Direct testing answer
Yes. An annual written evaluation is generally required every year, and standardized testing is required in certain grades.
PA
High regulationDo homeschoolers need standardized testing in Pennsylvania?
Testing rules are one of the fastest ways parents get confused. This page gives the direct Pennsylvania answer first, then explains what to keep and where to verify it.
Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.
Frequency
Annual evaluation every year; standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8.
What to keep
Keep a portfolio for each student with a log made at the time of instruction, reading materials used, and samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials. Families also typically keep copies of the affidavit and annual evaluation, and the affidavit process references immunization and health records or lawful exemptions.
Deadline connection
By August 1 each year, or before starting a home education program midyear.
Before you submit anything
Verify the current official guidance and keep a copy of any test report, evaluator letter, portfolio review, or submission receipt.
Related homeschool guides for Pennsylvania
These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.
Free printables
Download the homeschool starter kit
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania require standardized tests for homeschoolers?
Yes. An annual written evaluation is generally required every year, and standardized testing is required in certain grades.
How often do homeschoolers test in Pennsylvania?
Annual evaluation every year; standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8.
Where do I keep test results?
Keep a portfolio for each student with a log made at the time of instruction, reading materials used, and samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials. Families also typically keep copies of the affidavit and annual evaluation, and the affidavit process references immunization and health records or lawful exemptions.
Start with the Pennsylvania legal checklist
This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual Pennsylvania homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.
Pennsylvania homeschool requirementsSources for Pennsylvania
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring
- https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1949/0/0014..HTM#1327.2
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.