Learn the PA Homeschool Law
What If I Am Moving In The Middle Of The School Year?
- In order to avoid being considered “truant”, you should file with the school district immediately upon taking residence in the district. From Section 1326:
“Truant” shall mean having incurred three (3) or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year by a child subject to compulsory school attendance under this article.
What If I Am Moving Before the New School Year Begins?
- If you are moving after the school year has completed and before the new year begins, then we recommend should file with the school district by August 1. If you have moved into the school district after August 1, but before the beginning of the school year, then we recommend filing with the school district immediately upon taking residence in the district.
When Do I Have to File Documents With My School District?
- Nothing must be done until the child reaches six.
- Public schools are responsible for enforcing compulsory attendance laws, so documents need to be filed with the school district before your child is considered truant.
- School districts may only accept new students during the first two weeks of each semester in the school year. If a student does not turn 6 until after the school district is no longer accepting new students, the parent may wait until the following year to file an affidavit. We recommend checking with your school district’s office for their expectations.
- To continue homeschooling, you must file your new affidavit each year by August 1.
With Whom Do I File?
- The superintendent of your local school district or their designated representative.
What Documents Must I File?
- A completed and notarized affidavit, including educational objectives.
- An outline of proposed education objectives for each of the required subject areas for the level of instruction for each student.
- Evidence of the child’s immunization and medical and dental care.
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If you have a learning disabled student, you also need a statement from a properly qualified person that the educational plan is appropriate to the disability of the child.