Posted on 11/30/2005 7:38:52 AM PST by Flipyaforreal
I am moving from Florida to Pennsylvania (rather abruptly) in December and am inquiring about how and where to get solid information on how to homeschool in PA. I need to withdraw my 2 children from school here (grades 5 and 9) in FL before/during the Christmas break and begin homeschooling in PA in January for the remainder of the school year. I've searched online but am a bit overwhelmed with it all, as I am not familiar with the exact steps I need to take to ensure I do this properly. I am trying to figure out the neccesary steps, laws, rules, etc., on my own but I thought if anyone who is invloved in homeschooling here on FR has any information, advice or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
One of my all time favorite characters, one of my all time favorite movies!
CHAP (Christian Homeschoolers of Pennsylvania) has a lot of help available regarding evaluators for different areas around the state. Membership is $5.00/ year and counts for a $15.00 discount to join HSLDA.
Also, just do a search of "Homeschool + Pennsylvania" and there are a gazillion sites. Pa Homeschoolers site has info for any questions re. state and local needs. But, HSLDA... the authoritative source re. Pa. laws. If you are able to join they will also do legal battle if you need that.
We also love the K12 curriculum.
One additional reason to consider PAVCS is that PA is among the most difficult states in which to homeschool independently (you have to turn in work portfolios, etc.). I have a friend who has homeschooled in PA both independently and through PAVCS, and she has found PAVCS less of a headache. It might be easier for you on short notice just to go ahead and use PAVCS (which is homeschooling through a public charter), and your support teacher will guide you through the process.
If you homeschool independently perhaps there is a homeschool organization in PA which could assist you getting started? Good luck!
Here you go:
http://www.phea.net
PA Homeschoolers isn't what it's cracked upto be...run by PA teachers, union folks.
Home Educators Ping!
Parent asking for advice about homeschooling in PA.
(Agrace - sorry for the late ping! My computer was down. It's still very, very slow...)
Here's what I've heard from PA homeschoolers (I live right across the bridge in NJ): I've been told that the cost to hire the required "certified education consultant" (or whatever they're called) ranges from $50-$100 per child. But, as mentioned in a post above, many of the local homeschool groups have a "certified consultant" in their group, so look for a group that has one before you move there. You can check out the PA yahoo email loops for homeschoolers and start talking with them to find one.
Btw, I know a former PA homeschooler who preferred PA. I myself am very anti-regulation, but one mom told me that it was easier to homeschool in PA because her consultant (a member of her homeschool group) planned the entire curriculum for her.
Good luck with everything!
Thanks so much for the help! Still reading up on everything but definitely some great advice and links! :)
Yes, HSLDA is terrific. In California you just do it; we joined an umbrella school here (Los Angeles), some just do it, some start their 'own private' schools. Of one or five students. I don't like to register that much with the state. Have fun. We LOVED homeschooling.
Congratulations on your decision.
My wife found "The Well Trained Mind" by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise.
It is superb, and indispensible for the homeschooling parent. I promise that you will love this book!
Again, congratulations and good luck.
How did this turn out for you??
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.