Homeschooling in
the State of Pennsylvania

Important things to know as you consider homeschooling in The Keystone State.

Homeschooling became legal in Pennsylvania in 1988 and is accompanied by strict guidelines. The law requires that children must be actively in school from the ages of eight until the age of seventeen. Instruction is mandatory for 180 days or 900 hours and the elementary level and 180 days or 990 hours of instruction at the secondary level. In the elementary level required subjects include: English (spelling, reading, and writing), arithmetic, history (Pennsylvania and the United States), civics, health, physiology, physical education, music, art, geography, sickness, and safety education (includes the instruction on the danger and prevention of fires). In the secondary level, required subjects include: English (language, literature, speech and composition), science, geography, social students (world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania), mathematics (general mathematics, algebra and geometry), art, music, physical education, health and safety education (includes instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires). In the secondary level requirements of 4 credits of English, 3 credits of math, 3 credits of sciences, 3 credits of social studies and 2 credits of arts and humanities must be satisfied. In the state of Pennsylvania, these requirements can be met by traditional homeschooling, by hiring a private tutor, or by enrolling a child in a religious day school with supplemental teaching done at home.

A parent that feels they can meet these requirements must notify their local school district of their decision to homeschool their child. A notarized affidavit must be sent to the local superintendent annually and prior to commencement of the homeschooling program. This affidavit must include general information about the parent and child, such as name, age, address and telephone; assurance that the subjects are taught in English; an outline of education objectives by subject area; evidence of immunization; evidence of health and medical services required by law; a certification that the supervisor, all adults living within the home, and persons having legal custody of the children have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses within a specified time period. The affidavit will then be used to determine whether or not the proposed programs meet all necessary standards. Once approved, a parent can begin their home schooling curriculum.

Homeschooling is not a job that should be taken on alone; there are many ways to obtain support. Doing research to find state support groups can allow access to a range of engaging activities and lesson plans to use with your child. Some organizations have devoted a great deal of time and effort into creating resources for homeschooling parents. Groups such as Pennsylvania Homeschoolers (www.pahomeschoolers.com) and the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (www.chaponline.com) provide a wide range of teaching resources and answers to commonly asked questions. Groups such as ATG Learning, a non-profit institution, provide tutoring and testing services to homeschooled kids in the Pennsylvania area. Taking advantage of resources such as these can greatly increase homeschooling success.




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