PA

High regulation

Pennsylvania homeschool requirements

Use this page as the parent-friendly requirements hub for Pennsylvania. It pulls the core legal fields into one checklist-style view so families can see what matters before they choose curriculum or withdraw from school.

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.

Legal status

Homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania, but families must follow yearly filing, portfolio, and evaluation rules unless they use another legal option such as private tutoring or a different private school arrangement.

Regulation level

High: Pennsylvania allows homeschooling under its home education law, but it is more regulated than many states. Families generally file a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration each year, teach the required subjects, keep a portfolio, and submit an annual evaluation.

Compulsory school age

6-18

Notice or enrollment requirement

Yes. Families homeschooling under the home education statute generally file a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration each year. Notify: The superintendent of the local school district of residence.. Deadline: By August 1 each year, or before starting a home education program midyear.

Required subjects

English, including spelling, reading, and writing, Arithmetic and mathematics, Science, Geography, History of the United States and Pennsylvania, Civics, Safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in fire safety, Health and physiology, Physical education, Music, Art, Literature, Foreign language in the elementary grades

Hours or days

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

Testing or evaluation

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.

Records parents should 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.

Teacher qualifications

The homeschooling supervisor must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Curriculum freedom

Moderate. Parents choose curriculum, but they must cover required subjects, meet day or hour minimums, and maintain a portfolio and annual evaluation.

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

Is homeschooling legal in Pennsylvania?

Homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania, but families must follow yearly filing, portfolio, and evaluation rules unless they use another legal option such as private tutoring or a different private school arrangement.

Do Pennsylvania homeschool parents have to notify the state?

Yes. Families homeschooling under the home education statute generally file a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration each year.

What subjects are required in Pennsylvania?

English, including spelling, reading, and writing, Arithmetic and mathematics, Science, Geography, History of the United States and Pennsylvania, Civics, Safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in fire safety, Health and physiology, Physical education, Music, Art, Literature, Foreign language in the elementary grades

Does Pennsylvania require homeschool testing?

Yes. An annual written evaluation is generally required every year, and standardized testing is required in certain grades.

Start with the full state checklist

If you are new to homeschooling in Pennsylvania, read the step-by-step startup guide before handling forms or curriculum decisions.

How to homeschool in Pennsylvania