Overview

Parents or guardians in Pennsylvania are able to home school their children as an option to compulsory school attendance. This law specifies the requirements and responsibilities of the parents and the school district where the family lives. Parents interested in a home education program for their children need to submit the following to the Superintendent’s office:

1. A notarized affidavit of the supervisor of a home education program

2. Outline of proposed objectives as specified by Home Education Law

3. Photocopies of the student’s immunization and health records

4. Photocopies of the supervisor’s high school diploma and post-graduate diplomas, if applicable.

Upon review and acceptance of the application, home school supervisors must maintain a portfolio of the student’s work and a log of instructional hours, as specified in the Home Education Law. Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must be administered a nationally normed standardized achievement test. Results of the test should be included in the home education portfolio. At the end of each school year, the portfolio must be reviewed by a certified home school evaluator, as specified in the Home Education Law. The evaluation report should be submitted to the district’s Assistant to the Superintendent by the end of June of each year.  

Home education procedures, laws, and sample affidavits can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. Questions regarding home education may also be directed to Mrs. Melissa Ferencuha, Assistant to the Superintendent, at 724-947-8136 ext. 3318 or e-mail at mferencuha@burgettstown.k12.pa.us