Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Requirements, Records & How to Get Started
Everything Pennsylvania families need to homeschool with confidence — the affidavit, portfolio, testing, and evaluator system in plain English, plus the records to master it.
Pennsylvania homeschool law, summarized
Pennsylvania has one of the most structured homeschool laws
What Pennsylvania actually requires
Pennsylvania runs a detailed home education program. Each year, by August 1, you file a notarized affidavit with your district superintendent listing the required subjects and assuring they will be taught. The law names specific subjects for both the elementary and secondary years.
Throughout the year you build a portfolio — a log of what you covered, samples of work, and a reading list — and students take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8. At year’s end a qualified evaluator (a certified teacher or licensed psychologist, among others) reviews the portfolio and certifies that an appropriate education occurred; you submit that certification to the district. Organized records make the whole cycle manageable.
Official Pennsylvania resources
Always confirm current rules directly with the state. These are the authoritative sources:
Pennsylvania Dept. of Education — Home Education Program pa.gov ↗HSLDA — Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws hslda.org ↗
The records smart Pennsylvania families keep
Pennsylvania’s portfolio, testing, and evaluation all depend on organized records. Homeschool Reports keeps every piece ready for your evaluator.
Generate Pennsylvania-ready records without the busywork
Enter your students once and produce portfolio logs, report cards, transcripts, and diplomas whenever Pennsylvania asks — no spreadsheets, no formatting headaches.
Choosing a Pennsylvania homeschool curriculum
Pennsylvania names required subjects but lets you choose the curriculum that covers them. Mapping your materials to the required-subject list makes your affidavit and portfolio far easier to assemble.
Homeschooling in neighboring states
Common questions about homeschooling in Pennsylvania
How do I start homeschooling in Pennsylvania?
File a notarized affidavit with your district superintendent by August 1 each year, listing the required subjects and assuring they will be taught, then keep a portfolio through the year.
Does Pennsylvania require testing?
Yes. Students take nationally normed standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8, and each year a qualified evaluator reviews the portfolio and certifies an appropriate education.
What goes in the Pennsylvania portfolio?
A log of the materials and activities covered, samples of the student’s work, and a reading list. The evaluator reviews it before certifying the year to the district.
Can my homeschooled student get a diploma in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania law recognizes home education diplomas issued to students who complete the program. Homeschool Reports generates professional diplomas and transcripts.
Start homeschooling Pennsylvania with confidence
Keep evaluator-ready records and a professional diploma at the finish line — starting free, no credit card required.