Pennsylvania · Detailed rules

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedOctober 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearNotarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed.

Testing or assessmentYes

Instruction time180 days / 900 hours a year

RecordsPortfolio required

How to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Written from Pennsylvania's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Pennsylvania asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Notarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed. You will do this again at the start of every school year. This notice has to be notarized before you send it. It goes to Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent.
Cover the subjects the state names
Pennsylvania names 2 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Pennsylvania expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Plan the assessment early
Pennsylvania asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Annual written evaluation based on a review of your portfolio and an interview with your child, by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with the required experience. The evaluator's certification that an appropriate education is occurring goes to the superintendent by June 30; Portfolio includes results in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics, from either the Statewide tests or a nationally normed standardized achievement test from the Department's approved list (the parent may not administer the test). Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent
When it is due: Notarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: Yes — have the notice notarized before you send it
Official form: www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment: Required
Ways to meet it: Annual written evaluation based on a review of your portfolio and an interview with your child, by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with the required experience. The evaluator's certification that an appropriate education is occurring goes to the superintendent by June 30
Portfolio includes results in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics, from either the Statewide tests or a nationally normed standardized achievement test from the Department's approved list (the parent may not administer the test)
Named tests: California Achievement Test (CAT)Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)Stanford Achievement TestTerra NovaWoodcock-JohnsonWechsler Individual Achievement TestOther tests on the Department of Education approved list, such as Measures of Academic Progress and Metropolitan Achievement Test
Portfolio: A portfolio of your child's work must be kept and may be reviewed

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Grades K–6: English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, civics, U.S. history, Pennsylvania history, health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (900 hours/year)Grades 7–12: English (language, literature, speech, composition), mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry), social studies (civics, U.S. history, PA history, world history), health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (990 hours/year)
Instruction time: 180 days / 900 hours a year
Who may teach: Supervising parent must hold at least a high school diploma or GED (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1). No teaching license required for the parent. The annual evaluator must be a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with at least two years of teaching experience in a Pennsylvania school within the last ten years; the evaluator needs experience at your child's level (elementary or secondary). With the superintendent's prior consent, a person with other qualifications may evaluate. The evaluator cannot be the parent or the parent's spouse.
Keeping records: Keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Legal routes: Option 1 – Home Education Program (most common): File the notarized affidavit with your school district superintendent before you start and by August 1 each year; the parent or guardian holds a high school diploma or equivalent; keep a portfolio (log, work samples, and test results in grades 3, 5 and 8); a qualified evaluator's written evaluation goes to the superintendent by June 30 each year.
Option 2 – Private Tutor: A Pennsylvania-certified teacher who teaches children of a single family, provides most of the instruction and is paid for it; the tutor files a copy of their certification and criminal history record with the district superintendent (24 P.S. § 13-1327(a)).
Option 3 – Church or Religious Day School: Enroll in a day school operated by a bona fide church or other religious body that meets the law's days or hours and subjects (24 P.S. § 13-1327(b)).
Option 4 – Accredited Day or Boarding School: Enroll in a day or boarding school accredited by an accrediting association approved by the State Board of Education (24 P.S. § 13-1327(c)).
Umbrella / cover schools: Pennsylvania law also lets a child attend a church-operated day school or an accredited day or boarding school instead of running a home education program (Options 3 and 4 above). Ask any school you are considering how it supports home-based students.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: Pennsylvania has a law on this. Pennsylvania Act 67 (2005) allows participation in athletics, clubs, musical ensembles, and theatrical productions meeting the same eligibility criteria as enrolled students. Act 55 (2022, effective 2023–24) additionally allows: cocurricular activity participation (band, orchestra, etc.); enrollment in academic courses up to at least 25% of the school day; and access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs on the same basis as enrolled students. Districts develop policies and procedures for cocurricular activities, academic courses and career and technical education, and a school board may adopt further policies. Your child must meet the same eligibility, tryout and prerequisite criteria as enrolled students.
Dual enrollment: Pennsylvania Act 55 (2022) allows home-educated students to enroll in academic courses at their local public school (up to at least 25% of the school day) and in CTE programs. The district gives you the grade for each course to keep in your portfolio. You are responsible for transportation, though your child may use district transportation when a bus is already operating and space is available. Districts may give priority to courses or programs with limited seating.
Diplomas: Pennsylvania law (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(d) and (d.1)) sets minimum high school courses for a home education diploma: four years of English, three of mathematics, three of science, three of social studies and two of arts and humanities. A diploma can be awarded by the parent on the Department of Education's standard form, signed by the twelfth-grade evaluator, or by a diploma-granting organization approved by the Department; the Department posts its list of approved organizations on its home education page. Such a diploma carries the same rights and privileges as a diploma awarded under the School Code.
College admissions: College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.
Support for additional needs: If your child has been identified as needing special education services, Pennsylvania law (24 P.S. § 13-1327(d)) requires the home program to address your child's specific needs and be approved by a Pennsylvania-certified special education teacher or a licensed clinical or certified school psychologist, with written notice of that approval submitted with your affidavit (gifted students are excluded). You may ask your district or intermediate unit for services. The home education law does not change federal or state special-education law.

Money your family can claim in Pennsylvania

No program on file yet

We do not have a verified Pennsylvania education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Pennsylvania

Is homeschooling legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has stricter homeschool regulations than most states. Koydo's calendar and records tools can help you keep track of the dates and paperwork it lists.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Notarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires 180 days / 900 hours a year.

What subjects are required by law in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires instruction in the following subjects: Grades K–6: English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, civics, U.S. history, Pennsylvania history, health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (900 hours/year), Grades 7–12: English (language, literature, speech, composition), mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry), social studies (civics, U.S. history, PA history, world history), health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (990 hours/year).

Does Pennsylvania require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Annual written evaluation based on a review of your portfolio and an interview with your child, by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with the required experience. The evaluator's certification that an appropriate education is occurring goes to the superintendent by June 30, Portfolio includes results in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics, from either the Statewide tests or a nationally normed standardized achievement test from the Department's approved list (the parent may not administer the test).

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has teacher qualification requirements: Supervising parent must hold at least a high school diploma or GED (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1). No teaching license required for the parent. The annual evaluator must be a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with at least two years of teaching experience in a Pennsylvania school within the last ten years; the evaluator needs experience at your child's level (elementary or secondary). With the superintendent's prior consent, a person with other qualifications may evaluate. The evaluator cannot be the parent or the parent's spouse.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a law on this. Pennsylvania Act 67 (2005) allows participation in athletics, clubs, musical ensembles, and theatrical productions meeting the same eligibility criteria as enrolled students. Act 55 (2022, effective 2023–24) additionally allows: cocurricular activity participation (band, orchestra, etc.); enrollment in academic courses up to at least 25% of the school day; and access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs on the same basis as enrolled students. Districts develop policies and procedures for cocurricular activities, academic courses and career and technical education, and a school board may adopt further policies. Your child must meet the same eligibility, tryout and prerequisite criteria as enrolled students.

Worth knowing about Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the more demanding states. Key obligations: notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration by August 1, parent HS diploma/GED required, 180 days or 900/990 hours, annual written evaluation of your portfolio sent to the superintendent by June 30, and standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 (parent cannot administer the test). Act 55 (2022) significantly expanded access to public school courses and CTE programs. Compulsory ages: 6–18.

Who to ask in Pennsylvania

Regulator: Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent
Official site: www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html
Phone: (717) 214-8212
Forms: www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html

Tools for your first year

The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Pennsylvania's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits. Free copies carry a small Koydo watermark.No account needed Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.No account needed Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer. A few free pages every day.Free with a Koydo account State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Free with a Koydo account Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

Last checked in October 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent. This is information for families, not legal advice.

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How to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Written from Pennsylvania's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.

Send your notice of intent

Pennsylvania asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Notarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed. You will do this again at the start of every school year. This notice has to be notarized before you send it. It goes to Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent.

Cover the subjects the state names

Pennsylvania names 2 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.

Keep a light record as you go

Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Pennsylvania expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.

Plan the assessment early

Pennsylvania asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Annual written evaluation based on a review of your portfolio and an interview with your child, by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with the required experience. The evaluator's certification that an appropriate education is occurring goes to the superintendent by June 30; Portfolio includes results in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics, from either the Statewide tests or a nationally normed standardized achievement test from the Department's approved list (the parent may not administer the test). Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it

Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent

When it is due

Notarized affidavit filed with the superintendent of your school district of residence before you start a home education program, then by August 1 each year. The Department of Education also provides unsworn declaration templates. Attach an outline of education objectives by subject, evidence of immunization and evidence of the required health services. District approval is not needed to begin once the paperwork is filed.

How often

Every school year

Notarized?

Yes — have the notice notarized before you send it

Official form

www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html

Ongoing reporting

Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment

Required

Ways to meet it

Annual written evaluation based on a review of your portfolio and an interview with your child, by a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with the required experience. The evaluator's certification that an appropriate education is occurring goes to the superintendent by June 30
Portfolio includes results in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics, from either the Statewide tests or a nationally normed standardized achievement test from the Department's approved list (the parent may not administer the test)

Named tests

California Achievement Test (CAT)Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)Stanford Achievement TestTerra NovaWoodcock-JohnsonWechsler Individual Achievement TestOther tests on the Department of Education approved list, such as Measures of Academic Progress and Metropolitan Achievement Test

Portfolio

A portfolio of your child's work must be kept and may be reviewed

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects

Grades K–6: English (spelling, reading, writing), arithmetic, civics, U.S. history, Pennsylvania history, health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (900 hours/year)Grades 7–12: English (language, literature, speech, composition), mathematics (general math, algebra, geometry), social studies (civics, U.S. history, PA history, world history), health, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety education (990 hours/year)

Instruction time

180 days / 900 hours a year

Who may teach

Supervising parent must hold at least a high school diploma or GED (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1). No teaching license required for the parent. The annual evaluator must be a licensed clinical or school psychologist, a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, or a nonpublic school teacher or administrator with at least two years of teaching experience in a Pennsylvania school within the last ten years; the evaluator needs experience at your child's level (elementary or secondary). With the superintendent's prior consent, a person with other qualifications may evaluate. The evaluator cannot be the parent or the parent's spouse.

Keeping records

Keep a portfolio of your child's work.

Legal routes

Option 1 – Home Education Program (most common): File the notarized affidavit with your school district superintendent before you start and by August 1 each year; the parent or guardian holds a high school diploma or equivalent; keep a portfolio (log, work samples, and test results in grades 3, 5 and 8); a qualified evaluator's written evaluation goes to the superintendent by June 30 each year.
Option 2 – Private Tutor: A Pennsylvania-certified teacher who teaches children of a single family, provides most of the instruction and is paid for it; the tutor files a copy of their certification and criminal history record with the district superintendent (24 P.S. § 13-1327(a)).
Option 3 – Church or Religious Day School: Enroll in a day school operated by a bona fide church or other religious body that meets the law's days or hours and subjects (24 P.S. § 13-1327(b)).
Option 4 – Accredited Day or Boarding School: Enroll in a day or boarding school accredited by an accrediting association approved by the State Board of Education (24 P.S. § 13-1327(c)).

Umbrella / cover schools

Pennsylvania law also lets a child attend a church-operated day school or an accredited day or boarding school instead of running a home education program (Options 3 and 4 above). Ask any school you are considering how it supports home-based students.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports

Dual enrollment

Pennsylvania Act 55 (2022) allows home-educated students to enroll in academic courses at their local public school (up to at least 25% of the school day) and in CTE programs. The district gives you the grade for each course to keep in your portfolio. You are responsible for transportation, though your child may use district transportation when a bus is already operating and space is available. Districts may give priority to courses or programs with limited seating.

Diplomas

Pennsylvania law (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(d) and (d.1)) sets minimum high school courses for a home education diploma: four years of English, three of mathematics, three of science, three of social studies and two of arts and humanities. A diploma can be awarded by the parent on the Department of Education's standard form, signed by the twelfth-grade evaluator, or by a diploma-granting organization approved by the Department; the Department posts its list of approved organizations on its home education page. Such a diploma carries the same rights and privileges as a diploma awarded under the School Code.

College admissions

College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.

Support for additional needs

If your child has been identified as needing special education services, Pennsylvania law (24 P.S. § 13-1327(d)) requires the home program to address your child's specific needs and be approved by a Pennsylvania-certified special education teacher or a licensed clinical or certified school psychologist, with written notice of that approval submitted with your affidavit (gifted students are excluded). You may ask your district or intermediate unit for services. The home education law does not change federal or state special-education law.