How to withdrawal from public school

If your child is currently in public school and you'd like to withdraw them to homeschool, whether mid-school year or during the summer, it's important to formally withdraw them from the school. Contact your school for the exact protocol, as every district is different, but ideally a typed up and signed withdrawal form and your DOI should be all that is needed.

This process ensures that your child's educational records are properly transferred (if needed) and that they are no longer considered enrolled in the public school system. It's a critical step in the transition to homeschooling and can help avoid any potential legal or administrative issues in the future. Georgia law states that your local school system must have proof of your child's enrollment in homeschool within 45 days of withdrawal, if they do not they are to refer to the DFCS for assessment. This can easily be avoided by showing them your DOI form at time of withdrawal. Make sure to follow the school's requirements and keep a record of your communication and any documentation related to the withdrawal.

Unfortunately, the local school district may not always meet our expectations when it comes to easily withdrawing our child. Though this is great for homeschoolers, Georgia's lack of strict regulations over home study programs causes confusion within the public school system. I have experienced this firsthand when I had to unenroll my daughters from public school mid-year. The public school system has its own procedures that do not align with those of homeschoolers, creating a major issue , at times. It can be frustrating, but don't let it discourage you. Simply know two things. One the public school systems withdrawal forms usually come from the new school you'd be registering them at. When it's a parent doing the withdrawal, acting as the new school, this confuses the public school admin. Two, your best friend is knowing the below insert from the GDoE's website. This rule should be all you need to combat anything the public school is in disagreement over.

"Once the child/children are officially registered as a homeschool student, you as the parent have similar rights and responsibilities of the Local Education Authority (District office). The parent is considered the superintendent, principal, teacher, and you can create and sign any document that relates to the educational needs of your child/children."

-Georgia Department of Education

Note: Regulations submit to change. Ensure compliance with current laws by consulting reputable sources such as the Georgia Department of Education.