Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is absolutely doable — but it is one of the more regulated states in the U.S. The good news? Once you understand the structure, it becomes very manageable.

If you’re considering homeschooling in PA, this guide will walk you through:

The legal requirements
What to file and when
Required subjects by grade
Evaluations and portfolios
High school and graduation
Practical tips to make it simple

Whether you’re pulling your child from public school or starting kindergarten at home, here’s how to homeschool in Pennsylvania with confidence.

Understanding Pennsylvania Homeschool Law

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania operates under the state’s home education statute (24 P.S. §13-1327.1).

Oversight is handled by your local school district superintendent — not the state directly. That means you’ll file paperwork with your district every year.

Pennsylvania requires:

Annual affidavit
Required subjects
Required number of days or hours
Portfolio of records
Annual evaluation by a qualified evaluator

It sounds like a lot — but once you build a system, it becomes routine.

Step 1: File Your Affidavit (Or Unsworn Declaration)

Every year you must submit an affidavit (now often called an “unsworn declaration”) to your local school district superintendent before you begin homeschooling.

The affidavit must include:

Parent/guardian name and address
Student’s name and age
Assurance that required subjects will be taught
Proof of immunizations or exemption
Proof of medical and dental services (or exemption)
Assurance that the supervisor has a high school diploma or equivalent

If your child has never attended school before (e.g., starting kindergarten), you still must file before beginning.

If withdrawing from public school, submit your affidavit before removing your child to avoid truancy issues.

Step 2: Meet Attendance Requirements

Pennsylvania requires:

Elementary (K–6): 180 days OR 900 hours
Secondary (7–12): 180 days OR 990 hours

You can track either days or hours — most families track days because it’s simpler.

You do not need to follow the public school calendar.

Step 3: Teach the Required Subjects

Pennsylvania outlines specific subjects by grade level.

Elementary Level (K–6)

Required subjects include:

English (spelling, reading, writing)
Arithmetic
Science
Geography
History of the United States and Pennsylvania
Civics
Safety education (including fire safety)
Health and physiology
Physical education
Music
Art

In grades 3, 4, and 5, state standardized testing is required.

Secondary Level (7–12)

Required subjects include:

English (language, literature, speech, composition)
Mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry)
Science
Social studies (civics, world history, U.S. history, Pennsylvania history)
Health
Physical education
Art
Music

In grades 6, 7, and 8, standardized testing is required.

Step 4: Standardized Testing

Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in:

3rd grade
4th grade
5th grade
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade

Commonly used tests include:

PSSA
Iowa Test of Basic Skills
Stanford Achievement Test

The results are included in the portfolio but are not submitted directly to the state. The evaluator reviews them.

Step 5: Keep a Portfolio

Throughout the year, you must maintain a portfolio that includes:

A log of reading materials used
A log of subjects taught
Samples of student work
Standardized test results (if applicable)

This does not need to be elaborate.

Many families:

Keep a simple binder
Store samples monthly
Print photos of projects
Keep a reading list

Think of it as documentation — not perfection.

Step 6: Schedule an Annual Evaluation

At the end of the school year, you must have an evaluation completed by a qualified evaluator.

Evaluators may include:

A Pennsylvania-certified teacher
A licensed psychologist
A non-public school teacher
Other qualified individuals approved by the district

The evaluator reviews:

The portfolio
Test scores (if required that year)
Student progress

If satisfactory, they write a letter stating that an appropriate education has occurred.

You submit this letter to your district by June 30 (or the end of your homeschool year).

Step 7: High School & Graduation in PA

Homeschool parents in Pennsylvania issue their own diploma.

To graduate, the student must complete:

4 years of English
3 years of math
3 years of science
3 years of social studies
2 years of arts and humanities

Parents create transcripts and a diploma.

Some families use umbrella programs for structure, but it is not required.

Homeschooled students in Pennsylvania can:

Apply to college
Join the military
Apply for jobs
Participate in dual enrollment

Colleges often accept homeschoolers readily, especially when transcripts and portfolios are organized.

Step 8: Extracurricular Access

Pennsylvania homeschoolers may participate in:

Public school sports (in their district)
Clubs and extracurriculars
Career and technical education programs

This access was strengthened under Act 67.

You must meet eligibility requirements just like enrolled students.

Practical Tips to Make It Simple

Here’s how experienced PA homeschoolers keep it manageable:

1. Use a Planner From Day One

Track days, subjects, and reading as you go.

2. Keep Work Samples Monthly

Don’t wait until May to gather everything.

3. Choose an Evaluator Early

Many evaluators book quickly in spring.

4. Don’t Overcomplicate Required Subjects

Music can include piano lessons.
Art can include sketching.
Physical education can include sports or hiking.

5. Remember: The Law Lists Subjects, Not Curriculum

You choose how to teach them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homeschooling expensive in PA?

It can be very affordable. You choose your curriculum and resources.

Do I need to be a certified teacher?

No. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent.

What if my child has special needs?

Homeschooling is still allowed, but additional documentation may be required.

What about kindergarten?

Compulsory school age in Pennsylvania begins at age 6. If your child is younger than compulsory age and has never enrolled, you are not required to file — but many families choose to.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania may seem paperwork-heavy at first — but thousands of families do it successfully every year.

Once you:

File your affidavit
Track attendance
Keep a simple portfolio
Schedule your evaluator

…it becomes a smooth yearly rhythm.

If you’re building a structured homeschool environment — especially if you’re connected with programs like Classical Conversations (which many PA families use) — the legal framework simply becomes the container that allows you to educate your children intentionally.

Homeschooling in PA requires organization — but it also provides tremendous freedom.

And once you get through your first year, you’ll realize: it’s far less intimidating than it looks on paper.

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How to Homeschool in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families