A Declaration of Intent is a formal notice to education authorities that you're homeschooling your child. It's essential to avoid truancy issues and comply with state laws.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is a declaration of intent?
A Declaration of Intent (also known as notice of intent or letter of intent) is a formal way to let education authorities know you're homeschooling your child. This document is important because, without it, your child could be seen as truant. Different states use different terms—like 'declaration' in Washington and Georgia, 'notice' in Virginia and New York, and 'letter' as a general term. The requirements can vary, from simple name and address to detailed curriculum outlines.
What to include
Most declarations need some basic info: your child's name, date of birth, grade level, and your name and address. Some states may ask for a list of subjects or minimum instructional hours. Watch out for district forms that might ask for extra info like Social Security numbers—you only need to give what's required by law. If you're unsure, check your state's homeschool laws or reach out to a homeschool legal organization like HSLDA.
Filing deadlines
The deadline for filing often falls on August 15th, common in states like Virginia and Arkansas. New York needs a letter of intent within 14 days of starting homeschool or by July 1st for fall starts. Washington's deadline is September 15th. If you're pulling your child from public school, most states require you to file within 14-30 days of starting homeschool. Keep proof of your filing—use certified mail or online systems that confirm receipt.
Consequences of not filing
If you don’t file, your child might be labeled as truant. This can lead to different consequences depending on your state. You could hear from school officials or truancy officers, face fines, or even be required to enroll your child in public or private school. In extreme cases, it can lead to child protective services getting involved. Even families who have been homeschooling for a while need to file on time to avoid trouble.
Notification vs. approval
In most states, your Declaration of Intent is just that—a notification. You're letting the school district know your decision, not asking for permission. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island need actual approval before you can start homeschooling. In other states, you can begin right after filing without waiting. Knowing this helps you avoid any unnecessary hold-ups. Your declaration gives you legal status—you don’t need the district's approval to start.
The bottom line
Filing a Declaration of Intent is important but simple. This document turns your homeschool into a legally recognized setup. Mark your state's deadline on your calendar, file the necessary information (and just that), and keep proof of your submission. Don’t let paperwork stress you out—most states require only about an hour to complete the process, giving you a full year of legal protection.
