Home Education (Home School)

Home education programs (also known as homeschooling) are programs where the education of the student is directed by the parent or guardian or such person having legal custody of the child(ren). A student who is enrolled in a home school education program will not recieve Bangor Area School District diploma.

All children from the age of six (6) through the age of eighteen (18) must comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. To meet these requirements, parents/guardians must ensure that the child(ren) between the ages of 6 and 18 is attending or participating in one of the following:

• a public elementary, middle, or high school;
• a public charter or cyber-charter school;
• a private licensed academic or private religious school;
• home tutoring by a certified teacher;
• or an approved home education program (home schooling).

Home Education: How to Begin

A home education program beings with the submission of a notarized affidavit to the Director of Student Services, in the student’s district of residence, by the home education supervisor (parent, guardian or person having legal custody of the child).

The affidavit covers the school year (July 1 – June 30) and must be submitted to the district no later than August 1 of each school year a child is homeschooled. The only exception is the first year a student enrolls for a home education program. In only the child's first year may the home education program begin at any time. It begins once the home education affidavit and supporting documentation is submitted.

Documenting the Program: The Portfolio

During the school year, the supervisor maintains a portfolio of records and materials, demonstrating that an appropriate education is occurring. The home education evaluator reviews the portfolio periodically or at the conclusion of the year.

Closing out the Year: the Evaluation

A written evaluation of the home education program must be submitted by the home education supervisor to the superintendent of schools in the student’s district of residence no later than June 30 for the closing school year.

The evaluation written by a qualified home education evaluator is based on an interview of the student and a review of the portfolio. It must state whether an appropriate education has occurred for the student for the closing school year.

The above information can be found at the PA Department of Education, Home Education and Private Tutoring Website