Note: When I first started at Families.com, I began a series on home schooling laws for each state. Then I moved to baby, then to food, and now I’m back again in home schooling. At someone’s request, I’ve decided to resume the series where I left off. I am covering each state alphabetically and will continue to do so until I’m done. Eventually, I hope to be able to provide those who are seeking information on home schooling information about laws as well as information about various organizations, events etc. in each state.
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.
Pennsylvania has several options for home schooling legally. Generally in writing these blogs I follow the pattern of explaining the legal statute and then going into the details of compulsory age, attendance records and so forth. However, Pennsylvania has three statues allowing parents to home school and each statue has somewhat different requirements. Consequently, in this blog, we are going to look at the home schooling statute (home schooling legally by operating a home school) and we’ll review other options in subsequent blogs.
In order to operate a home school legally in Pennsylvania, a parent must submit a notarized affidavit to the local superintendent when you start home schooling and August 1st for every year thereafter. The affidavit must include the following information:
1. Name of parents or instructors, name of children, age of children, address and telephone number.
2. Assurance (a statement) that all subjects are taught in English.
3. “Outline of proposed educational objectives by subject area.”
4. Evidence of immunization
5. Receipt of health and medical services required by law.
6. A statement that the home education program will comply with the law.
7. A certification that the instructor of the home school (generally the parents), as well as any adults living in the home, and any persons who have custody of the children have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses within the past 5 years.
Check back soon for more information on Pennsylvania home schooling law.
Recent Homeschooling Articles:
Why Are You Against Government Involvement: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Reason #2 Why Tax Credits Are Wrong for Homeschoolers