Thinking About Pulling Your Kids Out of School? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know.

So, you're sitting there Googling “how to withdraw my kid from school” with 27 browser tabs open and a pit in your stomach.

Deep breath, mama. You’re not the first to do this—and you absolutely won’t be the last.

Pulling your child out of traditional school to homeschool might feel overwhelming (and okay, maybe a little terrifying), but the process is often much simpler than your mind is making it out to be.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Yes, You Can Do This

Let’s get this out of the way first: You don’t need a teaching degree. You don’t need a 40-page curriculum. And you don’t need anyone’s approval to make the best decision for your child.

What you do need is to follow your state’s legal withdrawal process—and spoiler alert: it’s usually just a letter.

2. Withdrawal Looks Different Depending on Where You Live

Each state has its own rules for notifying the school district. Some require you to:

• Submit a formal Letter of Intent to Homeschool

• Fill out a state-specific form

• Register with your local school district or Department of Education

In most cases, you’ll simply send a written notice to your child’s current school stating that you are withdrawing them to homeschool, and include the date it’s effective.

💡 Need help finding the specifics?Try hslda.org/legal for a clear map of state-by-state homeschooling laws.

3. Do Not Wait for “Approval”

You’re not asking for permission. You're informing them of your decision.

Some schools may push back or try to “keep you in the system.” You don’t need to defend your choice. Just stick to the facts, keep a copy of your letter, and move forward.

4. You Don’t Need a Full Plan Before You Pull Them Out

Truly. You don’t need next semester fully mapped out. You need a breather.

Take time to decompress. Your child likely needs it too.

In fact, many homeschoolers begin with a “deschooling” period—time to unwind from the structure, anxiety, or burnout of traditional school. It might look like reading books, going on walks, watching documentaries, or just reconnecting.

That’s not falling behind. That’s healing.

5. Start Small and Simple

You can start with:

• One read-aloud book

• A math workbook or online game

• A weekly library trip

• Real-life learning (grocery shopping, gardening, cooking, journaling)

You don’t have to replicate school at home. You’re building something new—and it gets better every day you show up.

6. You Are Not Alone

There’s a whole world of moms doing this right alongside you. Some started for academic reasons. Others for emotional, spiritual, or lifestyle reasons. But they all started scared. And they’re all still figuring it out.

That’s the good news: You don’t have to know it all to begin.

Final Thought:

Pulling your child out of school doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re stepping up—in the way that feels right for your family.

Trust that. You’ve got this.