In Pennsylvania, every homeschool family has to work with a qualified evaluator each year. The right evaluator turns your June into a 45-minute conversation. The wrong one turns it into a graduate thesis defense.
Who can be a PA homeschool evaluator?
Act 169 specifies that evaluators must be one of:
- A licensed PA clinical or school psychologist
- A PA-certified teacher with at least two years of teaching experience
- A non-public-school teacher or administrator with two years of experience (additional conditions apply)
Evaluators must be selected by the supervisor (the parent) — the district cannot assign one to you.
What does the evaluation actually involve?
- An interview with your child (typically 20–45 minutes)
- A review of the portfolio you have assembled
- A written letter certifying that an appropriate education is occurring
The evaluator's job is not to test, grade, or critique your curriculum. It is to confirm that learning is happening.
What does it cost?
In 2026, most PA homeschool evaluations run $60–$150 per child. Group rates and sibling discounts are common. Virtual evaluations are widely accepted and usually cheaper.
When to book
By mid-May. Evaluators get slammed in June. If you wait until June 15, you may not find anyone in time for the June 30 superintendent deadline.
Questions to ask before you book
- How long have you been evaluating PA homeschoolers?
- Do you accept digital portfolios? (Look for "yes.")
- How long is the evaluation? What do you need from the child?
- How quickly will I get the written letter?
- What's your fee, and do you offer sibling discounts?
Ready for a calmer homeschool year?
Pennsole includes a Pennsylvania evaluator directory, so you can find someone vetted by other homeschool families near you.
Start your Pennsole membership →
$197/year ($16.42/mo). Built by a PA homeschool family.
Red flags
- Wants to "test" your child beyond a friendly interview.
- Refuses to look at your portfolio in advance.
- Cannot provide the letter within two weeks of the evaluation.
- Charges significantly above the typical range without a clear reason.
Building a long-term evaluator relationship
The best move you can make as a PA homeschool parent is to find one evaluator who fits your family and stick with them year after year. They get to know your kids. They speed up. They become a trusted second pair of eyes on your homeschool.
Once you have selected an evaluator, log them in your Pennsole documents with their letter, fee, and contact info — and add the June 30 deadline to your planner right away.