So far in this series about how to legally move a home education program under PA homeschool law, I have discussed how to transfer a program when moving within the state (part 1 and part 2) and what to do when you’re moving to Pennsylvania from another state.
This post describes what to do if you homeschool and are moving out of state.
Compulsory attendance age
I always suggest beginning with compulsory attendance age. If your child hasn’t reached compulsory attendance age in Pennsylvania and you have not been obligated to file an affidavit for another reason, check the compulsory attendance age in the state to which you are moving.
State laws dictate
As I mentioned in the previous post, homeschool laws are state-specific and their requirements do not follow you when you move to another state.
The Pennsylvania homeschool law is completely silent on procedures for moving out of state which makes sense since the laws of the state to which you are moving will dictate your rights and responsibilities.
Do some research ahead of time to make sure you understand important dates and what, if any, paperwork you will be required to submit.
Obligations under PA homeschool law before you move
Although the PA homeschool law does not require you to notify the school district that you’re moving, I would do it to avoid confusion and as a common courtesy. Otherwise, you’ll be getting notices or correspondence at your PA address.
Technically, you’re responsible to file an evaluator’s certification with the PA school district of residence for the time that you homeschooled in PA.
Many school districts will not expect or require this step. A simple statement on a letter to the effect “our home education program will be subject to the laws of the state of __________ , therefore, no further action is required” might persuade a school administrator to close your child’s file without any further action. It’s worth a try if you’re sure your new district won’t request records or some form of verification that your home education program was in good standing in Pennsylvania.
If a superintendent insists on an evaluator’s certification, the law does not require it before June 30 unless the superintendent pursues a formal challenge to the home education program through the proper legal procedures defined in the law. See 24 P.S. § 1327.1(i.1) and (j.1).
Even then, he or she would have to have a reasonable basis for the belief that the home education program was not in compliance or that an appropriate education was not occurring. I guess a supervisor’s refusal to file a certification before relocating could serve as the basis for the reasonable belief but the law does not require it before June 30.
If the superintendent insists on the certification, it might be more convenient to obtain an evaluation before you move. I doubt you will be charged with truancy if you fail to file a certification by June 30 but you might not want to take the chance.
If your child is in high school, pay close attention to the graduation requirements in the state to which you are moving. It might be more important to adhere to the Pennsylvania law before you move in order to support a transcript or the graduation requirements of another state.
I hope this helps. If you’re still not sure how the Pennsylvania homeschool law applies to your situation, consider joining the private member community where I answer specific questions about the homeschool law.