Learn about homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources specific to Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has specific requirements for homeschooling with several options for families. This comprehensive guide explains the legal homeschooling options in Pennsylvania, required documentation, curriculum requirements, evaluation procedures, recordkeeping obligations, and available support resources. The information is based on Pennsylvania's homeschool law (Act 169 of 1988, as amended) and guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Pennsylvania law recognizes several options for satisfying compulsory education through home-based instruction. Understanding these legal pathways is essential for Pennsylvania families considering homeschooling.
In 1988, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 169, establishing the legal framework for home education in the state. This law, codified in Section 13-1327.1 of the Public School Code, outlines specific requirements for parents who choose to educate their children at home.
Pennsylvania offers multiple options for legal home education, each with its own requirements and level of oversight.
The most common homeschooling option in Pennsylvania, established by Act 169 of 1988.
This option provides substantial educational freedom while maintaining accountability through annual evaluations and portfolio reviews.
An alternative to the home education program where instruction is provided by a qualified private tutor.
This option works well for families with access to a certified teacher and provides less paperwork than the home education program.
Pennsylvania recognizes two "umbrella school" arrangements that allow home-based instruction while technically enrolling the child in a non-public school:
Child is enrolled in and supervised by a religious school but taught at home as a satellite student.
Child is enrolled in an accredited private school but receives instruction at home as a satellite student.
Note: These umbrella arrangements shift compliance responsibility from the parent to the school. The school must ensure that instruction meets Pennsylvania standards, while the parent follows the school's requirements.
Important distinction: While cyber charter schools provide education at home, they are not considered "homeschooling" under Pennsylvania law.
Consider these factors when selecting a Pennsylvania homeschooling option:
Most Pennsylvania homeschoolers choose the home education program option for its balance of freedom and structure, but each family should select the approach that best fits their situation.
Pennsylvania requires specific documentation to legally establish and maintain a home education program. These filing procedures are a crucial part of compliance with the state's homeschool law.
Proper filing of required documents establishes your legal homeschool status and protects against potential truancy issues. In Pennsylvania, all homeschool filings are made with your local school district, not with the state Department of Education.
Filing requirements differ based on which homeschooling option you choose, with the Home Education Program having the most extensive documentation.
Before beginning a home education program, the parent or guardian must file a Notarized Affidavit (or an equivalent unsworn declaration) with the superintendent of the local school district where the family resides.
| Required Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Supervisor Information | Name of supervising parent, address and telephone number of the home education program site |
| Student Information | Name and age of each child who will participate in the home education program |
| Subjects Assurance | Statement that required subjects will be taught in English |
| Educational Objectives | An outline of proposed educational objectives by subject area for the coming year |
| Health Records | Evidence of immunizations (or exemption) and required health/medical services |
| Compliance Statement | Certification that the program will comply with all provisions of §13-1327.1, including the minimum instructional time (180 days or 900/990 hours) |
| Criminal Certification | Statement that the supervisor, all adults living in the home, and persons with legal custody have not been convicted of specified criminal offenses within the past five years |
The affidavit must be notarized unless using the unsworn declaration option.
Where to find notaries:
Best practice for submission:
Many districts provide their own affidavit forms, but you can use any format as long as it contains all required information. Sample affidavits are available from homeschool organizations.
Pennsylvania now allows an "unsworn declaration" in lieu of a notarized affidavit.
This option, introduced in recent years, simplifies filing for families who cannot easily access a notary.
If your child has been identified as needing special education services (excluding gifted/talented), additional documentation is required:
Note: This requirement ensures that children with special needs receive appropriate educational accommodations in the home setting. The special education professional will typically review your educational objectives to ensure they address your child's specific learning needs.
For families using the Private Tutor option, the tutor (not the parent) must submit documentation to the district:
Advantage: Under the private tutor option, parents do not need to submit an annual affidavit, portfolio, or evaluation to the district. The tutor's certification and reporting fulfill compliance requirements.
Pennsylvania homeschoolers should mark these important dates for documentation:
Pennsylvania homeschool law prescribes specific subjects that must be taught and minimum instructional time requirements, while still allowing families freedom to choose curriculum and teaching methods.
Pennsylvania law requires that a home education program provide:
At the elementary level, Pennsylvania law requires instruction in these subjects:
| Subject | Required Components |
|---|---|
| English | Must include spelling, reading, and writing |
| Arithmetic | Basic mathematics |
| Science | General science |
| Geography | World and regional geography |
| History | United States and Pennsylvania history |
| Civics | Government and citizenship |
| Safety Education | Regular instruction in fire dangers and prevention |
| Health & Physiology | Basic health concepts |
| Physical Education | Physical activity and fitness |
| Music | Music appreciation and/or instruction |
| Art | Art appreciation and/or instruction |
Note: These subjects do not necessarily have to be separate "courses." For example, geography might be integrated into history or science lessons, as long as the content area is addressed during the school year.
At the secondary level, Pennsylvania law requires instruction in these subjects:
| Subject | Required Components |
|---|---|
| English | Language, literature, speech, and composition |
| Mathematics | General mathematics, algebra, and geometry |
| Social Studies | Civics, U.S. and Pennsylvania history, and world history |
| Science | Scientific concepts and principles |
| Geography | World and regional geography |
| Health | Health education |
| Safety Education | Including fire danger and prevention |
| Physical Education | Physical activity and fitness |
| Music | Music appreciation and/or instruction |
| Art | Art appreciation and/or instruction |
Note: Pennsylvania does not dictate specific courses for each grade, but over the span of grades 7–12, all listed topics should be covered. For example, mathematics must include general math, algebra, and geometry at some point during secondary education.
Pennsylvania's homeschool law provides pathways for homeschooled students to earn a state-recognized diploma. To issue a diploma, the student must fulfill these minimum credit requirements in high school:
| Subject | Years Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Studies | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities | 2 |
According to Act 196 of 2014, a diploma awarded by:
...shall be considered equivalent to a public school diploma for all state purposes, including college admission, employment, and military enlistment.
Parents can issue their child a high school diploma after completing the graduation requirements and the annual evaluation for the final year of high school.
Several organizations are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to issue diplomas to homeschooled students, including:
These organizations typically have their own requirements for issuing diplomas, which may include transcript review, standardized testing, and/or portfolio evaluation.
While Pennsylvania law dictates what subjects must be taught and how much time must be spent on education, it gives families full freedom to decide:
There are no mandated textbooks or state-approved curricula for homeschoolers. Families can use purchased curricula, online programs, community resources, or design their own course of study.
Pennsylvania law includes a unique provision: school districts must lend textbooks and curriculum materials to homeschoolers upon request.
According to the law, school districts:
"shall, at the request of the supervisor, lend copies of the school's planned courses, textbooks and curriculum materials appropriate to the student's age and grade"
This can be helpful for families seeking guidance or materials aligned with state standards, though using these resources is optional.
To meet Pennsylvania's subject requirements effectively:
Pennsylvania has specific requirements for parents who wish to homeschool their children. Understanding these qualifications is essential before beginning a home education program.
To qualify as a homeschool supervisor in Pennsylvania, a parent or guardian must meet these basic requirements:
The law specifies that the homeschool supervisor must have completed at least a high school education.
The notarized affidavit includes a statement attesting that the supervisor has a high school diploma or equivalent, which is one of the required assurances under Pennsylvania law.
Important: A parent who has not finished high school or obtained a GED is not permitted to conduct a home education program in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania requires a criminal history certification as part of the homeschool affidavit.
No adult living in the home and no person having legal custody of the child has been convicted of the criminal offenses listed in 24 P.S. §1-111 within the past five years.
This provision acts as a safeguard, barring individuals convicted of these crimes from overseeing a home education program.
If a child has been identified as needing special education services under IDEA (excluding gifted/talented), additional requirements apply:
This requirement ensures that children who would normally have an IEP in school still have an educational plan that accommodates their needs in the homeschool setting.
Note: This does not mean the parent needs to hire a special education teacher full-time. Only that the educational plan is reviewed and approved annually by a qualified professional.
To satisfy this requirement, parents typically:
Many homeschool evaluators are also certified in special education and can provide this approval during the annual evaluation process.
If a parent does not meet the diploma requirement or has a disqualifying criminal record, they cannot legally homeschool via the home education statute. Alternative options include:
Hire a Pennsylvania certified teacher to serve as a private tutor for your child. The tutor will be responsible for complying with private tutor requirements.
Enroll the child in a public cyber charter school, which allows for home-based education under the oversight of a public school system.
Enroll in an umbrella or satellite program of a private school that offers home-based education options.
Interesting fact: A parent who has a Pennsylvania teaching certificate could choose to operate under the private tutor statute for their own children (acting as both parent and tutor), but this is uncommon since it removes the annual evaluation requirement while adding other reporting requirements.
The qualifications to homeschool in Pennsylvania are straightforward:
Pennsylvania imposes both standardized testing at certain grade levels and annual evaluations as part of its oversight of home education programs.
Pennsylvania requires homeschooled students to take standardized tests in specific grades:
Testing is mandatory in grades 3, 5, and 8 for reading/language arts and mathematics.
Important: A parent or guardian cannot be the test administrator for these required tests. You must arrange for a neutral party or certified teacher to administer it, or use a testing service.
If you prefer to use the state tests (PSSA), the school district must allow your child to take the test at the local school under mutually agreeable arrangements.
Every student in a home education program must be evaluated every year to determine if an "appropriate education" is occurring.
The evaluation must be conducted by one of these qualified professionals:
Important: The supervisor (parent) or their spouse cannot serve as the evaluator for their own child. It must be an independent person.
| Assessment Requirement | Home Education Program | Private Tutor Option |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized Testing (grades 3, 5, 8) | Required | Not Required |
| Annual Evaluation by Qualified Evaluator | Required | Not Required |
| Portfolio Submission | Not Required (only evaluator letter) | Not Required |
| Certified Educator Oversight | Only Annual Review | Continuous (Tutor) |
Families using the Private Tutor option are exempt from testing and evaluation requirements because the certified tutor provides continuous professional oversight, which satisfies the state's accountability concerns.
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8 and an annual evaluation by a qualified professional for every grade. These measures serve as accountability checks to ensure homeschooled students are receiving an appropriate education.
As long as parents incorporate the tests at those intervals and obtain a positive evaluator report each year, they will meet the state's assessment requirements for homeschoolers.
Pennsylvania homeschool law requires parents to maintain certain records and documentation as part of the home education program. Understanding these requirements will help you stay in compliance.
Every Pennsylvania homeschool family must maintain:
According to 24 P.S. §13-1327.1(e)(1), the portfolio is a collection of materials that demonstrates the education provided and the student's progress. This is the centerpiece of Pennsylvania's homeschool recordkeeping requirements.
A "contemporaneous log" of instructional activities, made as the instruction occurs, which designates by title the reading materials used.
This log serves to document that schooling was taking place on a regular basis and can indirectly substantiate the 180 days or required hours.
Samples of the student's work throughout the year in various subjects.
While the law doesn't specify how many samples to keep, include enough from various points in the year to show progress in each subject.
For students in grades 3, 5, and 8, the portfolio must include standardized test results.
Required: Test results in reading and math from either a nationally normed standardized test or the state PSSA test.
Keep the original score reports in the portfolio for the evaluator to review. There is no minimum score requirement; the law simply requires that the testing is completed and documented.
Portfolio Tip: Many families use a three-ring binder or digital folder organized by subject to compile their portfolio. Some include a table of contents, dividers by subject, and a summary of the year's accomplishments to make the evaluation process smoother.
Pennsylvania requires homeschooled students to receive:
EITHER 180 days of instruction per year
OR
900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary) per year
Attendance is not reported to the district via a separate form, but the evaluator will verify that the required time was met. Your affidavit already commits you to providing the minimum days/hours.
Pennsylvania homeschoolers have flexibility regarding:
The law doesn't specify, but best practices include:
Legal Note: The portfolio remains the property of the family and is only reviewed by the chosen evaluator. School districts cannot demand to see the portfolio except in specific circumstances, such as during a formal hearing for non-compliance.
Pennsylvania's compulsory attendance law applies to homeschooled students just as it does to other students:
If a homeschooled student is absent (not instructed) for several days due to illness or travel:
Note for Private Tutors: The private tutor (not home education) option has different rules and must report if a tutored student has 3+ unlawful absences, indicating some parallel with public school truancy rules in the tutor scenario.
Pennsylvania encourages a positive relationship between homeschoolers and districts:
Maintaining good records is primarily for your own compliance and for the evaluator to review, not for regular district oversight.
The homeschool supervisor must keep a contemporaneous log, samples of work, and required test results to compile a year-end portfolio, and ensure the student receives 180 days (or the hourly equivalent) of instruction covering the mandated subjects.
This recordkeeping, combined with the evaluator's review, is what demonstrates that the attendance and curriculum obligations have been met under Pennsylvania law.
Oversight of homeschooling in Pennsylvania is a partnership between the parent, the qualified evaluator, and the school district, with the Pennsylvania Department of Education providing the legal framework.
Important: Under Act 196 (2014), the evaluator's positive report is considered prima facie evidence of compliance. The district cannot arbitrarily reject it.
When compliance issues arise, Pennsylvania law provides a clear enforcement process with multiple steps:
If compliance is still not achieved, the law requires:
| If the hearing examiner finds: | Consequences: |
|---|---|
| The program was appropriate OR deficiencies have been remedied |
Homeschool program continues without interruption |
| The program has fixable issues | Program placed on probation (typically 1 year) Additional oversight or requirements imposed Student may continue homeschooling under supervision |
| The child was not receiving an appropriate education | Child must enroll in public or private school within 15 days Family's homeschooling rights may be suspended for up to 1 year |
Appeal Rights: Parents have the right to appeal a hearing examiner's decision to the county court of common pleas. Very few cases reach this stage, as most homeschooling families comply with requirements.
Pennsylvania law provides homeschooled students with access to certain public school services, which implies some oversight when participating:
Extracurricular Activities
Part-Time Enrollment (Starting 2023-24 school year)
While these participation rights are not "enforcement" per se, they create an interface where homeschoolers engage with the school system. Districts develop policies for integrating home education students into their programs.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education takes a supportive approach to homeschooling oversight:
Diploma Recognition: Business and higher education institutions in Pennsylvania are required by law to treat a state-recognized homeschool diploma or transcript as valid. PDE's acknowledgment of diplomas helps prevent discrimination against homeschool graduates.
Pennsylvania's system balances the state's interest in the child's education with the parents' right to educate at home, using the evaluator's professional judgment as the primary measure of success.
As long as homeschooling families file the affidavit, teach the required subjects for the required time, complete the required testing, and turn in an evaluator's report by June 30 each year, direct oversight is minimal. Enforcement actions like hearings are relatively rare and typically reserved for blatant non-compliance.
Pennsylvania's laws not only impose requirements on homeschoolers but also extend certain legal protections and rights to homeschooling families. Understanding both these protections and potential compliance pitfalls can help you navigate the homeschooling journey successfully.
Act 169 of 1988 explicitly made homeschooling a legal option to fulfill compulsory attendance requirements.
Act 196 of 2014 provided that a home education diploma carries the same rights and privileges as other diplomas in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania law grants homeschoolers access to certain public school programs:
Despite the legal protections, families need to be vigilant to avoid these common compliance pitfalls that can inadvertently put them at odds with the law:
A very common mistake is failing to submit required documentation on time:
Tip: Mark these important dates on your calendar, set reminders, and submit documents with time to spare. Keep proof of submission (delivery receipt, email confirmation, etc.).
Another pitfall is submitting an affidavit that lacks required components:
Tip: Use a sample affidavit (such as those provided by PDE or advocacy groups) and create a checklist of all required components.
While curriculum flexibility is high, neglecting required subjects can be problematic:
Tip: Keep a checklist of required subjects when planning your year. Some subjects (like fire safety) can be covered briefly but should be documented.
Issues related to the required standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8:
Tip: Plan for testing by mid-year and order or register for it in advance. Connect with local homeschool groups who may offer group testing options.
Misunderstandings about the evaluator's role can lead to problems:
Tip: Choose an evaluator early and clarify their expectations. If one evaluator has concerns, consider addressing those and seeking another evaluation before the June 30 deadline.
Families homeschooling a child with special needs have additional requirements:
Tip: Have the special education plan approval in hand when filing the affidavit or soon after. Many evaluators are also certified in special education and can provide this approval.
If a family moves to a new school district in Pennsylvania:
Tip: Notify your old district (in writing, preferably certified mail) about the move and request the transfer letter, then send that letter to the new district.
Misunderstandings about online schools and compliance:
Important: If your child is not enrolled in a PA public school or a PA licensed private school, you must file a home education affidavit, even if using an online curriculum.
When participating in public school activities:
Tip: Understand all eligibility requirements for activities and be prepared to document academic progress if requested by the school.
Pennsylvania provides a clear legal structure that, when followed, offers robust protection for the right to homeschool. Families who fulfill the affidavit, teach the required material, maintain their portfolio, and turn in their evaluation on time typically have a smooth experience with minimal interference.
The most common problems arise from missed paperwork or misunderstandings of the requirements – all of which are avoidable with good organization and support from the homeschool community. For anyone starting out, connecting with state homeschool organizations or experienced local support groups can be invaluable to avoid these pitfalls.
Homeschooling can seem complex in Pennsylvania, but the state is home to a thriving community and support network for families. Both statewide organizations and local groups provide resources, advocacy, and social opportunities.
Joining homeschool groups and organizations in Pennsylvania can provide:
The PDE offers official resources to help homeschoolers:
A prominent statewide advocacy and support organization:
Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency focuses on:
Across Pennsylvania, almost every area has local homeschool support groups or cooperatives that provide community and resources:
Finding Local Groups: Check the PDE's directory of support groups, CHAP's website, or search social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup for "homeschool" + your county or city name. You can also ask your local library as many host homeschool programs and maintain contact with local groups.
While a national organization, HSLDA is very active in Pennsylvania and familiar with PA law:
Provides legal resources and guidance:
Pennsylvania families also take advantage of online communities:
Tip: Search Facebook for "Pennsylvania homeschool" to find active groups in your area or with your educational philosophy.
Many local institutions offer special programs for homeschoolers:
While Pennsylvania's regulations are detailed, families are not alone. Statewide organizations like CHAP and Pennsylvania Homeschoolers (PHAA) provide frameworks and advocacy, and a multitude of local groups and co-ops ensure that homeschoolers have community and support.
It is highly recommended for new homeschooling parents in Pennsylvania to connect with at least one of these organizations or local networks. They can provide mentorship on filing paperwork correctly, choosing curricula that meet state requirements, finding an evaluator, and generally navigating the homeschooling journey. With thousands of families successfully homeschooling in Pennsylvania each year, you'll find an established and supportive community to join.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Pennsylvania homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Pennsylvania homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Pennsylvania's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Pennsylvania subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Pennsylvania homeschoolers.
Last Updated: April 28, 2025