Thinking about homeschooling in Pennsylvania? You’re joining over 70,000 families in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has moderate homeschool rules compared to other states. The process is clear once you understand it.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to homeschool in Pennsylvania. We’ll walk through filing paperwork, required subjects, portfolios, testing, and yearly reviews. Let’s get you started on your Pennsylvania homeschool journey.
Exploring other states? Check our guides for Ohio, New York, Texas, and California.
Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under Act 169 of 1988 |
| Notification | Affidavit or declaration by August 1 |
| Days Required | 180 school days minimum |
| Hours Required | 900 hours (grades K-6) / 990 hours (grades 7-12) |
| Subjects Required | Multiple subjects by grade level |
| Testing | Standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 |
| Evaluation | Yearly review by certified evaluator |
| Compulsory Ages | 8-17 years old |
Step-by-Step: Starting Homeschool in Pennsylvania
Step 1: File Your Affidavit or Declaration
Before you start teaching, you must notify your school district. Send a form to your local superintendent. The deadline is August 1 for the school year. Starting mid-year? File before you begin.
You have two filing options:
Option A: Notarized Affidavit
This is the traditional method. You sign the form in front of a notary. Many banks, UPS stores, and libraries offer free notary services.
Option B: Unsworn Declaration (New in 2020)
Pennsylvania passed a law in April 2020 that lets you skip the notary. You sign under penalty of perjury instead. This has the same legal weight as a notarized form. It’s simpler and faster for most families.
Your form must include:
- Name and age of each child
- Address where teaching will happen
- Names of all teachers and their qualifications
- Outline of learning goals by subject
- Proof of required immunizations
- Statement that no adults in the home have certain criminal records in the past five years
Keep a copy for your files. Save proof that you sent it (receipt, email, or tracking number).
Step 2: Meet Supervisor Qualifications
The parent who runs the homeschool must have a high school diploma or GED. That’s the only rule. You don’t need a teaching degree or college credits to homeschool in Pennsylvania.
Hiring a tutor? They need one of these:
- Pennsylvania teaching certificate
- Bachelor’s degree
- Be the child’s parent or guardian
Step 3: Teach Required Subjects
Pennsylvania lists specific subjects by grade level. You must cover these areas:
Elementary Level (Grades K-6):
- English (reading, writing, spelling)
- Math
- Science
- Geography
- U.S. and Pennsylvania history
- Civics
- Health
- Physical education
- Music
- Art
- Safety (including fire safety)
Secondary Level (Grades 7-12) adds:
- English literature
- Speech and writing
- World history
- Algebra and geometry
- A foreign language
Tip: You don’t have to teach every subject every day. Focus on reading, writing, and math daily. Rotate other subjects through the week or month.
Step 4: Keep a Portfolio
Build a collection of your child’s work throughout the year. This shows what they learned. Your evaluator will review it at year’s end.
Your portfolio must include:
- Log of books read (titles and authors)
- Samples of writing and creative work
- Worksheets and workbook pages
- Test results (for grades 3, 5, and 8)
You do not submit this to the school district. Keep it at home. The district may ask to see it, but this is rare.
Organization tip: Use a binder or digital folder for each child. Add dividers by subject. Include photos of projects. A table of contents makes reviews easier.
Step 5: Complete Required Testing
Pennsylvania requires standardized tests at three grade levels:
- Grade 3: First test
- Grade 5: Second test
- Grade 8: Third test
Use any nationally normed test. Popular choices include:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test
- Pennsylvania state tests (PSSA)
Put test results in your portfolio. There’s no minimum score. The test tracks progress over time.
Step 6: Get Your Yearly Evaluation
Each year, a qualified person must review your portfolio. They write a letter saying proper education is happening. Send this letter to your superintendent by June 30.
Who can evaluate?
- Licensed Pennsylvania teachers (with two years’ experience at your child’s grade level)
- School psychologists
- Licensed clinical psychologists
- Private school teachers or principals (with two years’ experience in the last ten years)
- Others approved by your superintendent
Important rules:
- You cannot evaluate your own child
- Your spouse cannot be the evaluator
- Other relatives who meet the qualifications can evaluate
Most reviews cost $25 to $75. Many evaluators offer video calls. Some give group rates.
How to Find an Evaluator
Several groups keep lists of qualified evaluators:
- CHAP Evaluator Directory – Lists evaluators by county
- PHAA Evaluator Listing – Pennsylvania certified teachers
- PHEN – Inclusive support network with evaluator contacts
Book your evaluator early. May and June get busy. Many families schedule in April.
Hour and Day Requirements
Pennsylvania requires both minimum days and hours:
| Level | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary (K-6) | 180 days | 900 hours |
| Secondary (7-12) | 180 days | 990 hours |
A school day should have 4-5 hours of learning. You choose how to spread hours across the year. Many families finish before traditional schools do.
What counts as learning time?
- Formal lessons and bookwork
- Reading time (aloud or silent)
- Field trips to museums, parks, or historical sites
- Educational games and apps
- Music practice and lessons
- Co-op classes and group activities
- Science experiments and projects
Keep a simple log. Write the date and hours each day. Note what subjects you covered.
Record Keeping Tips
Good records make your yearly review smooth. Here’s what to keep:
Required Records
- Copy of your affidavit or declaration (each year)
- Attendance and hour log
- Reading log with titles and authors
- Work samples from each subject
- Test results (grades 3, 5, and 8)
- Evaluator’s letter
Helpful Extra Records
- Curriculum lists and descriptions
- Grade records or report cards
- Certificates from online courses
- Photos of projects and field trips
- High school transcripts
Store records for at least two years after each school year. For high school, keep everything until college admission is done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New homeschoolers often stumble on these issues:
Missing deadlines: File your affidavit by August 1. Submit your evaluation by June 30. Late paperwork can lead to truancy issues.
Trying to do too much: You don’t need to cover every subject every day. Focus on core skills. Rotate other subjects as needed.
Poor organization: Build your portfolio throughout the year. Don’t wait until May to gather samples.
Following state standards too closely: State benchmarks are guides, not rules. Your child may race ahead in some areas and need more time in others. That’s normal.
Not keeping proof of submission: Save your receipt or tracking number when you mail forms. Email confirmations work too.
Homeschool Options in Pennsylvania
Option 1: Home Education Program
Most families choose this path. You file with your district, keep a portfolio, and get yearly evaluations. This gives you the most freedom in curriculum and methods.
Option 2: Private Tutoring
A certified tutor or someone with a bachelor’s degree teaches your child. This requires 180 days of instruction but no portfolio or evaluation.
Option 3: Day School Extension
Some private schools offer “umbrella” programs. Your child enrolls in a school that oversees your homeschool. Rules vary by program.
Option 4: Cyber Charter Schools
Pennsylvania has online public schools. These handle compliance but offer less flexibility. The school provides curriculum and teachers.
Pennsylvania Homeschool Resources
Official Resources
State Organizations
- CHAP – Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania
- PHEN – Pennsylvania Home Education Network (inclusive)
- Homeschool Pennsylvania – Legal resources and guides
Regional Support Groups
- Philadelphia Area: Homeschoolers of Greater Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh Area: PA Homeschoolers Western Region
- Central PA: Central Pennsylvania Homeschool Association
- Lehigh Valley: Lehigh Valley Homeschool Association
Search Facebook for groups in your county. Local groups connect you with co-ops, field trips, and sports leagues.
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
To pull your child from public school in Pennsylvania:
- Submit your affidavit or declaration to the superintendent
- Send a withdrawal letter to your child’s school
- Request official records in writing
- Start homeschooling once the district gets your paperwork
You can withdraw any time during the year. File your paperwork before you start teaching at home.
High School and Graduation
Pennsylvania homeschoolers can earn diplomas several ways:
- Parent-issued diploma: You award it based on your requirements
- GED: Available at age 18 (or 16 with approval)
- Accredited program diploma: Through an enrolled online school
Create a detailed transcript for college applications. List course titles, descriptions, grades, and credits. Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts.
Special Needs
Families with special needs children can request services from their school district. Some districts offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other help to homeschoolers. Contact your district to ask about available support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Pennsylvania?
No. You only need a high school diploma or GED. Teaching credentials are not required for parents who homeschool in Pennsylvania.
What if my district rejects my affidavit?
Districts cannot reject a proper, signed affidavit or declaration. If you face pushback, contact HSLDA or a state homeschool group for help.
Can I use the unsworn declaration instead of a notarized form?
Yes. Since April 2020, you can file an unsworn declaration. It has the same legal weight as a notarized affidavit. You sign under penalty of perjury instead of using a notary.
Can Pennsylvania homeschoolers join public school sports?
Pennsylvania law does not require districts to include homeschoolers in sports or clubs. But many districts allow it. Ask your district about their policy.
How do I find a certified evaluator?
State homeschool groups keep lists. CHAP and PHEN both have directories. Many evaluators work by video call.
What happens if I miss the August 1 deadline?
Your child may be considered truant without a filed affidavit. The district could start legal action. File on time to avoid problems. If you’re late, file as soon as possible and explain the delay.
How much does homeschooling cost in Pennsylvania?
Costs vary widely. You can homeschool for free using library books and online resources. Or you can spend thousands on curriculum. Most families spend $300-$600 per child per year. Add $25-$75 for yearly evaluations.
Start Your Pennsylvania Homeschool Journey Today
Pennsylvania homeschool rules take some planning. But they’re not overwhelming. Most families spend a few hours setting up their system. After that, compliance becomes routine.
Start by preparing your affidavit or declaration. Download templates from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Connect with a local support group. Join a co-op if you want community.
You have the legal right to homeschool in Pennsylvania. Over 70,000 families prove it works every year. Your homeschool journey starts with that first form.
Want to compare other states? Read our New York homeschool guide for a high-regulation example. Or check out homeschooling in Texas for a low-regulation approach. You can also explore California, Florida, and Illinois.
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