Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is structured under Act 169. Parents must follow specific requirements while enjoying flexibility in teaching methods. This guide outlines everything you need to know to get started.
Pennsylvania is home to approximately 60,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
Understanding Pennsylvania's homeschool requirements
In Pennsylvania, homeschooling follows Act 169 of the School Code. This law sets up a clear but manageable system. It separates 'home education programs' from private tutoring and private school options.
Why does Pennsylvania require more? These rules aim to keep parents accountable while respecting their rights. Each part has a purpose: the affidavit shows you’re legally homeschooling, the portfolio tracks your teaching, the evaluator gives an unbiased review, and standardized tests provide benchmarks.
What do experienced families say? Most parents find the first year challenging but get used to the requirements by the second or third year. Many appreciate the portfolio, as it turns into a solid record of progress for high school and college.
Your homeschool options in Pennsylvania
There are three main ways to homeschool in Pennsylvania:
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Home Education Program (Most Common): You register with your school district, teach at home using your chosen curriculum, keep a portfolio, and get evaluated each year. This offers the most freedom while meeting state rules.
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Private Tutoring: A certified teacher teaches your child for at least 180 days. The tutor manages the curriculum and assessments. This option can be expensive and isn't commonly used by most homeschool families.
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Cyber Charter Schools: These are online public schools that provide a structured program. You lose some control over the curriculum but get support and materials. Examples include PA Cyber, Agora, and Insight PA.
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Umbrella Programs: Some private schools offer programs where your home acts as a campus extension. Requirements differ—some handle paperwork, while others just provide a cover.
How to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania
The Affidavit: Your Annual Filing
The affidavit is your official notice to the school district that you’re homeschooling. It needs to be notarized and filed before each school year.
- What to include: Your name, address, phone number, names and ages of your kids, a promise to teach required subjects, proof of immunizations (or exemption), and confirmation of your high school education.
- Filing deadline: Submit it by your district's date—usually August 1 for a September start. If you start mid-year, file within 30 days.
- Objectives attachment: Along with the affidavit, submit your educational goals for each subject. These can change during the year.
- District response: The district can only reject your affidavit if something is missing. They can’t disagree with your teaching choices. If they do, you have the right to a hearing.
Required subjects
Pennsylvania requires specific subjects for all grades. Here’s a breakdown:
- Elementary (Grades 1-6): English (reading, writing, spelling, grammar), math, science, geography, US and PA history, civics, safety and fire prevention, health, physical education, music, and art.
- Secondary (Grades 7-12): English (language, literature, speech, composition), science, geography, social studies (civics, world history, US history, PA history), math (from general math to algebra and geometry), art, music, physical education, health, and safety. You’ll also cover any other subjects your school board may require.
Practical implementation: You can teach these subjects however you like. For example, a history-based literature curriculum can count for both English and social studies.
Portfolio requirements
The portfolio is how you document your homeschooling progress in Pennsylvania. It should include:
- A log of reading materials by title and author.
- Samples of student work and records of progress.
- A log of attendance (180 days or hourly equivalent) and standardized test results for testing years.
Work samples: Choose quality pieces that show learning progress—no need for every single assignment. Reading log: Keep a list of books read with titles and authors. Attendance documentation: Track attendance with a simple calendar or log. Many families note subjects covered each day. Organization tip: Collect portfolio materials throughout the year. A binder with dividers can help you stay organized.
Testing requirements
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Also, a certified evaluator must review your portfolio every year.
- Which tests: You can choose from tests like the Iowa Tests, Stanford Achievement Test, CAT, and PSSA. Many families use group testing organized by co-ops for convenience.
- When to test: Tests must happen during the school year, and results need to be in your portfolio before your end-of-year evaluation.
- Score requirements: There are no minimum score requirements. Test results are just one part of your evaluator's review.
- What about other years? In years without testing, you still need an annual evaluator certification, but testing isn’t required. Many families continue testing each year to track progress.
The evaluator review
At the end of each homeschool year, you’ll have an evaluator review. This is mainly for accountability but is usually a supportive experience.
- Who can evaluate: Your evaluator must be a certified teacher, a licensed psychologist, or hold a teaching certificate from an accredited institution. Family members or anyone who has taught your child for pay can’t evaluate.
- What happens during the review: The evaluator reviews your portfolio, may talk with you and your child, and checks that your program shows 'appropriate education.' It’s not a pass/fail situation—it’s about progress.
- The certification statement: After the review, the evaluator writes a certification that you’re providing appropriate education. This goes to your school district with your portfolio.
- Finding evaluators: Local homeschool groups can help you find evaluators. They often review portfolios at their home or a neutral place. Fees range from $50-150.
High school, graduation & transcripts
In Pennsylvania, homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. The state doesn’t have specific graduation requirements, so it’s up to you to decide when high school is complete.
Creating transcripts: You’ll need transcripts for college. Include course titles, credits, grades, and GPA. Stay consistent with your grading. Many use a 4.0 scale with standard credit hour calculations. Course descriptions: Write brief descriptions for each course, especially for non-traditional subjects. Colleges want to know what was covered. College admissions: Pennsylvania colleges are familiar with homeschool applicants. Most require standardized test scores (like SAT/ACT), transcripts, and sometimes course descriptions. Schools like Penn State and Pitt have set processes for homeschool admissions. Dual enrollment: Homeschoolers can take community college courses. These credits transfer to state schools and provide formal transcripts.
Sports and extracurricular access
In Pennsylvania, homeschoolers can join public school extracurricular activities depending on the district’s rules.
- PIAA athletics: The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) lets member schools allow homeschool students to play sports. However, it's up to individual districts to decide. Some welcome homeschoolers; others don’t.
- How to participate: Check with your district's athletic director about their policy. If allowed, you'll need to meet the same eligibility requirements as other students.
- Extracurricular activities beyond sports: There’s no statewide rule for access to band, drama, or clubs. This depends on your school district's policy. Building a good relationship with your local school can help.
- Alternative options: Many families find co-ops, community programs, and club sports offer great extracurricular activities without relying on public schools.
Special situations
Starting mid-year: You can start homeschooling anytime. Just file your affidavit within 30 days. If you’re withdrawing from public school, send a withdrawal letter along with your affidavit. Special needs students: Homeschooling is allowed for students with IEPs, but you lose those services when you leave public school. Some services might be available through private providers. The portfolio and evaluator rules still apply. Moving to Pennsylvania: New residents should file an affidavit within 30 days of moving. Bring records from your previous state for grade placement. District interference: If your district causes problems or tries to add extra requirements, document everything and contact HSLDA or a local homeschool legal group. Districts must follow the law. Returning to public school: If your child goes back to public school, they may need placement testing. Your portfolio and evaluator certifications can help show the education provided.
The bottom line
Pennsylvania's homeschool requirements can feel overwhelming, but they're manageable. Just remember to file your affidavit, teach the required subjects, keep your portfolio, test in grades 3, 5, and 8, and work with an evaluator each year. Thousands of families handle this successfully every year.
The first year is usually the hardest. But by the second year, most families have their routines down and find the process easier. Many appreciate the portfolio as a valuable record of their child’s education.
Your first steps: Check that you meet the qualifications, prepare your affidavit and objectives, find an evaluator, and set up your record-keeping. The Pennsylvania homeschool community is vibrant and supportive—connect with local groups for recommendations and advice.
