Home Education

The Wilkinsburg School District recognizes the legal rights of parents and guardians to educate their child in their home, pursuant to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Act 169 of 1988, and in accordance with Sections 1327 and 1327.1 of the Pennsylvania School Code. 

Home education, also known as "homeschool," is an educational option where the parent/guardian provides a "home education program" or obtains the services of a "properly qualified private tutor." Each option has specific district requirements that must be met, tracked, and reviewed by the family and district. 

The home education timeline runs from September through June. 

Enrollment

Enrollment information for home education is due by August 1. Families must: 

• Submit a signed and notarized affidavit to the Superintendent at:

Wilkinsburg School District

718 Wallace Ave. 

Pittsburgh, PA 15221

• Families may sign out curriculum or learning resources obtained from the district between August 1 and August 30.

Testing

Students in Grades 3, 5, and 8 are required to complete standardized testing as part of the annual home education evaluation.  The portfolio for students in Grades 3, 5, and 8 must include the results of reading/language arts and mathematics; all other subjects are optional.

Families may choose to use: 

• The applicable statewide test for reading/language arts and mathematics, or 
• A nationally normed standardized achievement test approved for use by Pennsylvania home education programs. 

Parents and guardians cannot administer the required standardized achievement test. Families may hire or obtain assistance from another qualified individual to administer the test. 

If the supervisor of the home education program requests that the student take the PSSA, Keystone Exams, or another applicable statewide assessment, the school district must allow the student to take the test at the school building the student would normally attend or through other arrangements agreed upon by the school district and parent/guardian. 

Evaluation

Evaluations are due each year by June 30. Evaluations must:

• Be completed by a certified educator who is not the parent or legal guardian. 
• Include a portfolio of student work completed over the school year, which must include:
  • A log of work completed
  • Samples of writing, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials
  • Standardized test results for students in the required testing grades