Homeschool Requirements in Pennsylvania

File notarized affidavit with school district

Each year, submit a notarized affidavit to your local school district superintendent by August 1. The affidavit must include your children's names and ages, proof of immunization or an exemption, and the name of the homeschool supervisor.

Provide required instructional time

You must provide at least 180 days of instruction per year — or at least 900 hours for elementary students and 990 hours for secondary students. Keep track of your instructional days or hours throughout the year.

Teach all required subjects

Cover all state-required subjects for your child's grade level, including English, Math, Science, Geography, U.S. and Pennsylvania History, Civics, Health, Physical Education, Music, Art, and Safety Education. Students in grades 7–12 must also receive instruction in Foreign Language and Algebra and Geometry.

Maintain a portfolio of student work

Throughout the year, keep an ongoing portfolio that includes a log of instructional materials used, reading materials, and samples of your child's work. This portfolio will be reviewed at the end of the year.

Administer standardized test in required grades

If your child is in grade 3, 5, or 8, you must administer an approved standardized test and include the results in the portfolio. This only applies in those specific grade years.

Have portfolio evaluated by a qualified evaluator

Each year, have a licensed psychologist or a person holding a Pennsylvania teaching certificate review your child's portfolio and provide a written certification of the evaluation. This must be completed annually.

Submit portfolio log and evaluator certification to district

By June 30 each year, submit your portfolio log and the evaluator's written certification to your local school district. Make sure both documents are complete before the deadline.