Guns, knives, and weapons are generally prohibited on school grounds, as provided by school policies and state and federal laws.

Although children in grades 1-12 are generally not eligible for a concealed carry weapon permit, older students on college campuses may be eligible for a concealed carry permit (CCP) in some states—also known as a concealed handgun license (CHL), license to carry (LTC), concealed carry license (CCL), or concealed carry weapon (CCW).

A student’s right to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds may be governed by state and federal laws, as well as school policies.

In Pennsylvania (PA), the possession of guns, knives, and other weapons on school grounds is strictly regulated. Under state law, specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 912, weapons are prohibited on the property of any elementary or secondary school. This prohibition applies to students and non-students alike, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and other authorized personnel. As for higher education institutions, while older students may be eligible for a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP), colleges and universities in PA have the authority to set their own policies regarding weapons on campus. Many institutions choose to ban weapons altogether to ensure the safety of their students and staff. It's important to note that federal law, under the Gun-Free School Zones Act, also prohibits the unauthorized possession of firearms in school zones. Therefore, students who are considering carrying a concealed weapon on a college campus in PA must carefully review and adhere to both state laws and the specific policies of their educational institution.