Statement the required subjects will be taught in English [fill in]
- Outline of education objectives by subject area [fill in]
- Evidence of immunization (or exemption) [fill in]
- Evidence of required health and medical services [fill in]
- Assurance the program will comply with the law [fill in]
- Certification of no listed criminal convictions in recent years [fill in]
- Statement the supervisor has a high school diploma or equivalent [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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Services Office, 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