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Homeschool laws · Pennsylvania

How to homeschool in Pennsylvania

The evaluator cannot be you or your spouse.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Pennsylvania. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Pennsylvania requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) to the district superintendent before starting, then every year by August 1, with objectives by subject and health records.

Minimum school time

180 days, or 900 hours (grades K–6) and 990 hours (grades 7–12).

Required subjects

A detailed elementary and secondary list, including English, math, science, history, civics, health, PE, music, art, geography and safety education.

Parent qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Testing or evaluation

A standardized test in grades 3, 5 and 8, and every year a portfolio evaluation by a qualified evaluator, whose certification goes to the superintendent by June 30.

Records to keep

A portfolio: a log of reading materials, work samples and test results.

Compulsory school ages

6–18

Legal ways to homeschool in Pennsylvania

  • Homeschool statute (affidavit)
  • Certified private tutor
  • Satellite of a religious day school
  • Satellite of an accredited school

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) to the district superintendent before starting, then every year by August 1, with objectives by subject and health records.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 180 school days

    180 days, or 900 hours (grades K–6) and 990 hours (grades 7–12). Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 180 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Pennsylvania asks for: a portfolio: a log of reading materials, work samples and test results. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A standardized test in grades 3, 5 and 8, and every year a portfolio evaluation by a qualified evaluator, whose certification goes to the superintendent by June 30.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Pennsylvania homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

A notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) to the district superintendent before starting, then every year by August 1, with objectives by subject and health records.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

180 days, or 900 hours (grades K–6) and 990 hours (grades 7–12).

What subjects are required in Pennsylvania?

A detailed elementary and secondary list, including English, math, science, history, civics, health, PE, music, art, geography and safety education.

Does Pennsylvania require testing for homeschoolers?

A standardized test in grades 3, 5 and 8, and every year a portfolio evaluation by a qualified evaluator, whose certification goes to the superintendent by June 30.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Pennsylvania?

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Pennsylvania and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states