Pennsylvania homeschool requirements
Overview
Pennsylvania supervisors file a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) with the district each year, keep a portfolio, test in grades 3, 5 and 8, and submit an annual evaluation by a qualified evaluator by June 30. District approval is not required to begin.
Legal pathway: Home education program under 24 P.S. 13-1327.1 (Act 169 of 1988, as amended).
Notification and registration
Before starting and annually by August 1, submit a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration to the superintendent of the district of residence, with an outline of proposed education objectives by subject area, immunization evidence (or exemption documentation) and evidence of required medical services (or a religious exemption). School district approval is not required once the paperwork is filed (22 Pa. Code 11.31a).
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Affidavit + objectives + health documentation | Before starting; annually by August 1 |
| Annual evaluation by qualified evaluator | On or before June 30 |
Who may teach: The supervisor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and meet the criminal-history conditions described in PDE's guide (24 P.S. 1-111(e)).
Ages: Compulsory school age: from age 6 (by September 1) until 18 or graduation (24 P.S. 13-1326).
Required subjects
- Elementary (K-6): English incl. spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education incl. fire prevention; health and physiology; physical education; music; art.
- Secondary (7-12): English (language, literature, speech, composition); science; geography; social studies (civics, world history, U.S. and Pennsylvania history); mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry); art; music; physical education; health; safety education.
How our subjects line up
MathematicsRequired
Arithmetic (K-6) and mathematics (7-8) are mandatory courses.
English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)Required
English incl. spelling, reading and writing is mandatory.
ScienceRequired
Science is a mandatory course.
History & Social StudiesRequired
History of the U.S. and Pennsylvania, geography and civics are mandatory.
Spanish (world language)Not listed
The required subjects this guide lists for Pennsylvania do not include a world language. Spanish is an elective here; it can still count toward a broad, balanced program.
English as a Second LanguageRelated
Supports Pennsylvania's English / language-arts requirement for children still learning English. It does not replace a full grade-level language arts course; use it alongside one.
Also required (outside the subjects we offer): Geography; Civics; Safety education incl. fire prevention; Health and physiology / health; Physical education; Music; Art.
Instruction time: Either 180 days, or 900 hours per year (grades K-6) / 990 hours per year (grades 7-12).
Testing and assessment
Standardized tests in grades 3, 5 and 8, plus an annual written evaluation.
- Portfolio for grades 3, 5 and 8 must include results of the statewide tests (PSSAs) in reading/language arts and math, or a PDE-approved nationally normed standardized achievement test (e.g. CAT, Iowa, MAP, Stanford, TerraNova, Woodcock-Johnson).
- A written evaluation from a qualified evaluator (licensed clinical or school psychologist, a teacher certified by the Commonwealth, or a nonpublic teacher or administrator) is submitted to the superintendent by June 30 for each student, based on portfolio review and a student interview.
- Failure to submit may lead to a hearing with possible probation, increased reporting, or loss of homeschooling rights for up to one year.
Record-keeping
Maintain a portfolio during the year.
- A log, made contemporaneously with instruction, designating the reading materials used by title.
- Samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student.
- Test results for grades 3, 5 and 8, and the evaluator's written evaluation.
- Portfolios are required for the period of compulsory school age.
Pennsylvania homeschool checklist
Guidance only. Last verified 2026-10-26. Verify each step with the official sources below.
Notes and limits of this guide
- PDE's guide is dated May 2026; confirm your district's local board policy for filing details.
Official sources
Last verified 2026-10-26. Always check these pages for the current rules.