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Withdrawing from public school

How to Withdraw From School in North Dakota

Pulling your child out of public school in North Dakota to homeschool is usually a short, one-time process. Here are the steps, the letter you send, and how to time it so the district doesn't flag your child as truant.

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How withdrawal works in North Dakota

North Dakota requires a statement of intent filed with the local superintendent at least five days before you begin (file as soon as you decide when withdrawing). Notify the current school so attendance reflects the change, and keep a copy. Standardized testing follows in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10, though a parent with a bachelor's degree may file an objection to opt out.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your child is currently enrolled

    This guide is for moving a currently enrolled student to homeschooling. If your child has never attended public school in North Dakota (a kindergartner you're starting at home, for example), there's usually nothing to withdraw from. A quick call to the school confirms their status.

  2. 2

    Send a written withdrawal letter to the school

    To withdraw your child from public school in North Dakota, send a written withdrawal letter to the principal or registrar, then file a notice of intent with your local school district so the transition is on record before instruction begins. Rather than hand-writing the withdrawal letter, Homeschool Fox produces a pre-formatted PDF ready to send to the district.

    Download the free North Dakota withdrawal letter
  3. 3

    File your notice of intent

    Yes, North Dakota requires you to file notice of your intent to homeschool. You must notify your local school district.

  4. 4

    Keep dated copies for your records

    Save a copy of the withdrawal letter and anything you file, noting the date you sent it. If the district ever asks about attendance, dated proof that you withdrew on time is what closes the question.

  5. 5

    Set up your homeschool

    With the withdrawal handled, the rest is starting your homeschool: planning subjects, setting an hours or days target, and keeping records. Your next stop is the how-to-start guide for North Dakota.

    Read the North Dakota how-to-start guide

Free North Dakota printables

Two ready-to-use PDFs for North Dakota homeschoolers. No account needed.

Templates, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with your state or district.

What Homeschool Fox tracks for North Dakota

Everything North Dakota expects you to keep, in one place — no spreadsheets, no lost notebooks.

  • Hours toward your 700-hour goal
  • Required subjects & core hours
  • Daily activity logs
  • Attendance records
  • Notes & portfolio records
  • Printable PDF reports
  • High school transcripts
  • State-specific progress tracking
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