How to Homeschool in Pennsylvania

A step-by-step guide to creating a homeschool experience that works for your family

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania allows you to shape an education that fits your child’s needs, learning style, and pace, while still meeting the state’s legal requirements. Whether you’re just beginning to explore homeschooling or looking for a refresher on the process, this guide walks you through the steps with calm, practical advice. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once—just start where you are, and we’ll help you build from there.

How Do I Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a clearly defined process for beginning a home education program. If your child is already enrolled in public or private school, you’ll need to file paperwork before starting.

Here’s what to do:

1. Submit a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration to your local school district superintendent. This includes:
   • your child’s name, age, home address, and telephone number
   • assurance that all subjects are taught in English
   • an outline of proposed educational objectives
   • evidence of immunizations or exemption
   • evidence of health and medical services that are required by law
   • certification that your homeschool program will comply with 24 P.S. § 13- 1327.1
   • your qualification (a high school diploma or equivalent)
   • certification that the homeschool supervisor, all adults living in the home, and any persons having legal custody of the homeschooled children have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses within the past five years
2. File this paperwork before the start of homeschooling, and then refile each year by August 1st.
3. Once filed, you can begin instruction right away—no waiting period or approval required.

If your child has never been enrolled in school, the affidavit is required once they reach age 6.

What Are Pennsylvania’s Homeschooling Requirements?

Pennsylvania’s home education law (Act 169) outlines a few important rules. The process may sound official, but once you understand the flow, it becomes manageable, and many families find that it helps add structure to their year.

Compulsory Attendance

Children ages 6 to 18 must receive an education. Homeschooling fulfills this requirement when done in compliance with state law.

Instructional Time

You’ll need to provide instruction for either:

• 180 school days per year, or
• 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary)

You don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule—just track your progress and aim for consistency across the year.

Required Subjects

Pennsylvania requires instruction in:

• English, including Spelling, Reading, and Writing
• Arithmetic
• Civics
• History of the U.S. and Pennsylvania
• Health and physiology
• Physical education
• Music
• Art
• Geography
• Science
• Safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires

Recordkeeping and Annual Evaluation

You must maintain a portfolio that includes: a log of reading materials used, samples of student work, the number of instructional hours or days, and a written evaluation completed by a qualified evaluator. The evaluator will provide a written certification letter stating whether an appropriate education is occurring. This certification letter (not the entire portfolio) must be submitted to your school district superintendent by June 30.

Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, and 8. You may use the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) or other nationally normed tests such as the CAT, Iowa, Stanford, TerraNova, or Woodcock-Johnson. Results must be included in the portfolio.

Curriculum & Homeschool Style

Pennsylvania gives you full control over how and what your child learns. You can design your own curriculum or use pre-made programs. Whether you prefer a structured, step-by-step approach or a more interest-led rhythm, you’re free to choose the tools that suit your family best.

Many families find success with multisensory, mastery-based programs in reading, spelling, and math. We suggest:

• All About Reading for colorful, systematic phonics and fluency
• All About Spelling for fun, step-by-step spelling mastery, and
• All About Math for engaging, hands-on math understanding.

From project-based activities to nature studies, there are so many ways to make learning come alive at home.

Alternate Homeschool Pathways in Pennsylvania

While many families homeschool independently under the affidavit process, there are other options available in Pennsylvania:

Private Tutoring

You can homeschool under the supervision of a state-certified teacher. In this case, no affidavit or evaluator is needed, but the tutor must follow all required subjects and instructional time.

Umbrella or Satellite Schools

Some nonpublic schools allow families to enroll as homeschoolers. These schools may offer curriculum guidance, transcripts, or diplomas. Requirements vary depending on the school.

Cyber Charter or Online Programs

These are publicly funded virtual schools. While they offer at-home learning, students enrolled in these programs are considered public school students and not independent homeschoolers.

Each option has its own structure and requirements, so choose the one that works best for your child’s needs and your family’s goals.

Helpful Tips for Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

• Start with the basics. Begin with core subjects and a manageable schedule. You can always expand once you find your rhythm.
• Create a comfortable learning space. This doesn’t have to be a full classroom—just a consistent, distraction-free area where your child knows it’s time to focus.
• Stay organized. Use a simple binder, digital folder, or planner to track attendance, lessons, and work samples.
• Find your community. Local co-ops, field trip groups, and online forums are great places to connect with other homeschool families.
• Give yourself grace. Not every day will go perfectly—and that’s okay. Homeschooling is a learning curve for both you and your child.

If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:

• How to Start Homeschooling
• Free Resources for Teaching at Home
• 7 Tips for Staying Organized
• 6 Inexpensive Ways to Build Your Home Library
• I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, but…
• What I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Pennsylvania?
No. You just need a high school diploma or equivalent to supervise a home education program.

Do I have to follow the public school calendar?
No. As long as you meet the required days or hours of instruction, you can build a schedule that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Can homeschoolers join public school sports or classes?
Yes! Thanks to Act 55 of 2022, Pennsylvania districts must allow homeschool students to participate in cocurricular activities and certain technical education programs, depending on district policies.

What happens if I miss the August 1 deadline?
Try to file as close to August 1 as possible. If you’re starting mid-year, reach out to your school district for guidance on how to submit your affidavit.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania might feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the freedom to tailor your program to your child, you’ll be surprised how natural it starts to feel. Start with the core requirements, build your rhythm, and remember—you’re learning right alongside your student.

Whether your days include structured lessons, nature walks, library visits, or hands-on projects, you’re creating an educational experience that’s personal, purposeful, and completely your own.

Helpful Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of Education
• HSLDA – Pennsylvania Homeschool Law
• Free Curriculum Tools & Downloads

Disclaimer:

All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.