Hours / Days
180 days minimum (equivalent to public school calendar)
State Code
PA
Subjects
8 required
Filing Requirements
Notarized Annual Affidavit
By August 1 annuallyFile a notarized affidavit with your local school district superintendent each year by August 1. Must include an outline of proposed educational objectives in each required subject.
Annual Evaluation Report
By June 30 annuallySubmit an evaluation by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, certified teacher, or approved evaluator. Report must certify that the child's education is appropriate.
How to Comply with Pennsylvania's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Pennsylvania
Legal Classification
Home Education Program (Multiple Pathways)
Compulsory Education Ages
6-18
Available Legal Pathways
Homeschool Affidavit with Portfolio
File a notarized (or unsworn declaration) affidavit with your local superintendent. Maintain a portfolio with reading logs, work samples, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Most flexible option with most parental control.
Satellite/Extension Program
Enroll as a satellite of an accredited day school or religious school. School provides oversight and structure while you teach at home. Less parental autonomy but more support.
Private Tutoring
Hire a certified teacher as a private tutor. Requires documentation and communication with superintendent. More structured but requires qualified instructor.
Religious Exemption
Religious schools can be exempt from some requirements. Must be bona fide religious school with religious instruction.
Steps to Get Started
Choose Your Homeschooling Pathway
Pennsylvania offers four distinct options for homeschooling. The most popular and flexible is the Homeschool Affidavit pathway, where you file an affidavit with your local superintendent and maintain a portfolio. This option gives you maximum autonomy while meeting state requirements.
- Option 1: Affidavit with portfolio (most popular)
- Option 2: Satellite of accredited day school
- Option 3: Private tutoring by certified teacher
- Option 4: Religious school exemption
Most families choose the affidavit option for maximum flexibility and control.
File Your Affidavit with Your Local Superintendent
If choosing the affidavit pathway, file a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration—no notarization needed) with your superintendent before beginning homeschooling and by August 1 each year thereafter. The affidavit states your intention to operate a home education program and includes student information.
- File notarized affidavit OR unsworn declaration (newer option, no notary needed)
- File before starting and by August 1 annually
- Include student name, grade, age, and address
- Include parent name and address
- Keep copies for your records
The unsworn declaration option (no notarization required) is newer and simpler.
Maintain a Comprehensive Portfolio
Pennsylvania requires maintenance of a portfolio containing reading logs, work samples, standardized test results, and other evidence of instruction. The portfolio doesn't need to be submitted unless requested by your superintendent.
- Reading log documenting books read (title, author, date completed)
- Work samples from all subject areas
- Standardized test results from grades 3, 5, and 8
- Log made 'contemporaneously with instruction' (recorded as you teach)
- Samples showing progress in reading, writing, and mathematics
A well-organized portfolio in a binder or digital folder makes record-keeping easy.
Conduct Standardized Testing in Grades 3, 5, and 8
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8 using a nationally-normed standardized test or the state assessment (PSSA). Testing is your accountability measure and helps identify any learning gaps.
- Grade 3: First standardized test
- Grade 5: Second standardized test
- Grade 8: Third standardized test
- Any nationally-normed test approved by Pennsylvania Dept of Education acceptable
- Or use the state's PSSA test if available
- Results kept on file—not submitted unless requested
Spring is the best time to test—register early with approved test administrators.
Teach Required Subjects
Pennsylvania requires instruction in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, arithmetic/math, science, and social studies at a level of quality equivalent to public schools. You have complete freedom in curriculum selection and teaching methods.
- Reading and language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling)
- Mathematics/arithmetic
- Science
- Social studies (history, geography, civics)
- Physical education (recommended)
- Health education (recommended)
While only some subjects are mandated, a complete education includes all core areas.
Meet 180-Day and Hour Minimums
Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 180 days and 900 (elementary) or 990 (secondary) hours of instruction per school year. You can structure your schedule to meet these minimums while maintaining flexibility.
- Minimum 180 instructional days per school year
- Elementary: 900 hours minimum
- Secondary (7-12): 990 hours minimum
- Days and hours don't need to be consecutive
- You control scheduling and pace
Most families meet these requirements through regular daily instruction.
Renew Your Affidavit Annually
Each school year by August 1, file a new affidavit (or unsworn declaration) with your superintendent. This annual renewal confirms your continued homeschooling program.
Mark your calendar for July to ensure you file by the August 1 deadline.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, file your affidavit and your child is considered withdrawn. No separate withdrawal form is needed. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Pennsylvania homeschoolers may be able to participate in some public school extracurricular activities depending on district policy. Contact your school district to inquire about sports and club participation opportunities.
Special Education
Pennsylvania allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child previously had an IEP, coordinate with your district about special education services you want to maintain.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Create a reading log documenting books read (title, author, date completed) for each child
- Keep work samples from each subject area organized in folders by grade or semester
- Save all standardized test results from required testing grades
- Track 180 instructional days and 900+ hours per year on a calendar or spreadsheet
- Document field trips, educational activities, and enrichment classes attended
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
Assessment required ONLY under Option 1 (homeschool statute with affidavit): standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8, educational portfolio with work samples and reading log, and annual evaluation report by certified teacher or psychologist due June 30. Other options have different requirements.
Record Keeping
Educational portfolio required with work samples created contemporaneously with instruction, a reading materials log, and standardized test results. Records must be retained for a minimum of 7 years.
Key Facts About Pennsylvania
One of 5 strictest states (with NY, MA, VT, RI)
Notarized annual affidavit required by August 1 (not quarterly reports like NY)
Standardized testing required in grades 3, 5, and 8
Educational portfolio with reading log and work samples required
Annual evaluation by certified teacher or psychologist due June 30
Parent providing instruction must have high school diploma or equivalent
Compulsory age: 8-17
“Every family's homeschool journey in Pennsylvania is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What must I include in the notarized affidavit?
Your notarized annual affidavit (due August 1) must include an outline of proposed educational objectives for each required subject, the name and qualifications of the supervisor, and confirmation that your child will receive instruction in all required subjects.
When and how is testing required?
Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, and 8 using a nationally normed test approved by the PA Department of Education. Results become part of your educational portfolio.
What is the annual evaluation report?
By June 30 each year, you must submit an evaluation from a certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or approved evaluator who reviews your portfolio and certifies that your child's education is appropriate. This is separate from the affidavit.
Do I need a high school diploma to homeschool in PA?
Yes. The parent providing instruction must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Pennsylvania also requires maintaining detailed educational records for at least 7 years.
Looking for requirements in another state?