A declaration of intent is a formal written notice submitted to education authorities announcing your decision to homeschool your child, protecting your family from truancy allegations and establishing your homeschool as legally recognized.
What is a Declaration of Intent?
A declaration of intent (also called notice of intent or letter of intent, depending on your state) formally notifies education authorities that you're homeschooling your child. This document serves a crucial legal function: without it, your child may be considered truant since they're not enrolled in a recognized educational program. The terms are used interchangeably across states, with "declaration" common in Washington and Georgia, "notice" in Virginia and New York, and "letter" as a general term. Requirements range from simple name-and-address notifications to detailed curriculum descriptions, depending on your state's homeschool laws.
Key Takeaways
- Protects families from truancy allegations by establishing legal homeschool status
- Required in about 25 states; 14 states require one-time notification; 11 require none
- Deadlines typically fall in August before the school year begins
- Most states require notification, not approval; you can usually begin immediately after filing
- File with local school district, superintendent, or state education department depending on state
What to Include
Most declarations require basic information: child's name, date of birth, grade level, parent or guardian names, and home address. Some states ask for a list of subjects to be taught or assurance of minimum instructional hours. Be aware that district forms sometimes request optional information beyond legal requirements, such as Social Security numbers. You're only obligated to provide what state law mandates. When in doubt, consult your state's actual homeschool statute or a homeschool legal organization like HSLDA.
Filing Deadlines
August 15th is the most common deadline for annual filings, used in Virginia, Arkansas, and several other states. New York requires a letter of intent within 14 days of starting homeschool or by July 1st for fall starts. Washington sets September 15th for annual declarations. For mid-year withdrawals from public school, most states require filing within 14-30 days of beginning homeschool. Keep proof of filing: send documents via certified mail or use online systems that provide confirmation receipts.
Consequences of Not Filing
Failure to file can result in your child being classified as truant. Consequences vary by state but may include contact from school officials or truancy officers, potential fines, mandatory enrollment in public or private school, and in extreme cases, involvement of child protective services. Even established homeschoolers who miss annual renewal deadlines can trigger unwanted attention. The solution is simple: file on time and keep documentation proving you did.
Notification vs. Approval
In most states, your declaration is exactly that: notification. You're informing the district of your decision, not requesting permission. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island require actual approval before homeschooling can begin. In other states, you can typically start homeschooling immediately after filing without waiting for any response. Understanding this distinction prevents unnecessary delays and anxiety. Your declaration establishes your legal status; you don't need the district's blessing to proceed.
The Bottom Line
Filing a declaration of intent is straightforward but essential. This simple document transforms your homeschool from potentially truant to legally recognized. Mark your state's deadline on your calendar, file the required information (and only the required information), keep proof of filing, and you're done. Don't let paperwork anxiety delay your homeschool start; in most states, the process takes less than an hour and provides year-long legal protection.
