As a family, education is extremely important to us. We want to honor every teacher in our region. Many of these professionals possess a missionary heart for the next generation of leaders. It is also important that we celebrate the many educational options available to families in our community. Parents choose from these options for a variety of reasons. For some, certain options may serve best for their family’s schedules or place of residence. For others, an alternative option may be necessary to give extra attention to a child with special needs. We value these options and our teachers who make them possible.
We also recognize that there are some parents who choose to home educate their children. Homeschool families represent a growing demographic in our nation and here in our own community. Homeschool is an educational approach that allows parents to teach their children at home. Some children learn from their parents or extended families; others learn from private tutors.
In 2015, we established Butler Homeschool Network (BHN) with these families in mind. We want to connect homeschool families to people and resources and to encourage fellowship and healthy life-giving relationships with one another. We are not membership based or program driven. We simply want to honor and protect homeschool families in our community, and we sensed the Lord placed this burden on our hearts.
Evaluation of Portfolios
The requirements to homeschool vary from place to place. Some states have few or no requirements; other states are more restrictive. The state of Pennsyvlania is considered one of the most restrictive regions. In Pennsylvania, homeschool laws are separated into five categories: (1) home education; (2) private tutor; (3) Church School; (4) Accreditated Boarding School; and (5) Religious Freedom Act. The Church School category is a satelite or extention of a private school, whereas, the Accredited Boarding School is a satelite or extention of an accredited boarding school. The “Religious Freedom Act” does not appear to be a viable option since courts have ruled consistently for nearly two decades that this option does not apply to homeschool education.
In Pennsyvlania, most homeschool students operate under either the (1) Home Education or (2) Private Tutor. While cyber school is often conducted in homes, it does not fall under homeschool laws within the state of Pennsylvania. Most families in the Butler area operate under the home education guidelines and require an evaluation of portfolios each year. As a ministry, we want to be a network of resources and connections which strengthens homeschool families in our community.
If you are a parent in need of an evaluation of your child’s portfolio, we will connect you with someone who will evaluate it at no cost. Please connect with one of our senior leaders and an early childhood educator Bev Harris @ (724) 841-3160 by phone/text or send her a message below.
Resources
We would like to share with you some of our extended relationships within the homeschool community. They serve as a great network of connections and resources for us. Perhaps they will be of help to you.
Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP) is a Christ-centered ministry that encourages and supports families interested in home education and provides resources and events to home educators and group leaders. CHAP assists parents in understanding and fulfilling the law’s requirements and is affiliated with two national groups, Home School Legal Defense Association and The National Center for Home Education. Christian Homeschool Association of PA
Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) is a Christ-centered ministry of supporting, equipping and protecting families in the home education of their children. CHEO is a ministry that provides opportunities to inform and educate families through sponsored seminars and regional events in Ohio. Christian Home Educators of OH
Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Convention is a multi-state conference that celebrates christian homeschool families and the commitment to disciple their children. The organizers of this convention are also officers of Worldwide Tentmakers, a mission agency focused on tentmaking as a mission strategy. Missions, discipleship, and parenting are the primary focus of the convention and also on teaching techniques and use of curriculum. Teach Them Diligently
Legal Support
Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a Christ-centered ministry which defends and advances the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. The goal of HSLDA is to preserve and advance the fundamental, God-given, constitutional right of parents and others legally responsible for their children to direct their education. In so doing, we rely on two fundamental freedoms—parental rights and religious freedom. We advocate for these freedoms in the courtrooms, before government officials, and in the public arena. Additionally, we assist other educational organizations in similar activities, where possible and appropriate. Homeschool legal Defense Association