If a parent is requesting to begin a home schooling program for their child or children, the following documentation must be submitted to the Student Support Services Department at the South Fayette School District.
A notarized affidavit of the supervisor of the home schooling program must be submitted annually. The affidavit must be notarized on an annual basis before August 1st of each school year if the parent intends on continuing to enroll their child or children in a home schooling program.
An outline of the proposed objectives that pertain to the child’s grade level that are in compliance with Pennsylvania State Department Education needs to be submitted annually. The objectives must be submitted before the start of the school year.
Photocopies of the student’s immunization and health records must be submitted when applying for a home schooling program. This documentation can remain in the student’s home schooling file maintained by the District. There are existing annual health screenings as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This information is outlined on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
Photocopies of the supervisor’s high school diploma must be submitted when applying for a home schooling program. Photocopies of post graduate diplomas may also be included. This documentation does not need to be submitted on an annual basis.
If it is determined that an appropriate home schooling program was not conducted, then the District may decide to follow procedures that our outlined on the Pennsylvania State Department of Education website, which could culminate in a hearing if necessary between the parent and the District.
Outline Guide
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 homes school evaluator, as specified in the Home Education Law. An evaluation report should be submitted to the district’s Home School Coordinator by the end of June of each year.
Additional information pertaining to Home Schooling mandates per the Pennsylvania Department of Education can be found using the following web page:
www.education.pa.gov. Once you click on the link, type in the search field "Home Education" to access guidance and helpful resources pertaining to homeschooling state requirements for your child.
Questions regarding homes education may also be directed to Gretchen Tucci , Home School Coordinator,
at 412-221-4542 x 415.