Educational Trip FAQ

FAQ regarding Educational Trips

What are educational trips? Educational trips are trips in which the student is under the guidance and supervision of parents and/or guardians. In order to qualify as an educational trip, it 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, laboratories, state/national parks, places of business, agricultural exhibits, etc.

How many trips can my students take in a school year? A student may receive approval to take 2 educational trips per school year, with his/her parents/guardians, not to exceed a total of ten school days. These trips must be pre-approved by the academic program principal.

Where can I locate the educational trip form? The form and process can be found on the attendance website. Click here to view the educational trip form and process

When do I need to submit the form for approval? For trips less than 5 days, the form must be received by your building's project specialist no later than five (5) days before the first date of the Educational Opportunity. For trips longer than 5 days, the form must be submitted to your building's project specialist at least 30 days in advance of the first date of the Educational trip.

How will I be notified if my trip is approved or denied? You will be notified via email once an approval decision is determined. Submitting a form does not automatically mean the request will be approved.Educational trips may not be approved for the first and/or last ten days of school and during scheduled testing times. Educational trips will not be approved for students who are failing their subjects or have unexcused absences.

What if my trip is due to a family emergency that requires my students to travel? Please reach out to your family support coordinator for assistance and support.

Why isn’t my vacation excused as an educational trip? A vacation will not be approved unless it demonstrates the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity on the form.

What is the difference between the student absence form and the educational trip form? The student absence form is for daily absences where the parent can provide a valid excuse such as a medical/dental appointment, illness, quarantine, court/administrative proceedings, family emergency, and observance of a religious holiday. The educational trip form is for students who plan to be away from their home-based learning environment to participate in an educational experience and activities with clear learning objectives.

I want my students to travel the world for a year, would this be considered an educational trip? PA Virtual must adhere to the PA Department of Education residency laws and the allotted amount of time for an educational trip. Please reach out to your family support coordinator to discuss your specific situation.