Homeschooling can be an attractive option for parents who want to provide their children with an education that is tailored to their child’s interests, abilities and learning style. Pennsylvania is one of the more lenient states in terms of homeschooling requirements and regulations, but there are still rules and guidelines that parents need to adhere to if they want to homeschool their child properly.
Below is a comprehensive guide that outlines all of the steps and information that parents need to consider when deciding to homeschool their child in Pennsylvania.
What are the Rules and Regulations in Pennsylvania?
The first thing that parents need to consider when thinking about homeschooling their child in Pennsylvania is the state-level rules and regulations. Pennsylvania’s Department of Education has established certain regulations that homeschooled students must follow, including having a teacher certified by the state or holding to an instruction program.
There are also specific requirements for enrollment in an approved homeschool program. Parents should research what the state regulations are in order to ensure that they do not violate any state laws.
What is the Enrollment Process?
Another important step when homeschooling in Pennsylvania is to enroll your child in an approved educational program. Pennsylvania recognizes a variety of different options for home education, including online public school programs and local educational programs.
Once parents have chosen a program, they should fill out the necessary paperwork and provide proof of residence, proof of educational program and proof of vaccinations to the local public school superintendent or the nonpublic school principal. Parents are also expected to report student academic progress to the local superintendent or principal every year. Failure to do so could result in a forfeiture of educational benefits, such as diploma issuance.
What Educational Materials Are Available?
Parents need to make sure that they have access to the educational materials their child will need in order to properly homeschool their child. Pennsylvania does not require that these materials be purchased from a specific provider, and most of the materials can be obtained for free or for a nominal fee.
However, parents should make sure that any resources they use adhere to the academic standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Additionally, parents should also keep track of their purchases in case the local public school superintendent or non-public school principal requests proof of compliance.
How Do You Find Support for Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience and having the right support is critical in order to guarantee the success of homeschooling. Parents should look into any local support groups that could provide advice and encouragement to homeschooling families. Most Pennsylvania cities and counties have these support groups and they are free to join.
Additionally, homeschooling blogs and online forums can provide valuable insight and advice from other homeschooling families.
What Are the School Attendance Requirements?
Pennsylvania’s Department of Education requires parents to provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction, with each day consisting of at least 5 hours of instruction for each student. Parents should keep track of their child’s instruction days in case the local public school superintendent or nonpublic school principal requests evidence of attendance.
Additionally, parents are expected to disclose information about their homeschooling program to their local superintendent or principal if requested.
What are the Requirements for Assessing Student Progress?
Parents are required to assess their child’s academic progress each year and submit the results to the local public school superintendent or nonpublic school principal. This can be accomplished through standardized tests, such as the IOWA Basic Skills Test or the IOWA Test of Educational Development.
Parents are expected to have their child tested in reading, language arts, science, social studies and math, and the results of the tests should be comparable to the standard test scores of a public or private school.
What Special Education Services Are Available?
Parents have the option of accessing special education services for their child. If the parent believes their child has exceptional learning needs, they can request a full evaluation of their child’s ability by the local public school district. The district will then determine if special education services are needed and what kind of support the child will receive.
The special education services provided in Pennsylvania include instruction, counseling, assessment, case management and placement.
What Are The Graduation Requirements?
In order for a homeschool student to receive a diploma in Pennsylvania, they need to either earn a final grade of 70 or higher in all of their subjects or pass the state-required standardized tests. Furthermore, students also need to complete both 20 hours of community service and 10 hours of work experience in order to be eligible for a high school diploma.
Are There Any Socialization Opportunities?
Parents often worry that their child may lack the necessary social skills development if they are homeschooled. Luckily, homeschooling families have a variety of different opportunities to participate in social activities and events. These activities can include attending homeschooling classes, joining local homeschooling groups or clubs, attending field trips, participating in activities through churches or community centers and joining sports team or clubs.
What Are The Financial Costs of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be expensive and parents need to be financially prepared to cover the costs. There are a variety of different costs associated with homeschooling, including textbooks, curriculum materials, private tutors, field trips and special events. Parents should also budget for special expenses for the home and the family, such as extra computer equipment or supplies.
Are There Any Other Resources Available to Homeschool Families?
There are a variety of other resources that homeschooling families can access to help them with the homeschooling process. Parents can attend workshops and seminars, consult with local resource centers and join state and national homeschooling organizations. The Pennsylvania Department of Education also provides a variety of programs and activities designed to engage and support homeschooling families.
These include a National Home Education Network and a Homeschool Support Group Network.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be a challenging and rewarding experience for both parents and children, and by following the steps outlined above, parents can ensure their child has access to the best possible education experience in Pennsylvania. Although there are specific rules and regulations that need to be followed, with the right resources and support, homeschooling can provide children with an education that is tailored to their individual needs.