A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a document that parents send to their school district or state to announce their choice to homeschool their child. It satisfies legal attendance requirements and protects parents from truancy issues.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. 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).
What is a letter of intent to homeschool?
A Letter of Intent (LOI), sometimes called a Notice of Intent, is a written notice parents give to their school district or state education department. This letter tells them you're choosing to homeschool instead of enrolling your child in public or private school. It makes an official record that shows your child is being educated at home. This helps meet compulsory attendance laws and keeps you safe from truancy worries. Some states want detailed educational plans with the LOI, while others just need a simple statement. Interestingly, eleven states don't require any notification!
What to include in your loi
What you need to include in your LOI can differ by state, but most require:
- Your child's full legal name and date of birth
- Grade level
- Your name and contact info
- Your address
- Confirmation you'll teach the required subjects
- Your signature. Some states ask for details about your curriculum or planned hours of instruction. It's smart to keep your language general. If you get too detailed, you might lock yourself into plans you want to change later. You can find free templates online, but make sure they fit your state's current rules.
Filing deadlines by state
Deadlines for sending in your LOI can vary. Some states have fixed dates. For example, Virginia requires you to file by August 15, and New York by July 1. Others want you to file relative to when you start homeschooling, like Florida, which needs notice within 30 days of starting. Some states need annual renewals, while others accept a one-time notice. Missing these deadlines could raise truancy issues, so it's best to check your state's rules early. If you're unsure, file before the school year kicks off. In some places, like New York, use certified mail to prove you filed on time.
What happens after you file
Once you file your LOI, that's usually it! You've met the notification requirements and can start homeschooling. However, some states need more paperwork, like quarterly reports in New York or annual assessments in other states. In Massachusetts, you might need your educational plan approved. The school district will typically acknowledge your submission and stop tracking your child's enrollment. If you're pulling your child out mid-year, the district won't expect attendance anymore. Always keep copies of what you send and any acknowledgment you get as proof.
The bottom line
A Letter of Intent is often the first step for homeschoolers. It's your formal way of saying you’re taking charge of your child's education. The requirements can range from a simple notice to detailed educational plans depending on where you live. Research your state's rules early, file by the deadline (or before starting if there’s no deadline), and keep copies for your own records. Avoid giving more detail than necessary. After filing, you can usually homeschool without further contact with the school district.
