Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Requirements & Getting Started Guide

Understand Pennsylvania homeschool laws, enrollment pathways, record-keeping expectations, and how to begin homeschooling with clarity and confidence.

Quick Answer Box

Is homeschooling legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania under the state homeschool statute.

Does Pennsylvania require notification?
Yes. Families must submit an annual affidavit to their local school district.

Does Pennsylvania require testing?
Yes. Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Does Pennsylvania require attendance tracking?
Yes. Families must maintain required instructional days or hours and document attendance.

HOMESCHOOL OPTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Traditional Homeschool (Affidavit Option)

Parents homeschool independently by filing an annual notarized affidavit with their local school district and maintaining required records and evaluations.

Private Tutor Option

Families may hire a state-certified teacher to provide instruction. The tutor files required documentation with the district.

Public Cyber Charter SchoolStudents use virtual curriculum platforms.
Students enroll in a Pennsylvania public cyber charter school. These programs follow public school oversight, curriculum, and testing requirements.

What You Must Do

• Submit a notarized affidavit annually to your local superintendent before beginning homeschool

• Include immunization and health records (or appropriate exemptions)

• Outline educational objectives for the school year

• Provide instruction in required subjects based on grade level

• Ensure 180 instructional days or 900–990 hours annually (depending on grade level)

• Maintain a portfolio of records and work samples

• Obtain an annual written evaluation by a qualified evaluator

• Submit evaluator certification to the district at the end of the year
  
  

What Records Pennsylvania Homeschool Families Keep?

Pennsylvania families are responsible for maintaining organized homeschool documentation.

Common records include:

• Copy of annual affidavit

• Attendance log

• Educational objectives

• Portfolio of work samples

• Reading list

• Standardized test results (grades 3, 5, 8)

• Annual evaluator’s written report

• High school transcripts (if applicable)
  
  

Need help organizing your homeschool records?

Getting Started in Pennsylvania

1. Review Pennsylvania homeschool law and grade-level requirements.

2. Prepare and notarize your annual affidavit.

3. Submit required documents to your local school district.

4. Choose curriculum that covers required subjects.

5. Set up a portfolio and attendance tracking system from day one.

   
   
   

Homeschooling does not have to feel overwhelming — clarity and structure make all the difference.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Homeschool Glow provides general educational guidance and organizational tools. Families are responsible for confirming requirements with their state and local authorities.