How to Withdraw a Student from Public School

A step-by-step guide to formally withdrawing your child and beginning home-based instruction.

Understand the Two Relevant Laws

BECCA BILL

Addresses attendance and truancy enforcement.

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW

Age-based (not grade-based) for children between 8 and 18 years of age. Does not apply to children 7 and under.

Obtain Copies of Student Records

Request copies of your child's student records from the school office. Explain that you are exploring private school options and need these copies for the application process.

Tie Up Loose Ends at School

Return library materials
Pay off lunch account
Check lost and found
Get contact info of friends and families you like
Empty locker
Say farewell to friends and favored teachers

Write a "Formal Withdrawal" Letter

Address the letter to the principal. Use the exact phrase "Formal Withdrawal" and state the child and school names. No other information is required.

"Dear Principal (Name) of (School Name),

As of today, we are Formally Withdrawing our child (Name) from your school. Thank you for all you do to help kids.

Respectfully submitted,

(signed / dated) Parent of (Child's Name)"

Mail the Letter via Certified Mail

Make a copy of the letter for your "Homeschool File/Records."

Mail the original to the principal's mailing address via Certified Mail — Return Receipt Requested.

File the USPS return stub in your records, verifying compliance with state law. This step protects you from the Becca Bill.

Call the Attendance Office

Call the attendance office and inform them you've officially withdrawn your child.

Children 7 and Under — You're Done!

If your child is 7 years old or younger, you are educationally free and have nothing else to do. 🎉

Children 8+ — File the Declaration of Intent (DOI)

Complete the Declaration of Intent form, available from the Washington Homeschool Organization.

Important: Do not use forms from the school district — they overreach and ask more than is legally required. The correct form has just four data points: child's name, child's age, your address, and your signature.

Make a copy for your files. Mail the form Certified Mail — Return Receipt Requested to the superintendent of the school district. File the returned stub.

This step protects you from the Age-Based Truancy law.