How to homeschool in Pennsylvania
The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.
✓ Checked against Pennsylvania law on Oct 20, 2026 · See what changed
What changed
Nothing since we began checking Pennsylvania’s own pages every week in October 2026.
The usual way: Under the home education law. Your affidavit, a portfolio, and an evaluation each year.
- Ages
- 6 to 18
- Notice
- Each year
- Tests
- Each year
- Set time
- 180 days
What to do
- Notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration), with objectives by subject and proof of shots, to your superintendentBefore you start, then by Aug 1 each yearPennsylvania’s form or page for it
- A standardized test, given by someone other than youin Grades 3, 5, 8
- Portfolio evaluation by a qualified evaluator, to your superintendentBy Jun 30 at the end of the school year
- A letter of transfer from your old superintendent, filed with your new oneOnly if you move to another district (ask 30 days before)
- Teach the subjects belowYou can teach if you have a high school diploma or GED. With a portfolio and a yearly evaluation.
- Keep a portfolio: a log made as you go, work samples, and test resultsThat’s all Pennsylvania asks you to keep.
Subjects to teach
- English (spelling, reading, writing)
- Arithmetic
- Science
- Geography
- Civics
- U.S. and Pennsylvania history
- Health
- Physical education
- Music
- Art
- Safety education
Other legal ways
With a certified tutor
Taught by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher.
Taught by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher. Your tutor files a teaching certificate and a criminal history check; absences over 3 days are reported.
- The tutor’s certificate and criminal history check, to your superintendent (Before you start)
- Absences of more than 3 days, to your superintendent (As they happen)
With a religious day school
A satellite of a religious day school, which files for you.
You can teach as your school asks. Your school files with the state and keeps the records.
- Enroll with your religious day school (Before you start, then each year)
With an accredited day school
A satellite of an accredited private day school, which files for you.
You can teach as your school asks. Your school files with the state and keeps the records.
- Enroll with your accredited day school (Before you start, then each year)
Source: pa.gov
This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Oregon, Rhode Island, or all 50 states + DC.