Thinking about homeschooling in Pennsylvania? You’re joining a thriving community of over 70,000 homeschool families in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has moderate regulations compared to other states. Once you understand the process, compliance is straightforward.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through the affidavit, required subjects, portfolios, testing, and annual evaluations. Let’s get you started.
Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under Act 169 of 1988 |
| Notification | Notarized affidavit by August 1 |
| Days Required | 180 school days minimum |
| Hours Required | 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary) |
| Subjects Required | Multiple subjects by grade level |
| Testing | Standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 |
| Evaluation | Annual evaluation by certified evaluator |
| Compulsory Ages | 8-17 |
Step-by-Step: Starting Homeschool in Pennsylvania
Step 1: File Your Notarized Affidavit
Before you begin homeschooling, submit a notarized affidavit to your local school district superintendent. The deadline is August 1 for the upcoming school year. Starting mid-year? File before you begin instruction.
Your affidavit must include:
- Name and age of each child
- Address where instruction will take place
- Names and qualifications of all teachers
- Outline of proposed education objectives by subject
- Evidence of required immunizations
- Certification that none of the adults in the home have been convicted of certain criminal offenses within five years
The affidavit must be notarized. Many banks, UPS stores, and libraries offer free notary services. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 2: Understand Supervisor Qualifications
Pennsylvania requires the homeschool supervisor (usually a parent) to have a high school diploma or equivalent. That’s the only qualification needed. You don’t need teaching credentials or college degrees.
If you hire a tutor, they must meet one of these requirements:
- Pennsylvania teaching certification
- Bachelor’s degree
- Be the child’s parent or guardian
Step 3: Teach Required Subjects
Pennsylvania specifies subjects by grade level. You must cover these areas:
Elementary Level (Grades K-6):
- English (reading, writing, spelling)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Geography
- History of the United States and Pennsylvania
- Civics
- Health and Physiology
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Safety Education (including fire safety)
Secondary Level (Grades 7-12) adds:
- English Language and Literature
- Speech and Composition
- Social Studies (civics, world history, history of the U.S. and Pennsylvania)
- Mathematics (algebra, geometry)
- Science
- Foreign Language
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Health
- Safety Education
Step 4: Maintain a Portfolio
Throughout the year, keep a portfolio documenting your homeschool. This becomes part of your annual evaluation.
Your portfolio should include:
- Log of reading materials by title and author
- Samples of writings, worksheets, and creative work
- Standardized test results (for required years)
- An annual written evaluation by a certified evaluator
You don’t need to submit this portfolio to the school district. Keep it available in case the district requests to review it.
Step 5: Complete Required Testing
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in specific grades:
- Grade 3: First required test
- Grade 5: Second required test
- Grade 8: Third required test
Use any nationally normed standardized achievement test. Popular choices include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test, and PSSA.
Test results go in your portfolio. There’s no minimum score requirement. The test documents educational progress.
Step 6: Get Your Annual Evaluation
At the end of each school year, a certified evaluator must review your portfolio and certify that appropriate education is occurring. Submit this evaluation to your superintendent by June 30.
Qualified evaluators include:
- Licensed Pennsylvania teachers
- School psychologists
- Nonpublic school teachers or administrators
- Other persons approved by your superintendent
The evaluator reviews your portfolio, may interview your child, and writes a certification letter. Most evaluations cost between $25-75. Some evaluators offer group rates.
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 must include at least 4-5 hours of instruction. You choose how to distribute hours across your school year. Many families complete requirements in less than a traditional school calendar.
Count all educational activities: formal lessons, reading, field trips, educational games, music practice, and co-op classes. Document your hours in a simple log.
Record Keeping Requirements
Good records make your annual evaluation smooth. Maintain these documents:
Required Records
- Notarized affidavit (copy for each year)
- Attendance/hour log
- Reading log with titles and authors
- Work samples from each subject
- Standardized test results (grades 3, 5, 8)
- Annual evaluation letter
Helpful Additional Records
- Curriculum descriptions
- Grade records
- Certificates of completion
- Photos of projects and activities
- High school transcripts
Keep records for at least two years after each school year. For high school, maintain records until college admission is complete.
Homeschool Options in Pennsylvania
Option 1: Home Education Program
Most families choose this option. You file directly with your school district, maintain a portfolio, and get an annual evaluation. This gives you maximum flexibility in curriculum and approach.
Option 2: Private Tutoring
Pennsylvania allows education through a private tutor. The tutor must be certified or have a bachelor’s degree. Requirements include 180 days of instruction and required subjects, but no portfolio or evaluation is needed.
Option 3: Day School Extension
Some private schools offer “day school extension” programs. Your child enrolls in a private school that oversees your homeschool. Requirements vary by program.
Option 4: Diploma-Granting Online Schools
Pennsylvania cyber charter schools and accredited online schools offer another path. These handle compliance for you but provide less flexibility.
Pennsylvania Homeschool Resources
Official Resources
State Organizations
- Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP)
- Pennsylvania Home Education Network (PHEN) – Inclusive support
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
Local support groups connect you with co-ops, field trips, sports leagues, and experienced families. Search Facebook for groups in your county.
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
To withdraw your child from public school:
- Submit your notarized affidavit to the superintendent
- Send a written withdrawal notice to your child’s school
- Request official records in writing
- Begin homeschooling once paperwork is acknowledged
You can withdraw at any point during the year. File your affidavit before beginning instruction.
High School and Graduation
Pennsylvania homeschoolers can earn diplomas through several paths:
- 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. Include course titles, descriptions, grades, and credits. Colleges in Pennsylvania and nationwide accept homeschool transcripts.
Special Needs
Families homeschooling children with special needs can request an evaluation from their school district. Some districts offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services to homeschoolers. Ask your district about available support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Pennsylvania?
No. You need a high school diploma or GED. No teaching credentials are required for parent-supervisors.
What if my district rejects my affidavit?
Districts cannot reject a properly completed, notarized affidavit. If you face resistance, contact HSLDA or a state homeschool organization for support.
Can Pennsylvania homeschoolers participate in public school activities?
Pennsylvania law does not require districts to include homeschoolers in extracurriculars. However, many districts voluntarily allow participation. Ask your district about their policy.
How do I find a certified evaluator?
State homeschool organizations maintain evaluator lists. CHAP and PHEN both offer evaluator directories. Many evaluators work remotely via video call.
What happens if I don’t file my affidavit?
Operating without an affidavit violates compulsory attendance law. The district may pursue truancy proceedings. File your paperwork on time to avoid complications.
Getting Started Today
Pennsylvania’s requirements take planning but aren’t overwhelming. Most families spend a few hours setting up their system, then compliance becomes routine.
Start by preparing your notarized affidavit. Connect with a local support group for evaluator recommendations and curriculum ideas. Join a co-op if you want community.
You have the legal right to homeschool in Pennsylvania. Tens of thousands of families prove it works every year. Your journey starts with that first affidavit.
Want to see how other states compare? Read our New York homeschool guide for a high-regulation example, or check out homeschooling in Texas for a low-regulation approach.
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