A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a formal notification submitted to school authorities declaring your intent to homeschool your child, required in about 25 states with varying deadlines and content requirements.
What is a Letter of Intent to Homeschool?
A Letter of Intent (LOI)—also called Notice of Intent—is a written document parents submit to their school district or state education department announcing their intention to homeschool rather than enroll their child in public or private school. The LOI creates an official record that your child is being educated at home, satisfying compulsory attendance laws and protecting you from truancy concerns. Some states require detailed educational plans alongside the LOI; others accept a simple statement of intent. Eleven states require no notification at all.
Key Takeaways
- Required in approximately 25-30 states; 11 states require no notification
- Usually submitted to local school district superintendent or state education department
- Filing deadlines vary: some by fixed annual dates, others within days of starting
- Typically includes child's name, age, parent contact information, and subjects to be taught
- "Letter of Intent" and "Notice of Intent" generally mean the same thing
What to Include in Your LOI
Requirements vary by state, but most LOIs include: child's full legal name, date of birth, and grade level; parent/guardian name and contact information; your address; confirmation that you'll provide instruction in required subjects; and parent signature. Some states ask for curriculum descriptions or planned instructional hours. Keep language general where possible—detailed commitments can lock you into specific plans you may want to adjust. Free templates are available online, but verify they match your state's current requirements.
Filing Deadlines by State
Deadlines fall into several patterns. Some states set fixed annual dates: Virginia requires filing by August 15; New York by July 1. Others specify timing relative to starting: Florida requires notice within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. Some states require annual renewal; others accept one-time notification. Missing deadlines can trigger truancy concerns, so research your state's specific requirements early. When in doubt, file before the school year begins. Use certified mail where required (New York, for example) to prove timely submission.
What Happens After You File
In most states, filing is the end of the process—you've satisfied notification requirements and can proceed with homeschooling. Some states require additional documentation: quarterly reports in New York, annual assessments in several states, or educational plan approval in Massachusetts. Districts typically acknowledge receipt and remove your child from enrollment tracking. If you're withdrawing mid-year, the district stops expecting attendance. Keep copies of everything you submit and any acknowledgment you receive as proof of compliance.
The Bottom Line
The Letter of Intent is often a homeschooler's first compliance step—a formal notification that you're taking responsibility for your child's education. Requirements range from simple one-paragraph notices to detailed educational plans depending on your state. Research your specific state requirements early, file by the deadline (or before starting if no deadline exists), keep copies for your records, and don't provide more detail than required. Once filed, you're typically free to homeschool without further interaction with the school district.
