Homeschooling Regulations by State: Pennsylvania

by Christina Yeager

The thought of homeschooling doesn’t have to sound scary. Yes, it’s a big task, but with the right information and some direction on how to get started and where to go from there, it can be done easily! Each individual state in the U.S. has its own laws for homeschooling. Would you like to homeschool your child in Pennsylvania and don’t know where to begin? We do!

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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Compulsory School Age	The first law in Pennsylvania you should be aware of is the standard enrollment age. All children in the state ages eight through seventeen are required to enroll in school. Philadelphia's compulsory school age is six. This does not apply if you are planning a home-based education. Necessary steps are required to comply with truancy laws.
Homeschooling Choices	Homeschooling In order to teach your child at home, there are some requirements that apply.  The parent/guardian must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A signed affidavit must be filed by August 1st of every year. The notarized document must contain the following information: The names of every child being homeschooled, address of residence and phone number. A statement of compliance that all schooling will be taught in English except foreign languages. A syllabus of projected subjects to be taught with a summary of action. Proof of immunizations. Proof of adequate health and medical services such a medical physical, dental and vision tests. Certification that legal custody of parent/guardian providing a homeschooled environment is sound and active. A statement of compliance that required instruction days and hours will be taught efficiently. A student portfolio and a list of materials will be kept on the behalf of the child/children. A statement of agreement that an annual evaluation will be written. Many schools in Pennsylvania have a form pertaining to homeschooling programs. Check with your local district to make sure you are complying with their process and to see if they have a form that needs to be filed. ​If your child is disabled, check your area school district for specifics. Private Tutor When searching for a private tutor to educate your child or children, make sure they have the following qualifications: Certified teacher. Is or will be teaching one or more children in a single family. Will be receiving some form of payments for their services. Tutor must send a copy of teaching certification and a criminal background check to the local superintendent in the residences area and be approved annually to continue tutoring. Must be willing to provide the state required instruction days and hours.
Instruction	Instruction of 180 days or 900 hours at the elementary level and 180 days or 990 nours at the secondary level are required to be completed annually per academic school year.
Curriculum	Elementary-level (K–6th grade) required classes: English Spelling Reading Writing Arithmetic Civics History of the U.S. History of Pennsylvania Health  Physiology Physical Education Music Art Geography Science Safety Education Fire Prevention and Safety Secondary-level (7th–12th grade) required classes: English Language Literature Speech Composition Mathematics Algebra Geometry Social Studies Civics History of the U.S. and Pennsylvania World history Health Physical Education Music Art Geography Science Safety Education Fire Prevention and Safety
Graduation Requirements	​4 English credits 3 Math credits 3 Science credits  3 Social Studies credits 2 Art and Humanities credits
Record Keeping	The portfolio must contain the following documentation: Log: A log of reading materials by title. Work samples: The samples can be any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. Standardized testing. The test results in Math and Reading/Language Arts or the results of the Statewide tests must be included in the annual portfolio.
Testing	In grades 3, 5, and 8, your child should be tested with a nationally normed standardized test approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the Statewide tests administered to public school students. A parent or guardian may not be the test administrator. Approved tests: California Achievement Test Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV) Iowa Test of Basic Skills Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Metropolitan Achievement Test Peabody Achievement Individual Test—Revised Version Stanford Achievement Test Terra Nova Woodcock-Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement III Woodcock-Johnson IV Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III (WIAT-III)
Evaluation	The main purpose for the portfolio submitted annually is for the written evaluation. It must be reviewed by A licensed psychologist A teacher certified by the state (with two years of teaching experience) A nonpublic school teacher or administrator (who must have at least two years’ teaching experience in the last 10 years in public or nonpublic schools). At the request of the homeschooling parent/supervisor, a person with other qualifications may conduct the evaluation with the prior consent of the local superintendent. The evaluation is based on an interview of your child/children and review of the portfolio and must be submitted to the local school district superintendent by June 30th of each year the child is in a homeschool program.

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education for more information!

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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