How to Write a Withdrawal from School Letter

Sometimes, you can’t prevent it. You need to write a formal withdrawal letter from school for your child. This could be complicated. As a parent, you have to send your child to school from the ages of 6-16.

Know What Your Rights are as a Parent

We are providing general information in this article about increasing your civil protections as a parent. You’ll need this when you write your letter for withdrawal from school.

This article is not legal advice and should not be construed as such. We advise that you consult legal professionals for specific legal advice. Consult with your school district for further information as well.

That said, teaching your child at home is legal in all 50 states. However, there are rules you have to follow. No one cannot pressure you to send your child to school.

Legal Issues Surrounding Withdrawing Your Child From Homeschooling

Schools cannot dictate your right to home school. However, most states do have requirements as to what your children should be taught while being homeschooled.

They also have regulations as to how your homeschooling should be administered. For example, Utah’s laws state that your children should spend at least seven hours a day being schooled inside your home.

That’s a fair amount of time, don’t you think? However, it also states that you need to give your children a daily homework assignment. This daily homework is actually a minor lesson with the teacher.

This lesson is not graded or measured in any way. It is just something that you and the kids can do together in the morning. It’s also up to you whether you want your child’s homework to be done at home or in school.

Most states require that you keep records of your activities. They may also inspect your methods.

The overall point is, you must check what your individual state requires and follow those regulations.

Why Do You Need a Withdrawal Letter?

Depending on the state, parents can be subject to civil and criminal penalties if their children do not attend school.

Child Protective Services department will want you to submit a withdrawal letter. This is so they can give you the all clear to leave school and begin homeschooling.

This letter shows that you are aware of your legal responsibility as a parent and are committed to the process.

You may withdraw by phone, letter, or in person. We recommend making a letter as a hard-copy option if legal difficulties arise.

What the Letter Looks Like

Writing the formal withdrawal letter from school

Your letter should take the following format:

“[Insert Child’s Name] or [Insert Children’s Names], is/are withdrawing from (The name of the school). They will not be completing the school year. They will be going to a private school for the remainder of this school year.

To this end, we’d like you to remove his/her/their names from your records.

Their new school will notify you of transfers of records at that school which are necessary to complete the enrollment process.

Thank you for your cooperation.”

Again, depending on the state and your child’s age, the formal withdrawal letter from school can be sent directly to your child’s school, or the school district.

To Wrap Up

As parents, we want to do the best for our children. Some parents believe homeschooling is one of the ways to do so.

If you fall into this category, remember to comply with regulations. This includes writing a formal withdrawal letter to your child’s school before you do so.