The Pennsylvania homeschool year runs July 1 to June 30. Within that window, there are really only four dates that matter. Put them on the fridge, put them in your phone, and put them in your Pennsole planner — and the year takes care of itself.
The four dates every PA homeschool family must know
July 1, 2026 — School year begins
Day-and-hour counting officially starts. Field trips you take this summer can count toward your 180 days after you file the affidavit.
August 1, 2026 — Notarized affidavit due
The single most important deadline of your year. Filed with your district superintendent before instruction begins. See our step-by-step affidavit guide for the full process.
April 22 – May 17, 2027 — PSSA window (grades 3, 5, 8 only)
Standardized testing is required only in grades 3, 5, and 8. Approved tests include the CAT, IOWA, Stanford 10, Terra Nova, PSSA, and MAP Growth. Most homeschool families administer the test at home through a certified test administrator or order the IOWA through Seton or BJU Press.
June 30, 2027 — Evaluator's letter & portfolio due
Submit your portfolio and your evaluator's written letter to your superintendent. See our portfolio checklist for what to include.
Suggested internal deadlines
The four dates above are the legal deadlines. These are the sanity-saving ones we recommend you add to your own calendar:
- July 15 — affidavit drafted and ready for notarization
- July 25 — affidavit notarized and mailed (certified)
- March 1 — order standardized test (grades 3/5/8)
- April 15 — book evaluator for June
- June 1 — portfolio first draft assembled
- June 15 — evaluation completed, letter received
- June 25 — final portfolio mailed to superintendent
Ready for a calmer homeschool year?
Pennsole's deadline reminders are pre-loaded with the exact PA dates and email you ahead of every one. No more 4 a.m. panic on July 31.
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What happens if you miss a deadline?
- Late affidavit — Your child is technically truant until filed. File ASAP with an apologetic note. Districts generally accept late filings without escalation if you act quickly.
- Missing PSSA window — Coordinate with your district immediately to schedule a make-up test or alternate.
- Late portfolio — The superintendent can request a hearing. This is rare, but don't test it.
Plan once, sleep well all year
Spend 30 minutes in July putting these dates into your phone and Pennsole planner, and you will not think about compliance again until the next reminder pings. That's the whole goal — less paperwork, more childhood. See how Pennsole automates the rest.
Dates above reflect typical PSSA windows; confirm exact dates with your district each year.