Pennsylvania homeschool requirements

File a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) with your local school district superintendent before you start homeschooling, and again by August 1 every year after that.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(b)(1); form alternative per 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 6204-6206·Source: pa.gov ↗

Each year you must provide at least 180 days of instruction OR a set number of hours - 900 hours for elementary (K-6) or 990 hours for secondary (7-12). Meeting either satisfies the requirement.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(c) (opening clause); 22 Pa. Code § 11.31(a)(4)·Source: pa.gov ↗

Pennsylvania law lists specific subjects that must be taught, with a shorter list for elementary (K-6) and a broader one for secondary (7-12); a few secondary courses are optional.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(c)(1) [elementary], (c)(2) [secondary]·Source: pa.gov ↗

To earn a Pennsylvania home-education diploma, a student must complete, across grades 9-12, at least 4 years of English, 3 of math, 3 of science, 3 of social studies, and 2 of arts and humanities.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(d)(1)-(5)·Source: pa.gov ↗

Keep a portfolio for each child: a running log of reading materials (by title), samples of the child's work, and - in grades 3, 5, and 8 - standardized test results. You keep it on file and show it to your evaluator; you do not send it to the district.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(e), (e)(1)·Source: pa.gov ↗

In grades 3, 5, and 8, your child takes a standardized test in reading/language arts and math - either one from the state-approved list or the state PSSA. You can't administer it yourself; you decide the grade. Results go in the portfolio.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(e)(1)·Source: pa.gov ↗

Each year a qualified evaluator interviews your child and reviews the portfolio, then certifies that an appropriate education is occurring. You submit that certification to your district superintendent by June 30. The evaluator can't be you or your spouse.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(e)(2) [qualifications]; § 13-1327.1(h.1) [June 30]·Source: pa.gov ↗

When you file your affidavit, attach proof your child is immunized and has received required health services - or attach an exemption: a doctor's medical exemption, or a written religious objection (which also covers a strong moral/ethical conviction). There is no separate 'philosophical' exemption.

Citation: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(b)(1); 24 P.S. § 13-1303(a); 28 Pa. Code § 23.84(a)-(b)·Source: pa.gov ↗