Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws & Requirements
Here's what Pennsylvania requires of homeschooling families, reviewed for the 2026 school year.
What Pennsylvania requires
Notification / Filing
File notarized affidavit with local superintendent by August 1 each year. Include objectives, proposed curriculum, and immunization evidence.
Required Subjects
English (Spelling, Reading, Writing), Math, Science, Geography, History (PA & US), Civics, Safety Education, Health, Physical Education, Music, Art
Instructional Days
180 days/year. 900 hours elementary, 990 hours secondary.
Instructional Hours
At least 900 hours of instruction per year.
Standardized Testing
Standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Annual portfolio evaluation by certified teacher or licensed psychologist certifying "appropriate education is occurring."
Portfolio / Records
Maintain portfolio: instruction log, reading lists, work samples, standardized test results. Evaluated annually by certified teacher or licensed psychologist.
Immunization
Must provide evidence of immunizations (or exemption) with the annual affidavit.
Withdrawing from Public School
File a notarized affidavit with the superintendent.
Additional Notes
Pennsylvania is one of the most regulated. Requires notarized affidavit, portfolio, annual evaluation, and standardized testing. High schoolers must also study fire safety. Compulsory ages are 6-18.
Stay Pennsylvania compliant without the spreadsheets
- ✓Auto-tracks your required 180 days of instruction
- ✓Checks off all 11 required subjects as you add courses
- ✓Alerts you automatically if Pennsylvania's requirements change
- ✓Generates transcripts, report cards & attendance records ready to submit
Free forever plan · no credit card.
Pennsylvania homeschooling FAQ
Does Pennsylvania require homeschool notification?
File notarized affidavit with local superintendent by August 1 each year. Include objectives, proposed curriculum, and immunization evidence.
How many instructional days or hours does Pennsylvania require?
Pennsylvania requires at least 180 instructional days per year (about 900 hours).
Is standardized testing required for homeschoolers in Pennsylvania?
Standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Annual portfolio evaluation by certified teacher or licensed psychologist certifying "appropriate education is occurring."
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires instruction in: English (Spelling, Reading, Writing), Math, Science, Geography, History (PA & US), Civics, Safety Education, Health, Physical Education, Music, Art.
Does Pennsylvania require homeschoolers to keep a portfolio or records?
Maintain portfolio: instruction log, reading lists, work samples, standardized test results. Evaluated annually by certified teacher or licensed psychologist.
Source: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Home%20Education%20and%20Private%20Tutoring/Pages/default.aspx
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with your state's department of education.
Track Pennsylvania compliance automatically
HomeSkoolHelper monitors Pennsylvania's requirements for you — logging attendance days, required subjects, and testing deadlines — and alerts you the moment the law changes.
Free forever plan · no credit card.