Educational Trips

Students may be excused for educational trips not sponsored by the school according to 22 PA Code sec. 11.26. It shall be the applicant(s) responsibility to contact the appropriate building principal to determine what obligations must be met as a result of this proposed absence prior to the trip. 

A student may receive approval to take two (2) educational trips per school year, with their parents/guardians, not to exceed a total of ten (10) school days. These trips must be pre-approved by the academic program principal. As used in this policy, the term “educational trip” shall refer to a trip in which the student is under the guidance and supervision of parents and/or guardians. In order to qualify as being educational, the trip must include activities in which the student is involved in learning experiences. Such activities include, but are not limited to: visiting museums, historical sites, zoos, galleries, laboratories, state or national parks, libraries, or an agricultural exhibit etc. 

To be considered for approval:

• The student should be in good academic standing.

• The student should have satisfactory attendance and should not have ongoing attendance concerns or excessive unexcused absences.

• The trip must provide a valid educational opportunity.

• Each request is reviewed individually. Approval of one sibling's request does not guarantee approval for another sibling.

Educational trips will not be approved:

• During the first ten (10) school days of the school year.

• During the last ten (10) school days of the school year.

• During state-mandated testing windows (PSSA, Keystone Exams) or final exams.

• When the student is not meeting academic or attendance expectations.

Parent/Learning Coach Responsibilities:

• Complete and submit the Educational Trip Request Form using the official PA Virtual Parent Gmail account.

• Submit the request by the required deadline based on the length of the trip.

• Submitting an Educational Trip Request does not guarantee approval. Families will receive an email notification once the request has been reviewed and a decision has been made.

• Students are expected to attend school as scheduled until written approval has been received.

Educational Trips of Five (5) School Days or Less

Educational trips lasting five (5) school days or fewer may be approved by the Academic Program Principal when it is demonstrated that the absence is for a valid educational opportunity.

Requirements:

• The completed request form must be submitted at least five (5) school days before the first day of the trip.

• The absence is not considered excused until written approval has been received.

Educational Trips Exceeding Five (5) School Days

Educational trips lasting more than five (5) school days may be approved by the CEO or designee when it is demonstrated that the absence is for a valid educational opportunity.

Requirements:

• The completed request form must be submitted at least thirty (30) calendar days before the first day of the trip.

• The absence is not considered excused until written approval has been received.

Important Notes

• Educational Trip Request Forms are not required for PA Virtual-sponsored outings, field trips, or events held on non-school days.

• Attendance should continue as scheduled until written approval has been received.

• Approval is granted on an individual, case-by-case basis and is dependent upon compliance with school policy and the student's academic and attendance standing.