Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Complete Guide to Laws, Requirements, and Getting Started
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is legal, well-established, and well within reach for families who want more for their children than a single classroom can offer. The state does ask for some specific paperwork (an annual affidavit, a portfolio, an end-of-year evaluation), but tens of thousands of Pennsylvania families manage it successfully every year. This guide walks you through exactly what's required and how to get started with confidence.
We’ll unravel everything you need to know about homeschooling in Pennsylvania, from PA home education laws and homeschool curriculum choices to details about how you can connect with your homeschool community.
Key Takeaways
- Parents should submit a notarized affidavit to their local school district superintendent by August 1 each year to begin homeschooling.
- Pennsylvania requires at least 180 days of instruction. The timeframe extends to 900 hours for elementary students and 990 hours for secondary students.
- Homeschoolers in Pennsylvania must take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8.
- A homeschool portfolio, including student work and reading logs, must be maintained throughout the school year.
- An annual end of year evaluation by a qualified person is required, with reports due by June 30.
- Parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent to homeschool.
- Under Act 55 of 2022, homeschooled students can participate in public school extracurricular activities.
- Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is governed by Act 169 for ages 6 to 18.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Pennsylvania?
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Yes, homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania, recognized as a home education program under Pennsylvania law, specifically Act 169. This law governs home education for children ages six to 18, giving parents the right to teach their children at home provided they meet specific state requirements.
One of these top requirements is that parents or guardians must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent to homeschool their child. Additionally, parents with legal custody of the child can establish a home education program by working with the proper notification and documentation procedures.
Ensure that you understand the introductory aspects of homeschooling, as it will help shed more light on the legal requirements as you proceed.
Why Homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Most parents don’t dislike traditional schooling, but they simply want more for their children – more understanding of the world we live in, more opportunities to grow, and more ideas that can help our children to create a freer future. Homeschooling is for parents who understand that education is about so much more than passing a test with flying colors. Children whose education prepares them to understand the world around them with empathy and critical thinking will transform into confident adults who are free to live on their own terms.
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania can provide that – but first, you need to understand the laws and how to adhere to them.
Pennsylvania Home Education Law: Understanding the Requirements
PA home education law outlines specific requirements that families must follow. Getting familiar with these requirements upfront can help you avoid potential compliance issues later, and help you focus on what really matters: teaching your children the skills they need to succeed in life.
The Notarized Affidavit
Parents must submit a notarized affidavit of intent to the local school district superintendent by August 1 annually. If starting mid-year, submit before your child misses three consecutive days of school to avoid truancy. The affidavit should include:
- Parent or guardian's name
- Child's name, age, and grade level
- Statement that you will provide a home education program
- Verification that you meet the parent qualification requirement
If you want, you can skip the notary and go for an unsworn declaration instead. But after the first year, you must submit a new homeschool affidavit annually by August 1 to continue homeschooling.
Education Objectives
When submitting your affidavit, include your education objectives by outlining your planned curriculum for the year. The required subjects vary by grade level:
- Elementary (K-6): English (language arts), mathematics, science, social studies, health and fire safety, music, and art
- Secondary (7-12): All elementary subjects plus US & Pennsylvania history, English composition, lab science, geography, and civics
The Tuttle Twins curriculum is designed to make this part easy. It covers history, economics, entrepreneurship, and civics in a way kids actually want to read, giving them a head start on these complex subjects. This means your required subjects and your family's bigger goals can work together from day one.
Instructional Hours and Days
In Pennsylvania, parents are expected to teach for a stipulated number of hours and days per year.
- Elementary students: a minimum of 900 hours.
- Secondary students: at least 990 hours of instruction.
Overall, a minimum of 180 days of instruction will count as a full school year for homeschooling students.
You can structure your school year however works best for your family, as long as you meet the minimum days and hours. Once your affidavit and objectives are submitted, you can count your child's required homeschooling hours by starting to log activities, trips, academics, and reading time.
The Homeschool Portfolio
One of the basic requirements in homeschooling in Pennsylvania is a detailed portfolio showing your child’s progress, including:
- Student work samples for each subject
- Reading log materials to demonstrate academic progress.
- Field trip documentation
- Evidence of academic progress.
Many PA homeschoolers use binders with dividers for each subject. You can adopt this system if the organization works best for you.
Testing Requirements
In Pennsylvania, homeschoolers must take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8, and the results must be included in their homeschool portfolio.
Parents choose which nationally normed standardized test to use (e.g., Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or California Achievement Test). The test can be administered at home or with a qualified person. There’s no need to take public school statewide tests.
Annual Evaluation
Pennsylvania homeschoolers need an annual evaluation by a qualified evaluator. This person will review your portfolio and certify educational progress. Qualified evaluators include:
- Licensed teacher
- Certified teacher with 2+ years experience
- Private tutor with credentials
- Licensed psychologist
- Any person with a mutual parent-district agreement.
The evaluation report has to be submitted to the school district superintendent by June 30 each year.
Starting Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Withdraw from Public School
Your child must be formally withdrawn from their public school in Pennsylvania for homeschooling to commence. Contact your school in writing to notify them of your withdrawal.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Affidavit
You must submit a notarized home educator affidavit and educational objectives to your school district to legally homeschool in Pennsylvania. Send your affidavit and objectives via certified mail to have proof of submission.
Step 3: Gather Documents and Choose Curriculum
Ensure that you get these documents ready:
- Immunization records (or religious exemption)
- Parent qualification proof (high school diploma)
- Relevant certifications to show that you’re capable.
The nature of the homeschool curriculum rests entirely on your shoulders since there are no state rules. Some popular options include complete packages, online programs, or mixing resources by subject.
Step 4: Set Up Portfolio and Begin
Get your portfolio system ready from day one. Pick a comfy spot for your homeschool room (it could be your kitchen table or a dedicated room). Once paperwork is submitted, begin homeschooling and start logging activities, reading, and academics as you go.
Homeschool Curriculum Options in Pennsylvania
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There are many homeschooling curriculum options in Pennsylvania, and many of them cover multiple required subjects for children at different grade levels. Tuttle Twins offers a wide range of materials from books for third graders to books for teens. These materials are designed to teach your children important concepts in an easy-to-understand and simple way. We created the Tuttle Twins books to teach kids about individual liberty, free market economics, and entrepreneurism, empowering parents to give their children a foundation of freedom that will help them build a future that feels bright.
Aside from these specific examples, you can also go for:
- Complete packages that offer all subjects.
- Flexible online programs
- Mix resources by subject
Additionally, Pennsylvania provides opportunities to borrow public school district textbooks, visit public libraries and museums that allow homeschool days, and share community resources.
The Cost of Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
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Annual homeschooling expenses per child in Pennsylvania range from $500 to $2,500 per school year, which is significantly cheaper than public school expenditures, which average around $20,000 per student annually.
Common expenses include:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Educational supplies and materials
- Standardized test fees ($30-75 per test)
- Evaluator fees ($50-200 annually)
- Field trip admissions
- Extracurricular activities and classes
State funding or grants for homeschooling aren’t awarded in Pennsylvania. Also, these expenses are not tax-deductible or eligible for tax write-offs. Therefore, homeschoolers in Pennsylvania are still required to pay local, county, state, and federal taxes, even if they don’t use public schools.
For most families, the annual cost of homeschooling in Pennsylvania runs $500–$2,500 per child — a fraction of private school tuition and far less than the per-pupil cost of public school. More importantly, every dollar you spend goes directly toward what your family has decided matters most.
Participating in Public School Programs
Under Act 55 of 2022, homeschooled students in Pennsylvania can participate in extracurriculars, co-curricular activities, and technical education programs. Thanks to this provision, they can also participate in public school extracurricular activities such as clubs, athletics, and musical ensembles.
These are other examples of participatory programs open to your kid:
- Sports teams
- Band, orchestra, and choir
- Drama and theater programs
- Academic clubs and competitions
- Robotics and STEM programs
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
Each school district sets its own policies, so you’ll need to contact your district directly to learn about specific programs, the enrollment procedures, and any associated fees.
High School Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
High school homeschooling in Pennsylvania is where the work you've put in starts to compound. Your teenager isn't just earning credits — they're building a record of who they are: what they've studied, what they've created, and what values they stand for. Pennsylvania gives you the authority to document that story on your terms. Here's how.
This document will showcase academic achievements and play a significant role in college applications. These are other areas you have to take charge of when it comes to high school homeschooling:
Diploma Options
- Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA) diploma
- Parent-issued diploma (widely accepted by colleges)
College Prep
- Prepare for SAT/ACT exams
- Use critical thinking materials to challenge their reasoning skills.
- Consider dual enrollment courses for college credit
- Showcase talents and passions through portfolios or projects
- Secure strong recommendation letters
With careful planning, homeschooled students in PA can create compelling applications and gain acceptance to colleges nationwide. They are regularly accepted, and your child can also be part of the numbers.
Pennsylvania Homeschool Community and Resources
Pennsylvania's homeschool community is rich with support and opportunities. The right community will give your family support and compound what you're building at home. One conversation with another homeschool family can unlock a co-op, a field trip, or a teaching approach that makes next year easier than this one. These are some key resources and co-op options:
- PA Homeschoolers: Offers resources, testing services, and online classes
- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): Provides legal support for families
- Local Co-ops: Available for community, shared classes, and friendships
- Field Trips: Offers explorations in museums, historical sites, and more that spark conversations about the world around them
To find families near you, search "[your city] Pennsylvania homeschool co-op" or "Pennsylvania homeschool community [your county].” Most areas have active groups that welcome new families.
Common Questions About Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
Do I Need to be a Certified Teacher?
No. Parents must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to homeschool in Pennsylvania, but no teaching certification is required. You can also hire a private tutor with appropriate credentials to provide instruction.
What if my School District Rejects My Affidavit?
School directors rarely reject properly completed affidavits, but if it happens, your district is required to give specific reasons. Contact HSLDA or PA Homeschoolers for guidance if you face challenges with your local school district.
Can I Homeschool Multiple Children?
Yes, one affidavit covers all children in a single family. You'll maintain separate portfolios for each child but submit everything together for evaluation.
What About Immunizations?
You must provide immunization records unless you qualify for a religious or medical exemption. Pennsylvania respects religious exemptions for homeschoolers who have sincere religious beliefs against immunization.
How do Evaluations Work?
In Pennsylvania, an evaluator reviews your child's portfolio, including work samples, reading logs, and documentation of academic progress. Afterwards, they’ll write a report confirming that education standards are met. There are no grades needed because the report duly confirms that all educational standards have been met.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania involves more paperwork than in some states, but it can be manageable with understanding and organization.
Simply submit your notarized affidavit and education objectives to your local school district superintendent by the appropriate deadline. Choose a curriculum that covers the required subjects — and then let your family's values guide the rest. That's where Tuttle Twins fits in. Set up your portfolio system from day one. Connect with your local homeschool community for support and resources. Mark your calendar for testing years and annual evaluation deadlines.
Also, you must maintain detailed portfolios and file a notarized affidavit with educational objectives annually. The flexibility and community that come with homeschooling in Pennsylvania make it more rewarding. Start today. A year from now, your child won't just be keeping up — they'll be the kid at the dinner table asking questions the adults haven't thought to ask yet.
References
- Pennsylvania Department of Education. (n.d.). Home education program requirements. Retrieved January 2026.
- Pennsylvania Homeschoolers. (n.d.). Resources and guidance for PA families. Retrieved January 2026.
Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency. (n.d.). Diploma programs. Retrieved January 2026. - Pennsylvania General Assembly. (2022). Act 55 of 2022. Retrieved January 2026.