Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Pennsylvania
This is general guidance based on Pennsylvania law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Pennsylvania. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
Home education objectives for special needs students must be approved by a PA certified special ed teacher, licensed clinical psychologist, or certified school psychologist before filing affidavit (24 P.S. 13-1327.1). Districts may provide services but fewer than 50% do.
Pennsylvania allows districts to make special education services available to homeschooled students by mutual agreement, though districts can decline and fewer than 50% provide them. Your homeschool program for a child with special needs must be approved by a certified special education teacher or school psychologist. Contact your district to arrange evaluations and services.
The school district may make its special education services available to homeschooled students by mutual agreement, though districts can decline and fewer than 50% provide them. The home education program for a child with identified special needs must address the child's specific needs and be approved by a certified special education teacher or licensed clinical/school psychologist.
Federal protections
- ✓Child Find: Your district must evaluate your child for disabilities if you request it, even while homeschooling.
- ✓Proportionate share: The district must set aside a share of federal special education funding for children in private schools, including homeschools.
Primary source: 24 P.S. 13-1327.1
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment for services
Home-educated students with disabilities are entitled to access dual enrollment services.
How to request: Contact your local school district to request dual enrollment and special education services.
24 P.S. 13-1327.1
Child Find evaluation
Districts must evaluate children suspected of having disabilities upon request.
How to request: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services
Districts may make special education services available to homeschooled students by mutual agreement, though districts can decline.
How to request: Contact your local school district to arrange evaluations and services.
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- May be available through district by mutual agreement
- Occupational therapy:
- May be available through district by mutual agreement
- Behavioral therapy:
- May be available through district by mutual agreement
Unique requirement: homeschool program for child with special needs must be approved by certified special ed teacher or school psychologist.
Where services are typically delivered: Location varies (school, home, or another setting depending on the service)
Before you withdraw: step by step
These are the steps we recommend before withdrawing from Pennsylvania public schools.
- 1
Identify a qualified evaluator (PA certified special ed teacher, licensed psychologist, or certified school psychologist)
- 2
Share child's IEP and evaluations with evaluator for review of home education objectives
- 3
Request copies of all IEP documents and evaluations from district
- 4
File notarized affidavit with evaluator's written approval with school district superintendent
- 5
Contact district about proportionate share services (availability varies)
Important deadline: Notarized affidavit with evaluator approval must be filed prior to commencement of home education
Starting mid-year? Evaluator approval of objectives must be obtained BEFORE filing affidavit. IEP team has no authority to block withdrawal.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
In Pennsylvania: Federal IDEA applies — comparable services until new IEP developed
Cyber charter schools are an alternative that provides full IEP services.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Know your rights
Some districts push back when families withdraw children with IEPs. Here's what Pennsylvania families have encountered and what the law actually says.
The district says: “Your child has an IEP, so they cannot be homeschooled in Pennsylvania”
The law says: 24 P.S. 13-1327.1 explicitly allows home education for children with special needs with evaluator oversight.
What to do: Cite the statute. Contact Disability Rights PA or PEAL Center.
The district says: “We're going to report you to CYS”
The law says: Homeschooling a child with an IEP is legal in PA. Filing a CYS report solely for educational choice is not appropriate.
What to do: Document the threat in writing. Contact HSLDA, DRP, or PEAL.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP)
1-800-692-7443 · disabilityrightspa.org
State disability rights organization
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Pennsylvania?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Pennsylvania?
Can my child still get therapy through the school if we homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Related guides
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Start the Pennsylvania wizardRequirements sourced from 24 P.S. Section 13-1327.1 (Home Education Program). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026