What Do I Do? Part 1: Affidavit & Objectives

I just spoke to a dear friend who needs to submit her affidavit and objectives for the very first time and wants to make sure she is doing it correctly. I know, sending these things in for the first time can be nerve-wracking!! If you’re wondering, “What do I do?” then this post is for you!

What is an affidavit?

First of all, what the heck is an affidavit, and why do you need one? According to Legaldictionary.net, the definition of an affidavit is:

For our purposes, the affidavit is a notarized document that you submit to your school district to inform them that you are educating your children at home.

What does the PA law say?

I say it time and time again, the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the Pennsylvania law pertaining to home education. Here is what it says:

1949 Act 14 Chapter 13 Section 27 Subsection 1

(1)  A notarized affidavit of the parent or guardian or other person having legal custody of the child or children, filed prior to the commencement of the home education program and annually thereafter on August 1 with the superintendent of the school district of residence and which sets forth: the name of the supervisor of the home education program who shall be responsible for the provision of instruction; the name and age of each child who shall participate in the home education program; the address and telephone number of the home education program site; that such subjects as required by law are offered in the English language, including an outline of proposed education objectives by subject area; evidence that the child has been immunized in accordance with the provisions of section 1303(a) and has received the health and medical services required for students of the child’s age or grade level in Article XIV; and that the home education program shall comply with the provisions of this section and that the notarized affidavit shall be satisfactory evidence thereof. The required outline of proposed education objectives shall not be utilized by the superintendent in determining if the home education program is out of compliance with this section and section 1327. The affidavit shall contain a certification to be signed by the supervisor that the supervisor, all adults living in the home and persons having legal custody of a child or children in a home education program have not been convicted of the criminal offenses enumerated in subsection (e) of section 111 within five years immediately preceding the date of the affidavit.

Where do I get my affidavit notarized?

IMHO, the best option is your bank. Most banks will notarize your paperwork for free if you have an account there. I think people tend to overcomplicate this step. Obviously, there are other places where you can find notaries – these may be available for free or charge a small fee. Check your library, UPS store, any shipping store, local government representative’s office, township buildings, AAA, and auto tags establishments.

What are objectives?

Homeschool objectives are “an outline of proposed education objectives by subject.”

Let’s go back to what the law says:

(1)  At the elementary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires; health and physiology; physical education; music; and art.

(2)  At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include language, literature, speech and composition; science; geography; social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry; art; music; physical education; health; and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires. Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education.

Where do I send it?

Now that you have your affidavit filled out, notarized, and your objectives listed, MAKE COPIES!! (Yes, some people forget and send their originals!) Send the copies of your paperwork to the office of the superintendent of the school district where you live. You can deliver them in person or mail them via certified mail via USPS. If you deliver it in person, be sure to get a written receipt.

When do I send it?

Your affidavit and objectives are due by August 1st or when you begin to homeschool your child (ex., if you pull your student(s) out of school during the school year).

PRO-TIP: After your first year of homeschooling, send your affidavit and objectives along with your year-end evaluation letter, and you’ll be all set for the next school year!

What else should I know?

It’s helpful to keep a copy of your affidavit in your wallet or keep a picture of it on your phone. Sometimes, venues will ask for proof of homeschooling status to allow you to take advantage of discounted homeschool admission or programming. You may even be able to use your affidavit at stores to get teacher discounts!

I hope this article helps answer the question. “What do I do?” and helps put your mind at ease. I know the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania makes us do a bit more work than other states, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not as difficult as it sounds. Happy Homeschooling!!

You might be thinking to yourself: “There are other options besides the affidavit!” and you’re right!!! I’ll address the Unsworn Declaration and Private Tutor law in another article.