• OVERVIEW OF HOMESCHOOLING 

    The decision to have a home education program (22 Pa. Code § 11.31a) is a right; school district permission is not needed to commence the program, as long as the required documentation is submitted.

    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 or children.

    For more detailed information, please reference the Pennsylvania Department of Education-Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide.

    Before you can begin to homeschool your child, you must withdraw him/her from Boyertown Area School District. Once we receive the withdrawal paperwork, we will then enroll your child in Homeschool. Failure to complete this step may result in truancy citations.

    Click here for the BASD withdrawal form. Download and complete the form and submit it to Colebrookdale Elementary School by choosing to either drop off at the building or send by regular U.S. Mail, Attn: Linda Seroskie - see address below, If you have any questions, please email lseroskie@boyertownasd.org.

    To Begin a NEW Home Education Program:

    • A student withdrawal form, as referenced above, must be completed.
    • A notarized affidavit, including an outline of educational objectives, must be submitted to the Boyertown Area School District’s Home Education Coordinator prior to the commencement of the Home Education Program.
      • The affidavit covers the school year (July 1 – June 30) and should be turned in to the homeschool coordinator no later than August 1 of each school year a child is homeschooled. The exception is the first year a student is homeschooled; that year the home education program may begin homeschooling at any time during the year, as soon as an affidavit and supporting documentation is submitted.
    • Submit a copy of the Supervisor’s (parents, guardians, legal custodians) High School diploma or its equivalent.
    • Evidence of health services is required for the appropriate age and grade for the child/children.
    • Evidence that the student has received all required immunizations - requests for religious exemptions must be in writing.
    • Students with Disabilities – if the student has been identified as a child with a disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), written notice of approval of the home education program by a licensed clinical or certified psychologist or a PA certified special education teacher must be submitted along with the affidavit.

    Parents electing to homeschool their students can use the documents below to make an informed decision when selecting the curriculum they will follow.

    I Can Brochures - Still to Come

    Core Standards for each level - https://www.boyertownasd.org/domain/34

    Elementary Standards-Based Report Card Guides - https://www.boyertownasd.org/Page/1166

    Middle School and High School Programs of Study - https://www.boyertownasd.org/domain/35

    To CONTINUE with a Home Education Program for Subsequent Year:

    • A new affidavit, including an outline of educational objectives, is required by August 1st.
    • Supervisor’s High School diploma, or its equivalent – a copy is required if the supervisor changes.
    • Evidence of health services is required for the appropriate age and grade for the child/children.
    • Evidence of immunizations is required; requests for religious exemptions must be in writing.
    • Students with Disabilities – if the student has been identified as a child with a disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), written notice of approval of the home education program by a licensed clinical or certified psychologist or a PA certified special education teacher must be submitted along with the affidavit.

    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.

    Annual Requirements to Complete a Home Education:

    • The evaluator’s certification stating that an appropriate education occurred for the school year under review is due to the Boyertown Area School District’s Home Education Coordinator by June 30th.

    Curriculum

    Parents have a legal right to borrow copies of the school district's own planned courses, textbooks and other curriculum materials appropriate to the student's age and grade level; these are provided free of charge. There are many other options for obtaining curriculum.

    Extracurricular Activities

    Homeschooled students have the right to participate in the school district's extracurricular activities, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria or its equivalent. They are subject to compliance with all policies, rules and regulations, or their equivalent, of the governing organization of the activity.

     For additional information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions by choosing the link in the index guide at the top of the page.

    All questions and inquiries regarding home education should be directed to the Boyertown Area School District’s Home Education Coordinator:

    Mrs. Kelly Mason, BASD Home Education Coordinator

    Colebrookdale Elementary School

    1001 Montgomery Avenue

    Boyertown, PA 19512

    610-369-7427

    kmason@boyertownasd.org