The 2026 PA Homeschool Affidavit: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are homeschooling in Pennsylvania, the notarized affidavit is the single most important piece of paperwork you will file all year. It is due to your district superintendent by August 1 and must be filed before instruction begins for the 2026–2027 school year.

Below is the exact step-by-step process we walk our own family through every summer — and what Pennsole automates for you.

What is the PA homeschool affidavit?

Pennsylvania's home education law (Act 169 of 1988, codified at 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1) requires the parent acting as "supervisor" to file a notarized affidavit with the superintendent of the school district where the child resides. The affidavit certifies that:

• The home education program will provide a minimum of 180 days or 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary) of instruction.
• Required subjects will be taught at the appropriate grade level.
• The supervisor and adults living in the home have no convictions of the offenses listed in 24 P.S. § 1-111(e).
• The children are immunized as required, or have a valid exemption.
• The home is providing an appropriate education.

When is it due?

August 1, 2026 for the 2026–2027 school year — and every August 1 thereafter. If you start mid-year (for example, withdrawing a child from public school in November), the affidavit is due within five days of beginning home education.

Step 1 — Gather your information

• Supervisor (parent) full legal name and address
• Each child's full name, date of birth, and grade level
• School district name
• School-year label (e.g. "2026–2027")
• Immunization records or a religious/medical exemption letter
• Your educational objectives by subject for each child

Step 2 — Draft the affidavit

The state does not publish one official form — districts accept any affidavit that contains the statutory language. Pennsole's affidavit template is preloaded with the exact Act 169 wording so you can fill in your details and export a clean PDF in about three minutes.

Step 3 — Attach your educational objectives

Objectives must cover the required subjects for your child's level. For elementary: English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, science, geography, history of the U.S. and Pennsylvania, civics, safety, health, physiology, music, art, and physical education. Secondary adds algebra, geometry, world history, and more.

Keep objectives measurable but flexible — "Read 25 chapter books and write five book reports" is better than "Become a great reader."

Step 4 — Get it notarized

Bring the unsigned affidavit, a photo ID, and a pen to any notary. Banks, UPS Stores, and many libraries notarize for free or for a few dollars. Sign in front of the notary — never beforehand.

Step 5 — Submit to your superintendent

Mail (certified, return receipt) or hand-deliver to the district office. Keep a copy and the return receipt. Some districts accept email — call yours to confirm.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filing late. After August 1, your child is technically truant until the affidavit is on file.
• Forgetting immunization documentation. Even if your child is exempt, the exemption letter must be attached.
• Skipping objectives. An affidavit without objectives is incomplete and can be rejected.
• Not keeping a copy. You will need it when you submit your portfolio in June.

After August 1: what's next?

The affidavit kicks off your homeschool year, but it is just the beginning of your compliance loop. Next come portfolios, daily logs, and your June 30 evaluator letter. See our full features overview for how Pennsole keeps every piece organized.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm specifics with your district and the current text of Act 169.