Homeschool Diploma Lawsuit Pennsylvania Parents Sue Elanco Over School District’s Attempt to Verify Their Education Credentials
What’s Happening Right Now: The Elanco Homeschool Lawsuit Explained
Four homeschooling parents from Lancaster County have sued Eastern Lancaster County School District officials after the district exceeded its authority and failed to follow procedures prescribed by state law when attempting to verify their education credentials. Blue Ball residents Caitlynn and Michael Brennan, along with Morgantown residents Joseph and Joyelle Stoltzfus, are suing Superintendent Michael Snopkowski and other administrative personnel over the district’s requirement that homeschool supervisors present a copy of a high school diploma or proof of passing the GED.
The lawsuit was filed by Lancaster law firm Clymer, Musser & Sarno on behalf of the families, with representation from the Virginia-based Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). District officials are now engaged in discussions with HSLDA attorneys to resolve the case.
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Why This Lawsuit Matters to Every Pennsylvania Homeschool Family
This case isn’t just about two families—it’s about protecting the fundamental rights of all Pennsylvania homeschoolers. The General Assembly’s homeschool statute requires parents to submit an affidavit or declaration attesting that the supervisor holds a high school diploma. It does not require families to provide the diploma itself.
The Stakes Are High
The lawsuit seeks to:
- Declare ELANCO’s actions unlawful
- Obtain an injunction to halt these practices immediately
- Reaffirm homeschool families’ rights under Pennsylvania law
- Set a legal precedent protecting all PA homeschoolers from similar harassment
Understanding Your Rights: What Pennsylvania Law Actually Requires
The Real Requirements (Not What Districts Claim)
Homeschool parents do not need to present a copy of their high school diploma, GED, or college diploma to the school district. They also do not need to send standardized test results to the school district.
What you MUST provide:
- A notarized affidavit attesting that you hold a high school diploma
- Educational objectives for your child
- Criminal background check clearances
- Annual portfolio or standardized test results (kept by you, not sent to district)
What you DON’T have to provide:
- Physical copy of your diploma
- Transcripts from your high school or college
- Detailed educational history
- Proof beyond your sworn affidavit
The Legal Process Districts Must Follow
Pennsylvania’s homeschool law states that a superintendent who believes a homeschool is not complying with state law must contact the homeschool supervisor by certified mail. If the issue goes unresolved, the matter is scheduled for a school board hearing.
Districts cannot:
- Show up at your home unannounced
- Send social workers to demand documents
- Threaten criminal prosecution without following due process
- Bypass the certified mail requirement
Case Study: What Actually Happened to These Families
The Brennan Family’s Experience
Caitlynn Brennan submitted her homeschool application over the summer and received no acknowledgment from the district until a September 4 voicemail demanding she provide a copy of her 2011 Pennsylvania high school diploma, or district officials might visit her home to get one.
“It was shocking,” Brennan said. “They never acknowledged my paperwork. It feels like they went from zero to 60 immediately.”
On September 11, two district employees knocked on her door, and Brennan did not let them inside her home. She instead told the district officials about her understanding of the state law governing proof of graduation and the requirement that the district notify her of any problems via certified mail.
The Stoltzfus Family’s Ordeal
Joyelle Stoltzfus said she and her husband have never received a certified letter from the district about their homeschool application for their two children. She first became aware there was a problem during an August 5 phone call, when a district official asked for a copy of her husband’s diploma or permission to call his high school for proof.
The couple also received a hand-delivered letter from the district on September 11 requiring additional details, despite having already provided her husband’s education information to the district.
What Elanco Did Wrong
According to the lawsuit, Elanco School District violated Pennsylvania law by:
- Demanding Physical Diplomas: Requiring homeschool supervisors to present a copy of a high school diploma or proof of passing the GED, when Pennsylvania law only requires a notarized affidavit
- Bypassing Required Procedures: Failing to notify families of problems via certified mail as required by Pennsylvania’s homeschool law
- Making Unannounced Home Visits: Sending district employees to families’ homes without following proper legal procedures
- Exceeding Legal Authority: Going beyond what Pennsylvania law requires for homeschool supervision verification
Timeline: Key Developments in the Pennsylvania Homeschool Diploma Case
September 16, 2025: Two families file lawsuit against ELANCO School District
September 15, 2025: Eastern Lancaster County school board meeting draws crowd questioning district’s homeschooling procedures
January 2025: HSLDA intervenes again on behalf of PA homeschoolers, clarifying that Pennsylvania law has changed for the better regarding diploma requirements
Ongoing: Legal discussions continue between families and district officials
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pennsylvania Homeschool Diploma Lawsuit
Q: Do I need to worry if I homeschool in a different Pennsylvania district?
A: While this lawsuit specifically involves ELANCO, the legal principles apply statewide. All Pennsylvania school districts must follow the same homeschool statute. If your district is making similar illegal demands, you have the same legal protections.
Q: What should I do if my district demands my physical diploma?
A: Document everything, know your rights, and consider contacting HSLDA or a qualified education attorney. You are only required to provide a notarized affidavit, not the physical diploma.
Q: Can school districts visit my home to check on my homeschool?
A: No. Districts must follow the certified mail process outlined in Pennsylvania law. Unannounced home visits are not part of the legal procedure.
Q: How does this lawsuit affect current homeschool families?
A: This lawsuit strengthens protections for all Pennsylvania homeschoolers by establishing clear legal boundaries for what districts can and cannot demand.
Q: What happens if my district threatens criminal prosecution?
A: Districts cannot threaten criminal prosecution without following proper legal procedures. Document these threats and seek legal advice immediately.
What This Means for Pennsylvania Homeschool Families Going Forward
Immediate Implications
This lawsuit sends a clear message that Pennsylvania homeschool families will not tolerate illegal harassment from school districts. The lawsuit not only seeks to declare the actions of ELANCO unlawful but also aims to issue an injunction that would halt these practices immediately.
Long-term Impact
The case will likely:
- Clarify district authority limits
- Strengthen enforcement of existing homeschool protections
- Discourage other districts from similar overreach
- Provide legal precedent for future cases
Legal Resources and Support for Pennsylvania Homeschoolers
Key Organizations Fighting for Your Rights
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
- Provides legal representation for member families
- Offers guidance on Pennsylvania homeschool law
- Fights legislative battles to protect homeschool rights
Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP)
- Provides support and resources for Pennsylvania homeschoolers
- Offers legal guidance and community support
- Advocates for homeschool families’ rights
Official Legal Documentation
In Pennsylvania, homeschooling is a legal right—no district approval needed if proper documentation is submitted. Supervisors (parents or guardians) must hold a high‑school diploma or equivalent and pass a criminal background check.
Know Your Rights: Complete Pennsylvania Homeschool Law Checklist
Required Annual Documentation
- ✓ Notarized affidavit by August 1
- ✓ Educational objectives for each child
- ✓ Criminal background check clearances
- ✓ Maintain portfolio or provide standardized testing
NOT Required by Law
- ✗ Physical copy of parent’s diploma
- ✗ Transcripts or detailed educational records
- ✗ Home visits from district officials
- ✗ Submission of test results to district
If Contacted by Your District
- ✓ Know they must use certified mail for official communication
- ✓ Understand you only provide what’s legally required
- ✓ Document all interactions
- ✓ Seek legal counsel if threatened or harassed
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Homeschool Rights in Pennsylvania
This lawsuit represents more than just two families fighting back—it’s about preserving educational freedom for all Pennsylvania families. The outcome will influence how school districts across the state interact with homeschooling families and could set important precedents for homeschool rights nationwide.
What You Can Do
- Stay informed about your legal rights
- Support organizations fighting for homeschool families
- Document any inappropriate district contact
- Know that you’re not alone in this fight
Conclusion: Standing Strong for Educational Freedom
The Pennsylvania homeschool diploma lawsuit demonstrates that families will not be intimidated by illegal district overreach. The families look to the court to reaffirm their rights and to reinforce that school district officials must adhere to the existing legal standards.
As this case moves through the courts, it serves as a powerful reminder that Pennsylvania’s homeschool law provides strong protections for families who choose this educational path. By understanding your rights and standing firm when districts exceed their authority, you help protect educational freedom for all Pennsylvania families.
Stay Updated: This lawsuit is ongoing, and we’ll continue monitoring developments. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the Pennsylvania homeschool diploma lawsuit and your rights as a homeschooling family.
This article provides general legal information and should not be considered legal advice. If you’re facing issues with your school district, consult with a qualified education attorney or contact HSLDA for specific guidance about your situation.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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