ask Darlene
The topic of homeschooling can generate a lot of questions, and sometimes it’s difficult to find the answers.
On this page, I provide answers to many of the questions that are asked about homeschooling in general, and specifically in Pennsylvania.
Six Things To Do Before Choosing Your Curriculum
Standardized Testing for Homeschoolers in PA
Finding a Homeschool Evaluator in Pennsylvania
What Goes Into Your Homeschool Log?
Getting Ready for a Homeschool Evaluation in PA
What Happens During a Homeschool Evaluation
What Goes into a Portfolio?
Do I need to prove that we completed the “required time” part of the law?
Do I need to prove that we completed the “required time” part of the law? The short answer is yes: I ask families to provide proof that they will complete their 180 days by June 30. I don’t want them to spend even 5 seconds creating proof for me. Whatever method they...
Is physical education/health required every year in high school?
Is physical education/health required every year in high school? It’s not required by the PA home education law for any year of high school. Some physical education is required for grades 7-12, but not every year. Read the law so you know the law. “At the secondary...
How many hours are in a school day?
The home education law doesn’t define a day, so use a standard that you feel comfortable with. I recommend doing some research and some thinking before you decide. Personally, I don’t think a 5-year-old child should spend more than 30 minutes a day doing seat-work....
Good Advice for New Homeschool Moms
Here's some good advice from an unknown source: Homeschooling for those who have been in public school can be a culture shock.Many children who have been in public school can be way behind much of the homeschool curriculum. Some of the things I learned when I pulled...
How can I fit in all these subjects?
Believe it or not, you are not required to teach any subject every year. Really. The home education law says: “At the elementary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; the...
Your First Affidavit
WHEN TO FILEThe law says that, the first time you submit an affidavit and objectives for John, you must do so “prior to the commencement of the home education program.” Since the public school year runs from July 1 to June 30 every year, if you submit these items no...
Do I have to wait for approval or permission from the school district?
No, because when you file a homeschool affidavit, you are notifying the district that you will be homeschooling. You are not asking for permission or approval. The Pennsylvania Department of Education confirms this on their website: “Regulation found in 22 Pa. Code...
Standardized Tests? Help!
The Facts: If your child is in grade 3, 5 or 8, the home education law requires that you include in your child’s portfolio the results (scores) for the reading/language arts and mathematics sections of the standardized achievement test your child has taken during the...
Do I need to include my child’s birthdate and grade on my affidavit?
No. The law says you affidavit must include “the name and age of each child who shall participate in the home education program,” but not their birthdate, social security number, grade, or gender.