PA

High regulation

Pennsylvania homeschool recordkeeping requirements

Recordkeeping is where many families either overcomplicate things or accidentally keep too little. This page separates what Pennsylvania appears to require from what is smart to keep for transfers, high school, college, and peace of mind.

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.

Current recordkeeping summary

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.

Attendance or hours connection

180 days each year, or 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 hours at the secondary level.

Testing and evaluation records

Yes. An annual written evaluation is generally required every year, and standardized testing is required in certain grades. Frequency: Annual evaluation every year; standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Practical parent record file

  1. 1Notice, affidavit, umbrella-school enrollment, or withdrawal copies if applicable.
  2. 2Attendance or school-days tracker if your state requires days/hours or if you want a clean audit trail.
  3. 3Curriculum list by subject and grade level.
  4. 4Work samples or portfolio highlights for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
  5. 5Test results, evaluation letters, report cards, or progress summaries if applicable.
  6. 6High-school course descriptions, credits, grades, and transcript drafts for grades 9–12.

Source caveat

This site summarizes public source material and should be verified against current Pennsylvania agency guidance before a compliance deadline.

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.

View all downloads

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

What records do homeschoolers keep in Pennsylvania?

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.

Do I need attendance records in Pennsylvania?

180 days each year, or 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 hours at the secondary level.

Should I keep more than the minimum?

Usually yes. A simple folder with notice paperwork, attendance, curriculum, samples, and test/evaluation results makes transfers, high school planning, and future questions much easier.

Tie records to the full startup checklist

Records are easier when you know which steps Pennsylvania expects first.

How to homeschool in Pennsylvania