A home school is a school in which parents teach their children an academic curriculum at home instead of sending them out to a public or private school. Home schooling is most popular in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Home schooling is legally accepted in all 50 states of the U.S., but each state has its own laws that a family must adhere to.
In Pennsylvania, a Home School Agreement is a legal and binding document that outlines the responsibilities and expectations of the parents or guardians who choose to homeschool their children. This agreement serves as a formal understanding between the parents and the school district, ensuring compliance with the state's homeschooling laws and regulations. The Pennsylvania Home School Agreement emphasizes the commitment of the parents to provide a well-rounded education to their children, covering various subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and health. It underscores the parents' responsibility to create an individualized curriculum that aligns with the child's age, abilities, and educational goals. The agreement also requires that homeschooling parents submit an affidavit each year to the school district superintendent, providing necessary information about the curriculum objectives, daily instructional hours, and evidence of academic progress. Along with this affidavit, parents must include a portfolio of the child's work samples, including tests, projects, and assignments, to demonstrate their academic advancement. It is important to note that the Pennsylvania Home School Agreement includes various types of agreements tailored to different homeschooling situations. Some of these agreements include: 1. Traditional Homeschooling Agreement: This is the standard agreement used by most homeschooling families, where parents assume full responsibility for their child's education and comply with the state's homeschooling regulations. 2. Cyber Charter School Agreement: In this type of agreement, parents choose to enroll their child in an online cyber charter school. The parents and the school enter into an agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both parties in ensuring the child's virtual education. 3. Umbrella Schooling Agreement: Some parents opt to partner with an umbrella school, also known as a home school academy, to provide curriculum guidance, support, and standardized testing services. This agreement outlines the roles and obligations of both the parents and the umbrella school in facilitating the child's homeschooling. 4. Cooperative Agreement: This agreement is utilized by families participating in homeschooling cooperatives or support groups. Parents in the cooperative collaborate to provide education to their children, sharing resources, expertise, and teaching duties. The cooperative agreement specifies the guidelines, rules, and responsibilities of each family involved in the group. Ultimately, the Pennsylvania Home School Agreement ensures that homeschooled children in the state receive an appropriate education while maintaining compliance with state laws. It promotes transparency and accountability between homeschooling families and the school district, fostering a constructive partnership for the benefit of the child's academic development.
