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

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Washington requires to start

   Washington requires a signed declaration of intent each year, stating the child's name and age and whether a certificated person supervises (RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a)). It is notice only, filed with the superintendent of the resident district or the accepting district, in the format prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction. OSPI publishes a sample declaration (form A-2, marked sample format only).

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   For ages 8 and older, a separate school withdrawal procedure was not found in primary sources. RCW 28A.225.015(1) says a child aged 6 or 7 enrolled in public school must attend unless the parent formally removes the child from enrollment. Informing the current school in writing is a courtesy for older children.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The declaration is due by September 15 each year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter, trimester or semester when instruction begins later (RCW 28A.200.010(1)). Failure to comply is treated as unexcused non-attendance under RCW 28A.225.020 (28A.200.010(2)).

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

   Under FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) a parent may inspect and request a copy of the child's education records, and the school must comply within 45 days of the request. RCW 28A.200.010 also requires the parent to send test scores or annual assessment, immunization records and other instructional records to a school the child later transfers to.

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

   Under federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent may revoke consent to special education services in writing; the district must then stop the services after giving prior written notice, and does not have to hold an IEP meeting or seek a due process hearing to override it. No Washington-specific withdrawal form or waiting period was found in primary sources.

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 Washington: the items Washington 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 my child lives [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 RCW 28A.200.010, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Washington asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name [fill in]
- Child's age [fill in]
- Whether a certificated person will supervise the instruction [fill in]
- Parent signature (the OSPI sample also has date and address) [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 Washington

OSPI Home-Based Instruction, 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