Home Education Program
Home education is a lawful education option in Pennsylvania where the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child takes full responsibility for their education.
The parent, as the home education program supervisor, is responsible for providing instruction in mandated subjects and fulfilling state attendance and evaluation requirements.
Under Pennsylvania School Code 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1 the key points include:
- Parental Responsibility: The supervisor oversees curriculum, instruction, and compliance with state law.
- Affidavit Requirement: Parents must submit an affidavit to the local school district before starting home education and annually thereafter.
- Mandatory Subjects: Instruction must cover specific subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies.
- Instruction Time: At least 180 days or 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary) of instruction per year.
- Portfolio & Evaluation: Families must maintain a portfolio of work and submit an annual evaluation conducted by a qualified evaluator.
- Standardized Testing: Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must take an approved standardized test.
See Methacton School District Policy 137, Home Education Programs, for more information.
Extracurricular Activities and Public School Access
Under 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(f.1), students participating in a home education program are entitled to take part in extracurricular activities provided by their local public school district.
Home-educated students may participate in district extracurricular activities such as:
- Sports (PIAA-governed and non-PIAA)
- Music programs (band, orchestra, choir)
- Clubs (science club, debate team, drama club, etc.)
- School-sponsored activities open to district students
All students, district enrolled and home education students are held to the same participation standards.
They must meet the same participation requirements as district-enrolled students, such as:
- Tryouts or auditions (if required)
- Academic eligibility standards
- Conduct and attendance policies
If interested in participating in extracurricular activities, contact Mrs. Taylor Parker, Athletics and Activities Director, tparker@methacton.org.
Resources and Support
- Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students, MSD Board Policy 137.1.
- Participation in Cocurricular Activities and Academic Courses by Home Education Students, MSD Board Policy 137.2.
- Participation in Career and Technical Education Programs by Home Education, MSD Board Policy 137.3.
- PA Department of Education’s Home Education Guidelines.