Policy Statement

 

This policy statement provides information for joining Peach Tree Homeschool Academy (PTHA). Please read it. If you have any questions, you can contact PTHA here. PTHA reserves the right to revise this statement at any time and without notification.

 

 

Here’s what PTHA will do for you.

 

  • We’ll make sure you’re meeting the legal requirements for home instruction as stated in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). You’ll find a copy of the section of COMAR that applies to home instruction at the end of this policy statement.
  • We’ll make sure your status with PTHA is registered with the appropriate county office. If your status changes during the school year, we’ll take care of that too.
  • Prior to joining PTHA, we’ll meet with you to assess your needs.
  • Once you’ve joined, we’ll meet with you at least once a year to review your progress.
  • We’ll provide a forum on this website to ask questions and participate in conversations.

 

 

 

Here’s what PTHA can’t and won’t do for you.

 

  • We can’t accept children who haven’t turned 5 years old by September 1 of the applicable school year.
  • We won’t be held responsible for your child’s academic performance or education outcomes. That’s up to you.
  • We also won’t provide accommodations or specialized services to children who’ve been identified as disabled. We won’t offer expert testimony in court or mediate disputes between PTHA parents.

 

 

Code of Maryland Regulations: Title 13A.10.01.

 

A. The home instruction COMAR requires each family enrolled in an oversight program to:

(i): “initially sign a statement on a form prescribed by the State Department of Education which…shall be submitted to the local superintendent at least 15 days before beginning a home instruction program”;

(ii): “notify…the nonpublic school or institution (i.e. PTHA) if a change occurs in the homeschool status of a child during the school year”; and

(iii): “Upon application of a child for admission to a public school from a home instruction program, the local superintendent shall determine by an evaluation the placement of the child and any credits to be awarded toward high school graduation. The evaluation may include administration of standardized tests and examinations and interviews with the child.”

[Reference Title 13A.10.B(2) and B(4) and Title 13A.10.04, respectively]

B. The other requirements of COMAR’s home instruction are not binding on families enrolled in an oversight program.

“A parent may provide instruction for a child at home without compliance with requirements of this regulation, other than the requirements of Regulation .01B(2) and .04….”

[Reference Title 13A.10.05 Home Instruction Under Supervision of Nonpublic School]

C. PTHA graduation credentials (i.e. transcripts and diplomas) are not accredited and are not recognized by the State of Maryland as equivalent to a Maryland public-school diploma or transcript.