Homeschooling

= Welcome homeschooling page! = toc

Homeschoolers are forced to take standardized tests in many states. The information on this page is designed to help navigate those waters. We hope you find useful information here. Please add information below by selecting "edit" then save. Please use the discussion tab to have conversations with others regarding Opting Out.

** Find out the laws in your state **
The National Home Education Network (NHEN) Provides state by state at-a-glance home education information. Click [|this link] to find out about homeschooling in your state.

The Homeschool Legal Device Association (HSLDA) Provides state by state requirements including testing requirements. Click [|this link]to find the law in your state. Note: HSLDA is a religious homeschooler group referred to by some as extremist and right wing. It is known to promote testing in situations in which those who support opting out might disagree. It also has a reputation for being unfriendly to unschoolers and freethinkers. Read more [|here] and [|here].

Invalidating test results
Read Sandra Dodd's advice [|at this link]

Homeschooling support groups
Homeschooling support groups are a terrific resource to determine the homeschooling requirements where you live. [|State by state homeschool organizations] - via Homefires [|Time4Learning's state by state support groups] [|Unschooling support groups in each state - via Sandra Dodd] The Homeschooling support group affiliated with this site: []

Companies from which to purchase required tests
[|Family Learning Organization] Seton Testing Services

Homeschool Planner
[|Visit The Homeschool Mom] or Download by clicking this:

A word of caution
While some of the information here may be helpful in SOME states, in others, because it is specific to children in school, it can lead to your inability to continue home-educating legally.

PA Homeschoolers - Opt Out Information
For example, the information on the Pennsylvania page gives details on how to opt-out of the PSSA, the tests which are given in schools. Homeschoolers are NOT required to take this test.

The only reference to opting out is from · PA Code Chapter 4.4(d)(4) which says “If upon inspection of State assessments parents or guardians find the assessments in conflict with their religious belief and wish their student be excused from the assessment, the right of the parents or guardians will not be denied upon written request to the applicable school district superintendent or AVTS director.” (See [] )

This is not a law; it is a code and there is a HUGE difference. Furthermore, the only way for *schooled* children to opt-out is if their parents claim a religious (NOT "ethical") conflict.

If you want to commit an act of civil disobedience, don't register as a homeschooler. Simple as that. But, to register and then say you don't agree with the regulations will only cause undue hardship. Pick your battles, folks.

In PA, you can order one of six (maybe 5 now) tests and administer them in the privacy of your own home. That's not detrimental to homeschooling. Being called to a school board trial to defend yourself is.

There is a lot of helpful information for PA homeschoolers, by a woman who has been homeschooling in PA for years, here: []

**Disclaimer**
The content shared within this site is from those interested in opting out. The information provided herein may not be accurate to your specific situation. Investigate the rules and laws in your state. Not doing so properly can be dangerous to your continued ability to home educate. Please note that this is a wiki and the information here within is from members who don't claim to be experts but rather simply sharing information they hope will be useful.