FAQs

Where can I get information about home schooling?

You can start at this website!

Information is available from home school support groups, the Internet, libraries, home school publications and plenty of other sources. Internet search engines will bring up countless links. Here are some to start: (If you don’t have internet access at home, go to the library! It’s free!)

York Home School Association: (this website)
http://www.yhsa.org

Pennsylvania Home Educators Association (PHEA):

PHEA is an inclusive statewide coalition of home educators whose primary purpose is to provide accurate information and advocate for Pennsylvania home educators.
http://www.phea.net

HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):

HSLDA is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed.

http://www.hslda.org

How can I know that I will have success?

Pray about it. Get involved with others through small groups and Moms' Support groups. Make it a lifestyle. Let your child know he is important and this is the best for his education. Work hard. Do not let a first year set you back, especially if the child has been in a government school. It will take time (maybe a full year) to "undo" the classroom style and to become a family again. Your child will need to respect you as both teacher and parent. Be strong and pray a lot.

Can I have someone else home school my child for me?

Well, yes and no. You are the supervisor and must sign the affidavit as the responsible party for the education of the child. You need to plan the child's education, but you do not personally have to teach it all yourself. There are co-op classes for home schoolers, clubs and other options to fill requirements. Your child can take a community art class or computer class at the local college to fulfill requirements. You can delegate some of your child's education.

What about field trips and socialization?

Organized field trips can complement a curriculum and provide social time for children and adults. Most support groups offer social events. YHSA offers many social events, including Park Days, an Annual Picnic and a New Member Orientation. Families can also participate in academic projects such as science fairs and competitions. Outside opportunities such as co-ops, dance, organized sports, and church involvement all provide additional socialization opportunities.

When can I start home schooling?

If you are pulling the child out of school, anytime is fine. Once your paperwork is into the proper office at the administrative building of your district, you can home school. If the child has never been to school, you do not need to file anything until the beginning of the school year during which the child turn 6 years old by September 1st. If the child attended first grade, then you must file each year, regardless of age.

What do I tell the school district?

You need to submit a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) and list of educational objectives to the superintendent's office of the school district in which you reside. If your child is leaving school mid-year, you may want to send a courtesy note to their teacher or the school office to let them know the child won't be returning. Make sure your child has returned any school property such as textbooks or library books.

See our Homeschool and the Law page for more details.

Do I need to join a support group such as YHSA?

No, you do not. There is no law requiring support group or any other membership. However, it is helpful to connect with others and share ideas. Parents can more successfully carry out this responsibility with the support of like-minded home educators. Frequently, parents are called on to defend their decision to home educate their children and affiliation with a support group can strengthen the drive, desire, and beliefs that brought parents to the decision to home educate in the first place.

What are the benefits of belonging to a support group?

(This information applies only to YHSA)

Moms' Support Groups - Meetings provide a time of fellowship and idea sharing with other home schooling moms. We have these throughout the school year several times a month, at different locations throughout York County.

YHSA Membership Card - Many retail stores will accept this card as proof you are an educator, giving you access to school and teacher discounts! Stores include Joann Fabric Store, Michael's, Staples Rewards Program, and others.

The YHSA Membership Directory - A ready reference with names of member parents and children.

Access to YHSA sponsored events throughout the year to help you meet your own established goals for home schooling. Many of these events are only available for members of our organization. If you're a member, you are welcome!

Group discount rates for HSLDA - Home schoolers all over feel the pressure from those not in support of home schooling. YHSA membership means you can get the group rate when you join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).

Access to the YHSA Library, which has many resources to help you get started home schooling, choosing a curriculum, Christian parenting and home education. There are also resources in the library to enrich your home schooling efforts for your children. These are available for loan. You can go on the organization website to view available resources.

Access to the YHSA Website - Members Only area - You can log in to view the most updated list of evaluators, online directory with most recent members, and much more!

What is the Nicene Creed?

The Text of the Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,

     the Father, the Almighty,
     maker of heaven and earth,
     of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
     the only Son of God,
     eternally begotten of the Father,
     God from God, Light from Light,
     true God from true God,
     begotten, not made,
     of one Being with the Father.
     Through Him all things were made.
     For us and for our salvation
          He came down from heaven:
     by the power of the Holy Spirit
          He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
          and was made man.
     For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
     He suffered death and was buried.
     On the third day He rose again
          in accordance with the Scriptures;
     He ascended into heaven
          and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
     He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
          and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
     who proceeds from the Father.
     With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified.
     He has spoken through the Prophets.
     We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
     We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
     We look for the resurrection of the dead,
          and the life of the world to come. AMEN.