Before You Choose the Curriculum
A simple place to begin when you're homeschooling through high school If you're approaching the high school years with a knot in your stomach, you're certainly not the first homeschool parent to feel that [...]
Time Is Your Friend (Or So They Say)
Time is your friend. For a long time, it never felt like that. It felt like something that sneaked up on me unprepared and laughed, “Gotcha.” So many times throughout our days we wonder, [...]
Teaching Children Civics: Should Christians Vote?
Politics matter because policy matters. Policy matters because people matter. - Allie Beth Stuckey I am old enough to remember accompanying my Dad into the singular voting booth every Election Day. You may recall [...]
Adventures in PA: National Park Service
“Ask about our Junior Ranger program,” the sign on the desk said. Who would have known the impact of that little sign at King’s Mountain National Military Park (North Carolina)? That Junior Ranger program [...]
Make Straight Paths
As a father of eight, in a homeschooling family, I know that this time of year is critical. Critical in setting a tone and a pace that is going to carry on for many [...]
HSLDA: Sorting Out ESAs, Tax Credits and SGOs
Why it matters for homeschool freedom There is a lot happening these days in the world of education choice. And, as is often the case when a lot is happening at once, some very [...]
What to know about proposed PA Dept of Health changes to Chapter 27
Do these proposed changes impact homeschoolers? Yes, they impact ALL Pennsylvanians. There, however, is not anything in the proposed changes that impacts homeschoolers any differently than anyone else in Pennsylvania. *Cooperative and Hybrid programs [...]
HSLDA: Two Bills Boosting Homeschool Protection Now in US Senate
HSLDA is closely watching several pieces of federal legislation that would vastly improve legal protections for homeschooling families. As you may know, we’ve been working with lawmakers on the Home School Graduation Recognition Act [...]
Christian Education as Preventative Counseling
Earlier this summer, my family was privileged to go to Kentucky. We accompanied my husband on a work trip and extended the excursion to include some family time at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, [...]
Back to the Beginning…CHAP’s Origin Story
As most of us know, teaching one’s children at home is as old as humankind. Parents oversaw most of their children’s learning during the colonial period and the 1800s in America. By the mid [...]
When Education Becomes Formation
When you begin balancing academics alongside language study, sports, music practice, and other enrichment activities, it can quickly start to feel like everything is competing for priority. Even with the best intentions, the days [...]
The Intentional Father
I stole this title from Jon Tyson’s book of the same name. His book challenged me to rethink how I influenced my own children. But now the tables are turned, and you are in [...]
The Cost of Not Homeschooling
Our family began homeschooling after seeing the cost of not doing so—we saw children losing innocence, joy, and zest for life. Look at our society today, especially the youth. We raised these generations to [...]
Adventures in PA: Explorations in SPACE…Psalm 19:1
In 1969, my parents’ generation sat enraptured in front of the television screen one fateful July day watching expectantly as Neil Armstrong took his first steps out of the lunar lander onto the surface [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – July 2026
Reviewed 383 bills beginning January 2025 All PA House members and half of the PA Senate members are up for election in November 2026. Pennsylvania House https://www.palegis.us/house/committees/12/education The Democrat Party continues to retain control [...]
Freedom Was Given, Not Granted
As homeschool families, we must ask ourselves an honest question: why do we choose freedom? Why do we insist on leading our families, shaping our homes, and directing our children’s paths ourselves? Is it [...]
Freedom Requires Eternal Vigilance
In 2024, the United States of America elected its 47th President, and in 2025, the states of New Jersey and Virginia chose their Governors. As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, I [...]
Homeschooling Fathers Are Stress Relievers
As competent homeschool moms, we can act like we don’t need a leader. We have the best ideas and know how to make them happen. That thinking goes back to Eve. We have forgotten [...]
250 Years of Freedom Includes the Freedom to Homeschool
At HSLDA, we maintain and expand the freedom to homeschool by representing homeschooling families in courts and legislatures all over the country, and happily we have had great success since our founding in 1983. [...]
Resources, Community, Encouragement: The CHAP Convention
Every year when the CHAP homeschool convention rolls around, I become a little nostalgic. I’ve been attending this convention since I was a child, walking the halls, carrying tote bags stuffed with catalogs, sitting [...]
Send Me – A Call to Rejoice in Hope Together
“Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) I remember praying that in high school. I remember praying that in college. I remember praying that a decade ago. Yet for some reason, praying it last [...]
The Christian Home: 9 Tips for Family Worship
The inspired Scriptures were written to be read. Moses, inspired by the Spirit of God, instructed parents: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in [...]
Is Connecticut’s Homeschooling Bill “Repugnant” to American Tradition?
Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would subject every family to a background check by the Department of Children and Families before beginning to homeschool. Not after evidence of abuse. Not in response [...]
Requiring the Habits of Holiness – A Call to Constant Prayer
As a homeschool parent, there are a handful of subjects that I teach because they are required. I know that they are important, but deep down, when I bring the crew to the fire [...]
Learning Beyond the Page: Recognizing Growth You Can’t Always See
*A Note from CHAP: Leslie resides and supports families in Florida whose evaluation requirements are slightly different than Pennsylvania's. PA Homeschoolers are asked to assemble a portfolio with samples of their child’s work that is [...]
Adventures in PA: Taxes and Treasures
We arrived one Friday afternoon in Washington, PA to visit the Whiskey Rebellion Center and nearby David Bradford House to learn more about pioneer life and taxes in Pennsylvania. Let’s set the scene. In [...]
Resurrection Reflections for Kids
He arose, He arose, Hallelujah, Christ arose! Holidays are often busy times for families. Without careful intention, their significance can quickly be crowded out due to busy schedules, events and gatherings. If that happened [...]
HSLDA: Homeschool Graduation Recognition Act Advances to US Senate Floor
The US Senate is set to consider a vote on a bill to recognize homeschool graduates at the federal level, after the House of Representatives passed the bill Tuesday. HSLDA worked with legislators behind [...]
2025 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for First Place
CHAP Scholarship Application Essay By Chloe Rackley, First Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship I am a graduating high schooler and a successful violinist who has studied music for fourteen years. My ability to [...]
Dad’s Den: HOPE, JOY, and PEACE…
I know you’re tired, busy, and maybe just paid off that December credit card balance. Don’t worry. It is March, not early December. So why talk about Christmas? Let me explain. Our family loves [...]
2025 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for Second Place
My Christian Walk, Homeschool Career, and Future Plans By Nate Wales, Second Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship I started homeschooling in fifth grade. Up until then, I was a student in our local [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Madden Family
Parents: Jeremy and Sara Madden Children: Micah, Gideon, Isaac, Samuel, Abigail and Killian Hometown: Hamlin, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. Right now, we [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – February 2026
Reviewed 339 bills beginning January 2025 All PA House members and half of the PA Senate members are up for election in November 2026. Pennsylvania House The Democrat Party continues to retain control of [...]
HSLDA: ELANCO Win Protects Homeschool Freedom Across State
Officials can’t simply invent requirements for homeschooling. Our victory over Eastern Lancaster County School District (ELANCO) last year advanced homeschool freedom in Pennsylvania. This legal battle affirmed that homeschool parents in Pennsylvania are not [...]
An Open Letter to my Homeschooled Tweens
My Dearest Tween, I know this is a weird time in life where you aren’t really my little baby anymore, but you aren’t really an adult either. You have the experience of childhood in [...]
HSLDA: U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee Advances HSLDA’s Home School Bill
On December 11, the Committee on Education and the Workforce for the U.S. House of Representatives passed HSLDA’s bill, H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, sponsored by Rep. Mark Harris (North Carolina). [...]
A Happy New Year Requires Vigilance
Note from the Editor: We are highlighting this situation in New Jersey to keep the homeschool community aware of continued attacks on the parental right of home education. HSLDA Attorney Will Estrada recently pointed [...]
New Year’s Questions for Homeschool Reflections
We get it — it’s a new year, and suddenly, there’s so much to do. There’s talk of resolutions, new planners, fresh goals, and the pressure to “hit the ground running.” But before you [...]
Keeping Focused on Christ During the Holidays
“Come behold the wondrous mystery, in the dawning of the King; He the theme of heaven’s praises, robed in frail humanity. In our longing, in our darkness, now the light of life has come; [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!
Three Ways To Enjoy Holiday Giving
They worshipped Jesus and then presented Him with gifts. The old cliché "it is more blessed to give than to receive" is certainly appropriate for this time of year. For Christians, Jesus coming to [...]
The Infamous Unknown Battle
If I were to ask you to name famous battles, what might you say? Thermopylae… Milvian Bridge...Waterloo… If I asked you to narrow down your famous battles to American history, I imagine you would [...]
Looking Back in Thanksgiving: What Motivated the Pilgrims to Sail to America
Their perseverance, principles, and sacrifice laid the foundations of self-government, freedom, and fair relations. Four centuries ago, a small group of Christian families set sail in a cargo ship to cross the Atlantic. We [...]
Having Deliberate (yet Realistic) Family Devotions
This article originally appeared at everydayhomemaking.com and is used with permission. In a Christian family, God’s Word is the foundation of all other study, so our biblical worldview impacts all learning in subtle ways. But there are [...]
HSLDA: Victory! PA School District Agrees to Follow the Law
The ELANCO School District of Pennsylvania finalized a settlement agreement Monday with two homeschooling families, after the district sent a school official and a school social worker to the families’ homes in September. As [...]
Can We Safeguard our Kids from Abandoning Truth?
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Lately, I'm personally hearing a lot of parents lamenting that [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Wayde Family
Parents: Steve and Ginger Wayde Children: Joel, Asher, Molly, Ruby, Bethany and Luke Hometown: Elizabethtown, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
5 Ways History and Geography Can Be Fun!
There’s no secret about it: I’m in love with history and geography. And why wouldn’t I be? Together, history and geography weave a vivid tapestry that can’t help but draw students in, firing their [...]
Yes, I Homeschool (No, I’m Not a Supermom)
It usually starts in the library or grocery store, on a random morning or early afternoon. A curious stranger notices my children with me and asks, “No school today?” When I reply that we [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Penley Family
Parents: Nate and Jenna Penley Children: Norah (12), Jack (10), Roman (10) and Violet (8) Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
HSLDA: Homeschool Families Sue PA District to Stop Home Visits
Two homeschool families sued a Pennsylvania school district on Tuesday, September 16, after the district ignored a cease and desist letter, sent a school official and social worker to the families’ homes to demand [...]
A Time to Mourn … A Time to Act
Many of us have been deeply affected by the news of Charlie Kirk’s death. It is a story dominating headlines across the globe. How should we think and act about this, and what example [...]
First Be Fed
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for nearly twelve years. In that time and with my husband’s support, we have spent significant funds on my own education in both theology and counseling. I’ve had a [...]
7 Persistent Myths About Public Education (Learn the Truth)
Certain myths about public education are pervasive in American culture at large, as well as within the church. It’s important that we’re honest about the realities of our society, so decisions are made in an informed [...]
The Core Problem with Educational Standards Today
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege to interact with a wide range of teachers and parents, schools both public and private, charters, co-ops, and individual homeschooling families. I have also seen [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Valle Family
Parents: Angelo & Marie Valle Children: Jonathan (12), Eliana (10), Thea (7) and Riley (5) Hometown: Huntingdon, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. Our family [...]
Top Five Things to Include in Family Worship
All Bible verses that appear are taken from the King James Version. In my previous article, “What is Family Worship?”, I discussed why family worship is so important and why every Christian household should [...]
Adventures in Philadelphia – Part Two
In my first article, I highlighted several must-see stops for your field trip to Philadelphia. Today, I share a variety of activities to help you prepare before you go. While these are designed with [...]
Courtney’s Field Trip Preparation Resource List
Resources to help prepare your children, wherever you may be headed: These titles are suggested for educational purposes, but we have not personally evaluated all the content. Books, videos, and more: Who Was/ What [...]
HSLDA: District’s Homeschool Checklist Leave Parents Perplexed
Very recently several homeschooling families brought to my attention official correspondence of a kind I’d never seen before. Once I reviewed it, I understood why it had left them perplexed. In an effort to [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – July 2025
Reviewed 136 bills beginning January 2025 Pennsylvania House Seventy-eight bills were referred to the House Education Committee. Two of these bills may impact homeschooling. HB 1253 “The School Violence Reporting for Nonpublic Schools” sponsored [...]
We The People – Essay
In previous E-News editions, you may remember seeing a call for submissions to a statewide "We the People" essay contest, which could be entered by individuals or an entire class. We are pleased to [...]
PA Tech School Rejects Combat Veteran’s Homeschool Diploma
When an Army National Guard soldier returned from a tour of duty in Syria, he decided to pursue additional education for a job in the defense industry. A misunderstanding about his homeschool diploma nearly [...]
8 Ways to Bring Back Joy in Homeschooling
Homeschooling is an incredible opportunity to create a rich, personalized learning experience for your children, but it’s not without its challenges. Many families thrive when learning is flexible, engaging, and connected to real life. [...]
Mom Guilt on Trial
Have you seen “The Trial” video created by the Lingokids app? It’s a short video on YouTube that now has over 25 million views all about screen time guilt. (If you haven’t seen it, [...]
PA Mom Shocked by Letter From New School District
When Stephanie Mago-Eagle, a homeschooling mom, moved to a different Pennsylvania school district, she made sure to send in a letter of transfer, according to state law. But the new school district responded by [...]
Convention Corner: Grow as a Family
When most people think of a homeschool convention, their minds jump to curriculum. We love those rows of booths and the opportunity to flip through materials before making a purchase—that alone is worth attending. [...]
Adventures in Philadelphia – Part One
My love for field trips is in my DNA: My mother Colleen, a PA homeschooler in the 80’s and 90’s, was known as “The Field Trip Lady”. One of my favorite destinations growing up [...]
Convention Corner: Navigating PA Homeschooling Laws
Each spring, homeschool families across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to come together for the annual CHAP Convention, and, for many, it becomes a highlight of their educational year. While the vendor hall and displays [...]
HSLDA: Do PA Homeschoolers Have to “Register” with the District? No!
When a family in Bensalem Township School District decided to start homeschooling, they checked the law, filed their affidavit and objectives with the school district superintendent, and thought they were all set. Unfortunately, an [...]
Adventures in PA: Coal and Steel
Last fall, our family went through a period I would call “unplanned unschooling” as a result of prolonged and severe illness. While our focus academically was less on math and science and more on [...]
The Christian Home: 6 Tips for Family Worship
The inspired Scriptures were written to be read. Moses, inspired by the Spirit of God, instructed parents: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in [...]
Convention Corner: Homeschooling…Where to Begin?
Starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming. The freedom to choose your own path is exciting—but it also means navigating a sea of unfamiliar terms and educational philosophies. Classical? Charlotte Mason? Unit studies? Unschooling? [...]
A Million Monday Mornings: 5 Steps to Peace
Some seasons feel like an endless loop of Monday mornings—exhausting, overwhelming, and full of never-ending tasks. Whether it is homeschooling, work/gigs, parenting, or just the daily grind, those "Monday" feelings can creep in and [...]
Convention Corner: Keeping Records and Making Memories
Homeschooling is a journey filled with both requirements and rewards. As parents, we must track progress and maintain records that meet state regulations, but we also want to preserve the meaningful moments that define [...]
Stuck Homeschooling
Secretly, I don’t like homeschooling at the moment (not as in this exact minute “this moment”, but as in this time in my life “this moment”). I’m not sure if it’s this particular season [...]
2024 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for First Place
Before and After By Sarah Hamilton, First Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship My dad stomps into my room announcing that it’s morning, and I groan myself out of bed. It’s co-op day, so [...]
HSLDA: PA School District Violates Homeschooler’s Privacy
We have previously written about our work defending homeschooling families in Pennsylvania from school districts that demand sensitive medical and immunization records. While the law in this area is grey, we can now point to a [...]
Side by Side in PA: The McGrady Family
Parents: Scott and Suzanne McGrady Children: Elizabeth (13) and Luke (11) Hometown: Childs, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. We (Scott and Suzanne) both [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – January 2025
Reviewed over 402 bills from December 2023 through December 2024 Reviewed over 11 bills beginning January 2025 Pennsylvania House Eleven bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these bills address homeschooling [...]
2024 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for Second Place
CHAP Scholarship Application Essay By Seth Allen Lanford, Second Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship As the audience applauded, I walked back to my seat from the drum cage in which I had just [...]
My 5 Big Takeaways from the 2024 Midwinter Conference
As the 2025 Midwinter Conference fast approaches, I was reflecting on what was discussed at last year’s conference. In 2024, I attended my first Midwinter Conference. Not knowing what to expect when I walked [...]
Cultivating Confidence with Homeschool Support
One of the most frightening things about pursuing homeschooling is traveling the road alone. Anxiety and doubt are the biggest joy-stealers homeschooling parents can wrestle with, and they come when we are at our [...]
HSLDA Intervenes Again on Behalf of PA Homeschoolers
“Merry Christmas, Send Us Info, or You’re Referred to the District Magistrate!” On the ninth day before Christmas, numerous homeschool families in Penns Valley Area School District received a letter from the school district [...]
First Day Jitters
I have always been a nervous person. No matter how much I pray and prepare, that “butterfly feeling” is present in my stomach. I will never forget how nervous I was as a child [...]
The Ugly Side of Picture Books
From a young age, children are bombarded with messages vying for both their attention and their hearts. The Cat in the Hat claims, “we can have lots of good fun” and Wild Thing Max [...]
HSLDA: An Update for Pennsylvania Homeschool Families
“My school district is asking for proof of immunizations, as well as proof of doctor and dental visits for my children. What should I do?” Without doubt, this is the single biggest question we [...]
Christmas Box: A Fun New Tradition for Your Family
The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to kick it off than with a meaningful family tradition? For the past few years, my husband and I have made a “Christmas [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – December 2024
Over 387 bills have been reviewed since January 2024. Pennsylvania House The House of Representatives is in recess until January 7, 2025. Four bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Boozer Family
Parents: Andrew and Jenée Boozer Children: Joseph (5), Hannah (3), Sarah (18mo) and Josiah (8wk) Hometown: Lake Ariel, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
Adventures in PA: Take A Ride Back Through Time
The Ma & Pa Railroad (www.maandparailroad.com) located at 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd, Airville, PA 17302 actually stands for the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad. It is an authentic circa 1900’s railroad that originally connected [...]
From Moses to SCOTUS: Journal Traces Foundations of Homeschool Law
Where did the foundational ideas supporting the legality of homeschooling come from? HSLDA Senior Counsel Will Estrada explores this question in the most recent edition of the Liberty University Law Review. Drawing from his experience [...]
Christian Unschooling is Not an Oxymoron
A lot of people hear the phrase “Christian unschooling” and assume it’s an oxymoron. This is because when they hear “unschooling,” they assume “unparenting” — a complete lack of boundaries. Or, in biblical terms, [...]
Homeschool Co-Op Trials: Spreading the Word, The Website & Official Registration
Spreading the word was easy and effective. We had a flyer on the announcement page at church, and I created a Facebook and Instagram page for the co-op. I heard from many families just [...]
Why We Homeschool
Dear CHAP, Thank you for your dedication to homeschoolers and homeschooling! There have been many times I questioned if the next year would be my last year for homeschooling. I now no longer question; [...]
In Memoriam: Those Who Gave All
Every year, Memorial Day is set apart to remember the fallen soldiers of the United States Military. We often spend this day around family and friends, cooking out and enjoying the day off as [...]