1. The affidavit
Before instruction begins — and again by August 1 of each subsequent school year — the supervising parent files a notarized affidavit with the superintendent of the resident school district. It states the parent's intent to home educate and includes the child's name and age, current address, required immunization assurances, an outline of proposed educational objectives by subject area, and evidence that the supervisor has a high school diploma or higher.
If you've never filed before, your start date is whenever you file — you don't have to wait for the school year to begin.
2. Days & hours
The statute requires 180 days of instruction per school year, plus:
- 900 hours at the elementary level (grades K–6)
- 990 hours at the secondary level (grades 7–12)
There's no required daily minimum or maximum, and a single calendar day can count toward both your day count and your hour count. Field trips, co-op classes, music lessons, and travel-based learning all count as instructional time when they support your educational objectives.
3. Required subjects
Elementary (K–6): English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, science, geography, history of the United States and Pennsylvania, civics, safety education (including fire prevention), health and physiology, physical education, music, and art.
Secondary (7–12): English (language, literature, speech, composition); science (general science, biology, chemistry); geography; social studies (civics, world history, U.S. and PA history); mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry); art; music; physical education; health; safety education.
4. The evaluator
Every school year the student must be evaluated by a qualified person who writes a letter certifying that an appropriate education is occurring. Eligible evaluators are PA-certified teachers (with 2+ years of teaching experience), licensed clinical or school psychologists, or non-public school teachers/administrators (with 2+ years and district consent). The evaluator cannot be a relative.
5. The year-end portfolio
By June 30 the supervisor submits the evaluator's certification letter (and, on district request, the portfolio itself) to the superintendent. The portfolio includes a reading log, samples of work in each required subject area, and — in grades 3, 5, and 8 — results from a state-approved standardized test.
6. Your district matters
The statute is statewide, but procedures vary: some districts ask for portfolios in May, some let you email submissions, others require certified mail. Pennsole tracks the addresses and quirks of all 500 PA districts so you file to the right place, the right way.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file an affidavit to homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Under Act 169 of 1988 (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1), a parent or guardian who intends to homeschool a child of compulsory school age must file a notarized affidavit with the superintendent of the resident school district before instruction begins, and again by August 1 of each subsequent school year.
How many days and hours does PA require?
Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction per school year, plus 900 hours at the elementary level (grades K–6) or 990 hours at the secondary level (grades 7–12). Days and hours can be counted on the same calendar day and there is no mandated daily length.
What subjects must a PA homeschool cover?
At the elementary level: English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, science, geography, history of the United States and Pennsylvania, civics, safety education including fire prevention, health and physiology, physical education, music, and art. Secondary adds English (language, literature, speech, composition), science (general, biology, chemistry), geography, social studies (civics, world history, U.S./PA history), mathematics (general, algebra, geometry), art, music, physical education, health, and safety education.
Who can be a PA homeschool evaluator?
An evaluator must be a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with two years of teaching experience, a licensed clinical or school psychologist, or a non-public school teacher or administrator with two years of experience (with district consent). The evaluator must not be a relative of the supervisor or student.
When is the year-end portfolio due?
The portfolio and evaluator's written certification of an appropriate education must be submitted to the superintendent by June 30 of each school year. Many districts request earlier submission; check your district's policy.
What goes in a PA homeschool portfolio?
A log of reading materials, samples of writing/worksheets/workbooks/creative work demonstrating progress in each required subject, and, in grades 3, 5, and 8, standardized test results. The evaluator reviews these and interviews the student before issuing the certification letter.
Do I need standardized testing?
Yes, but only in grades 3, 5, and 8. You choose from a state-approved list (e.g., Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Tests, CAT). Testing must be administered by a qualified examiner and the results are included in the portfolio.
Can my homeschooled student earn a PA diploma?
Yes. PA recognizes diplomas issued by a Department of Education-approved homeschool diploma program after a student completes the secondary program. The supervising parent may also issue a diploma upon program completion under Act 196 of 2014.