Pennsylvania Homeschool Requirements
Pennsylvania has comprehensive homeschool regulations requiring annual notification, portfolio reviews, and standardized testing.
Pennsylvania Quick Facts
- • Annual notarized affidavit required by August 1
- • Standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8
- • Annual portfolio review by certified teacher or evaluator
- • Parent must have high school diploma or equivalent
- • 180 days of instruction required, 990 hours (elementary) or 1,080 hours (secondary)
What Pennsylvania Law Requires:
Annual Notarized Affidavit
Submit to superintendent by August 1 each year with immunization records, health and dental certificates, and criminal background check (first year only)
Portfolio Maintenance
Keep portfolio of work samples, reading logs, and records throughout the year
Annual Portfolio Review
Have portfolio reviewed by certified teacher or licensed psychologist who signs evaluation form
Standardized Testing
Administer nationally normed test in grades 3, 5, and 8 (scores submitted with portfolio review)
Required Subjects
English, arithmetic, science, geography, US and PA history, civics, safety education, health, music, art, and physical education
Parent Qualifications:
Parent/supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent. No teaching certification required.
Obtain Required Documents
Gather the following before filing your affidavit:
- • Immunization records
- • Health certificate (within one year)
- • Dental certificate (within one year)
- • Criminal background check (first year only)
File Notarized Affidavit
Complete affidavit listing required subjects, have it notarized, and submit to your school district superintendent by August 1. Include all required documents.
Begin Instruction and Portfolio
Start homeschooling and maintain a portfolio throughout the year with work samples, reading logs, and curriculum materials used.
Complete Annual Review
At year end, have qualified evaluator review portfolio and sign evaluation form. Submit to superintendent with test results if required for that grade.
Log of Reading Materials
Complete list of books, periodicals, and other materials read
Work Samples
Representative samples in each required subject showing progress
Standardized Test Results
For grades 3, 5, and 8 (test must be nationally normed)
Evaluator's Written Assessment
Signed evaluation from certified teacher or licensed psychologist
High School & Graduation
Pennsylvania homeschoolers can graduate and receive a diploma from parents. For college admission:
- • Create detailed transcript with course descriptions
- • Take SAT/ACT tests
- • Consider dual enrollment at community college
- • Maintain thorough portfolio through 12th grade
Special Education
Parents can homeschool special needs students. Once withdrawn from public school, students lose IEP services, but parents can access private therapies and specialized homeschool support groups.
Sports & Activities
Pennsylvania does not mandate public school access for homeschoolers. However, some districts voluntarily allow participation. Many homeschool groups offer co-op classes and sports teams.
Connect with other Pennsylvania homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Pennsylvania GroupsBrowse Pennsylvania Field TripsWhat if I miss the August 1 deadline?
File as soon as possible. Late filing may result in truancy issues. Contact your district superintendent immediately to explain the situation and submit your affidavit.
How do I find an evaluator?
Many Pennsylvania homeschool support groups maintain lists of approved evaluators. CHAP and other organizations can connect you with evaluators familiar with homeschooling. Expect to pay $50-150 for evaluation services.
What test scores are acceptable?
Any nationally normed standardized achievement test is acceptable (CAT, Iowa, Stanford, etc.). There is no minimum passing score required - you simply must include the results with your portfolio review.
Can I switch from public school mid-year?
Yes, but you should file your affidavit as soon as possible. You may need to show you've been homeschooling for at least 180 days before the end of the school year.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania?
Join other Pennsylvania homeschool families on Homeschool Connect