Information for Home Education Programs (Home Schooling)

Under Pennsylvania’s home schooling law, any parent who has earned a high school diploma or G.E.D. and who has not been convicted of a heinous crime within the past five years may teach their own children.

If you intend to provide a program of home schooling for your child, you must comply with the following:

Register your Child as a Home Education Student

1. Submit a notarized affidavit of the parent or guardian or other person having legal custody of the child or children, filed prior to the commencement of the home education program and annually thereafter on August 1st  to Dr. Frances K. Garner, Director of Student Services, which includes:

• The name of the supervisor of the home education program who shall be responsible for the provision of instruction
• A copy of a diploma or G.E.D. of the home education supervisor
• The name and age of each child who shall participate in the home education program
• The address and telephone number of the home education program site
• That such subjects as required by law are offered in the English language

A sample affidavit can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website.

2. Provide an outline of proposed education objectives by subject area for each child.
3. Provide evidence that the child has been immunized in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You may access this schedule by clicking on the following:

PA Department of Health- School Immunizations

American Academy of Pediatrics- Immunization Schedule

 You must also provide documentation your child has received the  health and medical services required for students of the child's age or grade level:

4. If your child is enrolled in Rose Tree Media School District, you must submit a withdrawal form prior to beginning homeschooling. When you withdraw, you must return all district-issued items including devices and library books. Withdrawal form and directions

 Keep A Portfolio

Once you have filed your affidavit, you must maintain a portfolio for each child which shows the child is receiving an appropriate education. Your portfolio should include:

•    Daily log which identifies the specific dates of instruction and the materials used on each date documenting the proper amount of time
•  Elementary level (grades 1-6) 180 days or 900 hours per year
• Secondary Level ( grades 7-12) 180 days or 990 hours per year
• Work Examples
•  Samples of writing, worksheets, creative materials organized by subject area
• Evaluation results of a student's progress by a certified teacher or psychologist
• Test Results as required (grades 3,5,8)

The supervisor of a home education student who has been identified as needing special education services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), must have a certified special education teacher or licensed clinical or certified school psychologist’s approval of the home education program. This requirement does not apply to students who have been identified as gifted or talented.

Submit Documentation

Your home education evaluator will review the portfolios and the standardized tests if required. This evaluation is due by June 30th following each school year.