I generally like to write these blogs in one whole blog covering one state. However, my ultimate goal is clarity and I find that Pennsylvania law is one of the more complicated laws to interpret. Therefore, I have split up the blogs covering Pennsylvania law. The first two blogs on Pennsylavnia can be found linked below.
This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
Compulsory Attendance:
Compulsory attendance laws apply from the time your child enters school which can be no later than 8 years old, until the time your child turns 17.
Required Days of Instruction: Your child must be “in school” (receiving instruction) for at least 180 days or the equivalent of 900 hours in elementary school. In high school, your child must be receiving instruction for 180 days or 990 hours.
Required Subjects: At the elementary level, English–which is to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic, history of Pennsylvania and the United States, civics, health and physiology, P.E., music, art, science, health and safety education to include ongoing instruction on the prevention of fires.
At the secondary level students are to be taught English to include language, literature, speech and composition, science, geography, social studies to include physics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania, mathematics to include general, algebra and geometry, P.E., music, art, science, health and safety education to include ongoing instruction on the prevention of fires
Notes on Special Education: Any child that has been identified under the IDEA law must have their home education plan approved by a state certified psychologist, or a certified special education teacher.
In our next and final blog, we will cover the records that one must keep in Pennsylvania.
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Operating a Homeschool
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Other Options