As the parent or guardian of a student, you may have considered homeschooling an option for their education.
In this article, we will break down the different aspects of writing a letter of intent to homeschool, from state requirements to how to actually write one.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational approach where children are taught at home by a parent or tutor. It can be used as a primary form of education or to supplement the child’s school education with additional instruction and support.
Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its flexibility and freedom, allowing parents to tailor their child’s curriculum and learning environment to their needs, interests, and schedule.
Typically, homeschooling involves both parental instruction and independent work by the student. Parents may provide resources such as books, worksheets, and other materials for the student.
Alternatively, they can opt for virtual or live homeschool programs that offer traditional classes, lectures, tests, assignments, and activities from certified teachers in specific subject areas.
Homeschooling Benefits
Many families choose to homeschool for its academic advantages. It allows parents to customize their child’s curriculum according to their capabilities and interests, accommodate different learning styles, and provide a more hands-on approach with individualized attention.
In addition, homeschooling allows for flexible school days or weeks scheduled around family commitments such as travel or illnesses. It also gives access to specialized courses not offered in public schools, such as foreign language classes or advanced mathematics courses.
In addition to these advantages, homeschooling also offers unique opportunities for family bonding. That’s because families often spend more time together during homeschooling than they would during regular schooling hours. Furthermore, it allows families to engage in activities outside the classroom that would otherwise not be available during traditional school hours, such as volunteer work or field trips.
Finally, homeschooled students may have access to more resources than traditionally schooled students. For example, the system creates opportunities for museum visits or local library events, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
The Different Sections of a Letter of Intent to Homeschool
I. Header
Writing a letter of intent to homeschool begins with a proper header with three key sections:
Date of Intent
Here, the parent or guardian writes down the date when they formally put in the request to homeschool their child(ren). A formal intent date is necessary for record-keeping purposes and must be documented for legal reasons.
Name of Superintendent or Principal
Some states require the letter addressed to the school district superintendent where the student usually attends school. In others, the letter must be addressed to the school principal. Before writing, check your state’s statutes and address the letter to the correct office.
It is best practice to spell out each recipient’s full name rather than use an acronym or abbreviation. If there is more than one person to whom it should be addressed, it is essential to write each name on a separate line for clarity and accuracy. The number of copies reproduced should correspond with the number of people addressed. For example, if there are three recipients, three documents should be printed.
School District
In this section, you need to write down the name of the school where your child would usually attend school. In some states, you must also include the school district number.
Your child’s school district is listed on their most recent report card. If you don’t have a copy of your child’s report card, you can contact the school directly and get the information. You might also want to check out the following list of school districts in all 50 states.
II. The Student’s Details
Name
When writing a letter of intent to homeschool, the student’s full legal name must be included. If there’s more than one student, insert a new line for each student. If you’re dealing with a long list, you can also compose an attachment with the names of all minors.
Gender
The letter should include information about the gender identity of the student. This could be specified as male, female, non-binary, gender fluid, etc., and should reflect the student’s preferred gender identity.
Date of Birth
For a letter of intent for homeschooling to be processed successfully, parents or guardians must include accurate information about the date of birth of their student. This should include the day, month, and year the student was born.
The best practice is to include all three pieces of information – name, gender, and date of birth – in one line, separated by a few blank spaces.
Student’s Address
Every minor presented as a homeschooling candidate must have their address indicated on the letter. If there are multiple minors, be sure to indicate the address of each one of them in a separate line. While doing this, it’s imperative to provide the minor’s address, not their parent’s or guardian’s. This can happen when parents divorce or the child lives away from the teaching parent.
III. Declaration of Intent to Homeschool
The declaration of intent (DOI) is one of the most important sections of this letter. Here, the parent or guardian should explain why they have opted for homeschooling instead of mainstream learning.
The DOI also includes information about the curriculum or materials you plan to use for instruction. Different states have different laws regarding DOIs, and some may require additional information or documentation. Be sure to check with your local school district or state department of education before submitting anything so that you know what is needed.
When creating your DOI, you should strive to include all the necessary information accurately and clearly. Ensure there are no typos or mistakes, as these could cause delays in processing the document.
Here’s what a sample DOI might look like:
I, [Name], as the legal parent/guardian of [Child’s Name], hereby declare my intent to homeschool my child for the [Insert Period ] school year. My child has never been enrolled in a public or private school, and this will be his[her] first school experience.
I’m fully aware of the responsibility of homeschooling, and I’m confident I have all the necessary tools to provide an excellent education for my child. I understand that I will be responsible for creating daily lesson plans, assessing progress, and providing a safe learning environment for my child.
To ensure my child receives an enriched learning experience, I plan to incorporate a variety of resources into their education. This includes digital platforms such as Khan Academy and online courses from Udemy. Additionally, textbooks from major publishers such as McGraw Hill will play a role in their education. Furthermore, supplemental activities like field trips, extracurricular activities, and tutoring sessions will enhance their educational experience.
As part of my commitment to providing an excellent education, I also recognize the importance of socialization and community engagement. To help facilitate these experiences, we plan on participating in local homeschool support groups that offer various extracurricular activities like art classes, music lessons, and physical education programs. Additionally, I plan on having my child engage with other homeschoolers through monthly play dates and group field trips organized by these groups.
Finally, I plan on keeping detailed records of my child’s educational progress throughout the year, including assessments, lesson plans, and grades earned (if applicable). These records will be used whenever needed for proof of educational accomplishments should it ever be necessary, for example, when enrolling in college or applying for jobs.
IV. Acknowledgement
Here’s where the parent/guardian and the teacher sign on the document. The signatures show commitment toward providing a suitable learning environment and overseeing the goals, objectives, and timeline of the child’s education.
This section should include the parent and teacher’s emails and telephone numbers.
V. Notarization
Most counties and states require that a notary public authenticate the signatures to verify the identity of the teacher and parent. This notarization is viewed as an additional level of assurance in verifying each party’s identity.
Even if the governing educational body does not compel this specific requirement, it is still recommended that all involved individuals sign the letter under the supervision of a Notary Public.
Notarization provides an extra layer of security within the signature verification process, guaranteeing that all parties have agreed upon the document. It also helps prevent any fraud or malicious intent due to forged signatures.
Additional Information
In some cases, authorities may ask for additional documentation when filing a letter of intent to homeschool. This could include things like proof of residence or immunization records if they are required by law in your area.
Make sure these documents are included along with your DOI before submitting anything. This way, everything can be processed quickly and efficiently without delays due to missing paperwork or incorrect documents.
Final Word
Writing a letter of intent to homeschool your child is a legal requirement in many states across the United States. This letter demonstrates your commitment to quality homeschooling and can help you avoid future issues with your child’s education.
While you might choose to homeschool your children for many reasons, it is essential to consider all the implications before deciding. Ensure you research and talk to other parents who have chosen this route for their family.
A thoughtful letter of intent demonstrates your confidence and readiness to take on the challenges of homeschooling.