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.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearNotarized affidavit or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1.

Yearly assessmentYes, each year

Instruction time180 days / 900 hours a year

RecordsKeep 2 years

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 or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1. 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 records to be kept for 2 years.
Plan the yearly assessment early
Pennsylvania asks for an assessment each year. You can choose from: Annual portfolio evaluation by a PA state-certified teacher (minimum 2 years teaching experience) or licensed psychologist — evaluator certifies 'appropriate education' by June 30; Standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8 in math and reading/language arts (parent may NOT administer the test). Deciding in the autumn which route you will take saves a scramble in the spring.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent — www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html. Checked March 2026.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent
When it is due: Notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1.
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 each year
Ways to meet it: Annual portfolio evaluation by a PA state-certified teacher (minimum 2 years teaching experience) or licensed psychologist — evaluator certifies 'appropriate education' by June 30
Standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8 in math and reading/language arts (parent may NOT administer the test)
Named tests: California Achievement Test (CAT)Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10)Terra NovaWoodcock-Johnson IV (WJ-IV)Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III (WIAT-III)Any test on the Pennsylvania DOE approved standardized test list
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. However, the annual portfolio evaluator must be a PA state-certified teacher with minimum 2 years teaching experience OR a licensed psychologist. The parent may NOT serve as the portfolio evaluator.
Keeping records: Keep your records for 2 years.
Legal routes: Option 1 – Home Education Program (most common): File notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) by August 1; parent holds HS diploma/GED; maintain portfolio (instructional logs, student work samples, standardized test results in grades 3/5/8); portfolio evaluated by PA-certified teacher by June 30 annually. Retain portfolio 2 years.
Option 2 – Private Tutor: Child instructed by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher for required hours and subjects; tutor handles compliance.
Option 3 – Religious Day School Satellite: Enroll as satellite student of a religious day school; school handles supervision and compliance.
Option 4 – Accredited Day/Boarding School Satellite: Enroll as satellite student of an accredited school; school handles supervision and compliance.
Umbrella / cover schools: Pennsylvania Options 3 and 4 are functionally equivalent to umbrella/cover school models. Religious day school satellites (Option 3) and accredited school satellites (Option 4) allow families to join a supervising school that manages compliance and portfolio evaluation. Many PA homeschool groups operate as religious day school satellites. CHAP (Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania) and PHAA (PA Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency) are major umbrella organizations.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: 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. School districts must establish written policies and procedures for home education 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. Schools provide grades for enrolled courses; parents handle transportation (bus access available if space permits). Community college dual enrollment is available at institutional discretion.
Diplomas: Pennsylvania public schools do not issue diplomas to students not enrolled in public school. Homeschoolers may earn diplomas through: accredited satellite school programs (Options 3 or 4); accredited correspondence/online programs; or parent-issued transcripts. PA DOE recognizes certain state-approved diploma-granting organizations. GED is available. PHAA at pahomeschoolers.com operates an accreditation program for homeschool transcripts.
College admissions: Pennsylvania colleges (Penn State, Temple, Pitt, Drexel, community colleges) have extensive experience with homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores recommended. Annual portfolios and evaluator letters provide a well-documented record. Accredited satellite program transcripts carry the most institutional weight.
Support for additional needs: Pennsylvania homeschooled students with disabilities may receive evaluations through local school districts. Under IDEA 'parentally placed private school students' provisions, limited services may be available based on the proportionate share formula. Full FAPE services are not guaranteed once a student is withdrawn from public school. Families are encouraged to maintain evaluation records and contact the district special education office.

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 compliance tracking tools are especially valuable here to avoid missing deadlines.

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 or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1.. 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 portfolio evaluation by a PA state-certified teacher (minimum 2 years teaching experience) or licensed psychologist — evaluator certifies 'appropriate education' by June 30, Standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8 in math and reading/language arts (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. However, the annual portfolio evaluator must be a PA state-certified teacher with minimum 2 years teaching experience OR a licensed psychologist. The parent may NOT serve as the portfolio evaluator.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. 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. School districts must establish written policies and procedures for home education 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 portfolio evaluated by PA-certified teacher by June 30, and standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 (parent cannot administer the test). PA Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (pahomeschoolers.com) and CHAP (christianhomeschoolpa.org) are major resources. 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
Forms: www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/home-education-and-private-tutoring.html

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Pennsylvania's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

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

This page was written from Pennsylvania's published rules and last checked in March 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 or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1. 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 records to be kept for 2 years.

Plan the yearly assessment early

Pennsylvania asks for an assessment each year. You can choose from: Annual portfolio evaluation by a PA state-certified teacher (minimum 2 years teaching experience) or licensed psychologist — evaluator certifies 'appropriate education' by June 30; Standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8 in math and reading/language arts (parent may NOT administer the test). Deciding in the autumn which route you will take saves a scramble in the spring.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it

Pennsylvania Department of Education / Local School District Superintendent

When it is due

Notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration filed with local superintendent by August 1 annually (or within 10 days of beginning mid-year). Annual renewal required each August 1.

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 each year

Ways to meet it

Annual portfolio evaluation by a PA state-certified teacher (minimum 2 years teaching experience) or licensed psychologist — evaluator certifies 'appropriate education' by June 30
Standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8 in math and reading/language arts (parent may NOT administer the test)

Named tests

California Achievement Test (CAT)Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10)Terra NovaWoodcock-Johnson IV (WJ-IV)Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III (WIAT-III)Any test on the Pennsylvania DOE approved standardized test list

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. However, the annual portfolio evaluator must be a PA state-certified teacher with minimum 2 years teaching experience OR a licensed psychologist. The parent may NOT serve as the portfolio evaluator.

Keeping records

Keep your records for 2 years.

Legal routes

Option 1 – Home Education Program (most common): File notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) by August 1; parent holds HS diploma/GED; maintain portfolio (instructional logs, student work samples, standardized test results in grades 3/5/8); portfolio evaluated by PA-certified teacher by June 30 annually. Retain portfolio 2 years.
Option 2 – Private Tutor: Child instructed by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher for required hours and subjects; tutor handles compliance.
Option 3 – Religious Day School Satellite: Enroll as satellite student of a religious day school; school handles supervision and compliance.
Option 4 – Accredited Day/Boarding School Satellite: Enroll as satellite student of an accredited school; school handles supervision and compliance.

Umbrella / cover schools

Pennsylvania Options 3 and 4 are functionally equivalent to umbrella/cover school models. Religious day school satellites (Option 3) and accredited school satellites (Option 4) allow families to join a supervising school that manages compliance and portfolio evaluation. Many PA homeschool groups operate as religious day school satellites. CHAP (Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania) and PHAA (PA Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency) are major umbrella organizations.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports

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. School districts must establish written policies and procedures for home education 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. Schools provide grades for enrolled courses; parents handle transportation (bus access available if space permits). Community college dual enrollment is available at institutional discretion.

Diplomas

Pennsylvania public schools do not issue diplomas to students not enrolled in public school. Homeschoolers may earn diplomas through: accredited satellite school programs (Options 3 or 4); accredited correspondence/online programs; or parent-issued transcripts. PA DOE recognizes certain state-approved diploma-granting organizations. GED is available. PHAA at pahomeschoolers.com operates an accreditation program for homeschool transcripts.

College admissions

Pennsylvania colleges (Penn State, Temple, Pitt, Drexel, community colleges) have extensive experience with homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores recommended. Annual portfolios and evaluator letters provide a well-documented record. Accredited satellite program transcripts carry the most institutional weight.

Support for additional needs

Pennsylvania homeschooled students with disabilities may receive evaluations through local school districts. Under IDEA 'parentally placed private school students' provisions, limited services may be available based on the proportionate share formula. Full FAPE services are not guaranteed once a student is withdrawn from public school. Families are encouraged to maintain evaluation records and contact the district special education office.