A homeschool enrollment form (also called a Notice of Intent) is an official document notifying your school district or state education department that your child will be educated at home rather than attending public or private school.
What is a Homeschool Enrollment Form?
A homeschool enrollment form is the paperwork you file to officially register your homeschool with the appropriate government authority—typically your local school district or state Department of Education. This document notifies officials that your child is receiving education at home and is therefore not truant from compulsory schooling. The terminology varies by state: some use formal "enrollment forms" while others accept a simple "letter of intent" or "notice of intent." The purpose is the same—establishing a legal record that your child's educational needs are being met outside the traditional school system.
Key Takeaways
- About 11 states require no notification at all to homeschool
- Other states require either one-time or annual filing
- Information typically includes child's name, grade level, and parent contact details
- Filing location varies: school district, state DOE, or online portal
- Consequences for not filing (in states that require it) can include truancy charges
States With No Requirements
Eleven states have essentially no notification requirements: Idaho, Alaska, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In these states, you simply begin homeschooling—no forms, no registration, no government interaction required. Other states fall along a spectrum from "send a letter" to detailed annual submissions with curriculum outlines and testing requirements.
What You'll Typically Need to Provide
What You'll Typically Need to Provide
- Child's full name, date of birth, and grade level
- Parent/guardian name and contact information
- Home address where schooling takes place
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- Curriculum outline or subjects to be taught (some states)
- Immunization records (some states)
Notice of Intent vs. Enrollment Form
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. A notice of intent is typically a parent-written letter simply stating your intention to homeschool—no specific format required. An enrollment form is more formal, usually a state or district document with designated fields and possibly requiring notarization. In practice, the functional difference is minimal: both serve to officially notify authorities that your child will be homeschooled.
Filing Deadlines
Deadlines vary significantly. Some states set specific dates: Mississippi requires filing by September 15, Iowa by September 1, California requires a Private School Affidavit between October 1-15. Other states like Florida and North Carolina require only one-time filing when you begin homeschooling, with no annual renewal. Many states now offer online portals that process submissions within days. Check your specific state's requirements—filing late can create complications.
The Bottom Line
The enrollment form is your legal foundation for homeschooling in states that require notification. It establishes that your child is receiving an education and protects you from truancy concerns. While the paperwork might feel like bureaucratic overhead, it's usually straightforward once you know what your state requires. The key is understanding your specific state's rules—requirements range from nothing at all to detailed annual submissions.
