HomeWise
Discover practical homeschooling advice and answers to your burning questions. From requirements to curriculum management, the following articles offer insights and guidance to make your homeschooling journey smoother and more rewarding.
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....
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...
Homeschooling Numbers Continue to Climb After COVID-19 Pandemic: Report
Hey folks, I've got some interesting news to share about homeschooling in the US. Turns out, the numbers are still on the rise even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pretty wild, right? So, here's the scoop: According to a recent report, homeschooling has been growing...
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...
My son turns 6 on September 30. Do I need to file an affidavit for him this year?
No. If your child turns 6 years old after September 1, you can wait until the next school year to file an affidavit. Source: https://www.psba.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/School-Code-2019-and-Other-FAQ-20190813-ADA-Compliant.pdf
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...
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 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...
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...