A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a formal document submitted to educational authorities—typically your school district or state department of education—declaring your intention to homeschool your child.
What Is a Notice of Intent to Homeschool?
A Notice of Intent (sometimes called Letter of Intent or Declaration of Intent) is the official paperwork that notifies your school district or state that you're exercising your legal right to educate your child at home. Filing an NOI establishes that your child is receiving education through homeschooling rather than being truant from public school. In most states, acceptance is automatic once you submit the required information—you're notifying authorities, not asking permission. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island require actual approval before you can begin homeschooling.
Key Takeaways
- 39 states require some form of notification; 11 states require no notice at all
- 25 states require annual filing; 14 states require only one-time notification
- File with local school district in most states; some use state departments or online portals
- In all but 2 states (MA and RI), acceptance is automatic—no approval required
- Failure to file when required can result in truancy charges
What's Typically Required
Requirements vary significantly by state, but most NOIs include: student name, date of birth, and grade level; parent/guardian names and contact information; address where instruction will occur; and sometimes a list of subjects to be taught. Some states require a copy of the birth certificate or immunization records. Homeschool advocacy groups consistently advise including only what's legally required—volunteering extra details about curriculum or teaching methods can invite unnecessary scrutiny.
State Requirements at a Glance
Filing Deadlines by State
Consequences of Not Filing
Skipping the NOI when your state requires one can trigger serious problems. Without documentation that your child is legally homeschooling, the school district may classify your child as truant. This can escalate to attendance officers visiting your home, official truancy letters, mandatory meetings with school officials, fines, and in serious cases, court involvement or referrals to child protective services. In Arizona, failure to file is a petty offense; failure to provide required instruction is a Class 3 misdemeanor. The NOI is your legal protection—file it.
Best Practices
The Bottom Line
The Notice of Intent is your legal documentation that homeschooling is occurring. In states that require it, filing properly protects your family from truancy issues and establishes your official status as a homeschool. The process is typically straightforward—often just a form or letter with basic information. Don't overthink it, but don't skip it either. Use your state's homeschool association or HSLDA resources to find the exact requirements for your jurisdiction, file on time, and keep copies of everything you submit.
