Frequently Asked Questions

Starting to homeschool — at the beginning of the year or partway through — is completely doable. You do not need your district's approval. You may begin immediately. Documentation must be submitted within 10 days of starting.

Before August 1: Submit a notarized Affidavit (or Unsworn Declaration), educational objectives, and a Medical Services & Dental record or exemption statement.

Mid-year: Follow the same steps, withdraw your child from their current school, and begin keeping a portfolio from day one. Save samples of prior schoolwork to establish a baseline.

See the Start Homeschooling page for all templates and downloads.

All PA counties. Since I conduct all evaluations virtually via Google Meet, I can serve families statewide.

I hold a valid PA PK-4 (elementary) certification and PK-12 special education certification, plus full-time classroom experience and 7+ years tutoring high school students with various needs. This qualifies me to evaluate all grade levels K–12, including students with active IEPs, nonverbal students, and unschoolers.

All evaluations are conducted virtually via Google Meet. A typical evaluation is a relaxed, encouraging conversation about your child's growth over the year. I review portfolio samples, ask your child a few simple questions, and we discuss how the year went — celebrating progress and answering your questions. Most evaluations last 30–60 minutes per child.

Afterward, I'll email you the signed evaluation form with instructions for submitting it to your superintendent or umbrella school.

Samples from each subject studied (workbook pages, writing samples, project photos); a reading log; standardized assessment results (3rd, 5th, and 8th grade only); and anything else showing progress. The goal is to demonstrate consistent, sustained education — not perfection. See the Evaluations page for the full checklist.

Yes. PA law requires a student interview during the evaluation. However, your child does not need to stay for the entire duration.

The student portion is informal and tailored to their age. Sample questions:

1. Walk me through a typical day in your homeschool.
2. What is something you remember learning this year?
3. Which subject do you want to tell me about first?
4. Tell me about a book you read this year.
5. Describe a time when you were really interested in something you were learning.
6. What kinds of things have you been practicing or exploring?
7. What's a topic you'd be happy to keep learning about?

That's completely okay! I keep the student portion relaxed and friendly — more like a conversation than an interview. I'll ask gentle, open-ended questions and let your child share at their own pace. There's no pressure to give perfect answers. Most kids end up enjoying it once they realize it's not a big deal.

You're not alone. I approach evaluations with encouragement, not judgment. I'm looking for meaningful learning and growth — not perfection. Remember, I'm a homeschooling mom too. Our family has gone through seasons that made homeschooling difficult. If you're unsure whether you've "done enough," we'll talk through it together. You're probably doing more than you think.

Technically you are out of compliance if you miss the deadline. In practice, your district will typically contact you by phone or letter before taking further action. As long as you respond and submit your evaluation, it is unlikely to escalate. Keeping open communication with your district goes a long way.

PA evaluations require a student interview — but this does not require the child to speak. For nonverbal students, the interview can take the form of observation, parent-facilitated interaction, or use of AAC devices. I may watch the student engage with materials, respond through gestures or body language, or communicate via tablets or communication boards.

Please let me know ahead of time if your child is nonverbal so I can prepare accordingly.

Yes. I hold a valid PA PK-12 special education certification and am qualified to evaluate students with active IEPs. I focus on progress that is appropriate for your child — not grade-level comparisons. See the IEP Students page for more detail.

Yes. The law stipulates required subjects, not how they must be taught. Documentation for unschoolers might include: photos of projects or activities, videos of presentations or recitals, creative writing samples, drawings and artwork, photos taken during outings, screenshots of educational app progress, or weekly summaries written by the parent or child. Just enough to show that learning happened consistently.

PA law requires standardized assessment results for 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade only. You may use PSSAs (through your district) or any of these state-approved tests:

1. California Achievement Test (recommended — available online, parent-administered, reasonably priced)
2. Iowa Test of Basic Skills
3. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
4. Stanford Achievement Test
5. Woodcock-Johnson
6. And several others — see the full list at the PA Department of Education

There is no minimum passing score. Assessment scores are not a primary factor in my evaluations. Students may take the test at their current academic level, not necessarily their registered grade level.

12th grade evaluations are similar in format to other years but carry additional weight. If you're issuing a parent diploma, I must confirm that your student has completed all required high school subjects: 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, 2 years of Arts and Humanities, plus geography, art, music, PE, health, and safety education at some point in grades 7–12.

Sub-subjects can count as early as 7th grade — so save portfolios starting in 7th grade. Bring transcripts and/or portfolio samples for all secondary required subjects.

Yes. Under PA homeschool law, students may graduate before age 18 if they've completed all required subjects. Courses completed in grades 7 and 8 can count toward graduation requirements. I'm happy to review your records and confirm requirements have been met.

Yes. Since October 2014, the parent-issued diploma is a fully state-recognized option. When it meets PA requirements and is signed by a qualified 12th-grade evaluator, it carries the same rights as an organization diploma — for college applications, scholarships, and employment. See the Graduation page for full details.

$40 for the first student, $25 for each additional sibling. Payment is due after I email you the evaluation form. Payment options: Zelle (445-444-1266), Venmo (@Alona-Cortes), PayPal (@alonajeansnyder), Apple Cash (445-444-1266).

I begin scheduling evaluations in mid-April and conduct them through May and June. I send a Google Booking link by email in late March/early April to families I've connected with previously. If you don't see the email, feel free to reach out or use the scheduling link directly.

No. Homeschool evaluators are not contracted or employed by the state. I operate independently, and my evaluations reflect my personal philosophy: your children are yours, not the state's. I uphold what the law requires — without giving the state any additional information beyond what is legally necessary.

If you ever feel unsafe — or feel that your children may not be safe — you are welcome to reach out to me privately. I'll do my best to connect you with appropriate support resources.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
• 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988