Homeschool in Pennsylvania — Laws, Requirements, and How to Start
Pennsylvania is the strictest homeschool state in the United States, requiring a notarized affidavit, a detailed portfolio of student work, annual evaluation by a certified teacher, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. No other state imposes this combination of documentation and evaluation requirements on homeschool families. Despite this complexity, more than 60,000 Pennsylvania families successfully homeschool each year. enrollment plans Pennsylvania families that generates the portfolio documentation and academic records Pennsylvania law demands.
Pennsylvania families looking for structured, faith-based education can explore Zion Academy’s full range of Pennsylvania curriculum and programs serving students in all 50 states.
Pennsylvania homeschool law is codified under 24 P.S. 13-1327.1. Every Pennsylvania homeschool parent must understand this statute before beginning — the requirements are specific, deadline-driven, and subject to superintendent review. This page explains every requirement in plain language, with exact deadlines and what happens if you miss them.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s homeschool requirements include 5 core obligations: file a notarized affidavit by August 1, teach all required subjects for your child’s grade level, maintain a portfolio of student work throughout the year, complete an annual evaluation by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher, and administer standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 with scores at or above the 25th percentile. Pennsylvania is the only state that requires both a certified evaluator AND standardized test scores at specified grade levels as concurrent requirements. Families who enroll in an accredited online homeschool program receive built-in records, graded coursework, and transcript documentation that form the core of a compliant Pennsylvania portfolio.
Does Pennsylvania Require Notification to Homeschool?
Pennsylvania requires parents to file a notarized affidavit with their local school district superintendent by August 1 each year, or within 30 days of beginning instruction if starting mid-year. The affidavit is a sworn legal document — it must be signed before a notary public. The affidavit must include: the objectives of the educational program, the subjects to be taught, the name of the certified evaluator who will conduct the annual review, and evidence that the student has received required immunizations (or documentation of a religious or medical exemption). Filing is mandatory before instruction begins. Families who miss the August 1 deadline and start mid-year must file within 30 days of their start date.
What Subjects Must Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Teach?
Pennsylvania specifies required subjects separately for elementary and secondary grades, and the lists are extensive. Elementary grades require instruction in: English (spelling, reading, and writing), arithmetic, science, geography, history of Pennsylvania and the United States, civics, safety and fire prevention, health and physiology, physical education, music, and art. Secondary grades require all elementary subjects plus: English language and literature, United States and Pennsylvania history, biology, social studies, 2 years of mathematics covering algebra and geometry, and 2 years of arts and humanities. Pennsylvania specifies subject areas — not specific textbooks or curricula — so families choose their own materials as long as all required areas are covered each year.
Are Standardized Tests Required for Pennsylvania Homeschoolers?
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing at 3 specific grade checkpoints: grades 3, 5, and 8. At each checkpoint, the student must score at or above the 25th percentile on a nationally normed standardized test. At all other grade levels, annual assessment consists of a portfolio review and written evaluation by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher. The evaluator must certify in writing that the student is receiving an appropriate education. The superintendent reviews the evaluator’s certification and may request a hearing if the documentation is deficient. In non-testing grades, a strong portfolio is the primary evidence of educational progress. Students enrolled in Zion Academy accumulate graded assignments, course records, and progress reports throughout the year — exactly the content a portfolio evaluation requires.
Is a Teaching Degree Required to Homeschool in Pennsylvania?
A teaching degree is not required to homeschool in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law requires that the homeschooling parent hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. The annual evaluation, however, must be conducted by a Pennsylvania-certified teacher — not the parent. This evaluator requirement is unique to Pennsylvania among the 50 states.
How to Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania Step by Step
Starting homeschool in Pennsylvania requires 4 steps completed in sequence: locate a certified evaluator before August 1, prepare and notarize the affidavit, file it with your superintendent by the deadline, and begin instruction with a system in place for building the required portfolio.
How Do You Withdraw Your Child from Public School in Pennsylvania?
To withdraw your child from Pennsylvania public school, notify the school in writing of your intent to homeschool. Pennsylvania law does not require the school’s permission, but it does require that your notarized affidavit be on file with the superintendent simultaneously. Submit your withdrawal notice and your affidavit at the same time. The school must release the student once the affidavit is filed. Keep dated copies of all filings — the date stamp on your affidavit establishes your legal compliance and protects you if attendance questions arise later.
What Curriculum Options Work Best for Pennsylvania Families?
Pennsylvania’s portfolio requirement makes curriculum selection more consequential than in lower-regulation states. Families need a curriculum that generates tangible records: graded assignments, written work samples, project documentation, and test scores. Unstructured or purely verbal learning approaches are difficult to document for portfolio purposes. Zion Academy’s accredited online homeschool program is designed to generate exactly this kind of documentation — course grades, assignment records, and transcript data that anchor a Pennsylvania-compliant portfolio. For families building their own curriculum, the how to homeschool guide includes a section on portfolio-building strategies.
How Do Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Handle Attendance Records?
Pennsylvania law does not specify a minimum number of instructional hours for homeschooled students, but it requires that the portfolio demonstrate ongoing educational activity throughout the year. A daily log noting subjects studied and time spent is the most practical way to show consistent instruction. Log entries, combined with the student’s completed work, give the evaluator a complete picture of the academic year. Families using Zion Academy receive auto-generated course activity records that serve as the attendance and engagement documentation for the portfolio.
The Pennsylvania Homeschool Diploma — What Families Need to Know
Pennsylvania’s strict oversight of homeschooling creates a practical question that does not arise in easier states: is a parent-issued Pennsylvania homeschool diploma legitimate? The answer matters for college applications, employment background checks, and military service.
A parent-issued Pennsylvania homeschool diploma is legal under state law. However, it is not issued by an accredited institution and is not recognized as equivalent to a diploma from an accredited school by colleges, employers, or the military that require accredited credentials. This has led to documented disputes — sometimes called the Pennsylvania diploma lawsuit question — in which homeschool graduates found their credentials questioned during college admissions or employment verification.
The solution is straightforward: enroll in an accredited homeschool program so the diploma comes from the accredited institution, not from the parent. Zion Academy is a nationally accredited program. Students who complete Zion Academy’s graduation requirements receive a diploma issued by Zion Academy — an accredited institution — not a parent-signed document. This diploma is recognized by colleges, employers, and the military the same way a diploma from any accredited private school is recognized. homeschool diplomas and college for details on accreditation, college recognition, and what to look for when choosing a program.
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What Funding and Resources Help Pennsylvania Homeschool Families?
Pennsylvania does not currently have a universal Education Savings Account or homeschool voucher program, but the state’s homeschool community has built a robust network of support organizations and evaluators.
Does Pennsylvania Have an Education Savings Account?
Pennsylvania does not have a universal Education Savings Account available to homeschool families. [VERIFY: Current status of proposed Pennsylvania ESA legislation — bills have been introduced in the General Assembly in recent sessions but had not passed as of available information.] Families interested in the current status of ESA legislation should monitor HSLDA.org and the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers website for updates.
What Homeschool Co-ops and Support Groups Exist in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 2 major statewide homeschool organizations alongside hundreds of regional co-ops. Pennsylvania Homeschoolers (PA Homeschoolers) is the largest and most established — it operates one of the oldest accredited correspondence programs in the country and maintains a database of certified evaluators across the state. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) provides legal support to Pennsylvania families navigating the superintendent review process. Regional co-ops are concentrated in the Philadelphia suburbs, Pittsburgh metro area, and Lancaster County, which has one of the highest homeschool concentrations in the state.
Does Pennsylvania Allow Homeschoolers in Public School Sports?
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school sports or extracurricular activities. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and individual school districts control eligibility decisions. [VERIFY: Current PIAA policy on homeschool athlete eligibility — local school board decisions vary significantly.] Families seeking athletic participation should contact their specific district directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
What happens if the superintendent rejects my Pennsylvania homeschool affidavit?
If the superintendent finds the affidavit deficient, they must notify the parent in writing and specify what is missing. The parent has the opportunity to correct and resubmit. If the superintendent requests a hearing, HSLDA and PA Homeschoolers both provide legal guidance. Pennsylvania courts have consistently upheld parental homeschool rights when procedural requirements are met.
What if my child scores below the 25th percentile in a Pennsylvania testing grade?
If a student scores below the 25th percentile in grades 3, 5, or 8, the superintendent may determine that the home education program is not appropriate. The family must then submit to an evaluation process that may include remediation or additional assessment. HSLDA recommends choosing a test the student is well-prepared for and using the portfolio evaluation year (non-testing grades) to build strong documentation of academic progress.
Can I use any certified teacher as my Pennsylvania evaluator?
Yes. Pennsylvania law requires the evaluator to hold Pennsylvania teaching certification, but it does not restrict which certified teacher a family may use. Many families use evaluators affiliated with PA Homeschoolers, private evaluators who specialize in homeschool portfolios, or certified teachers in their personal network. The evaluator must be willing to review the portfolio and issue a written certification — they do not need to supervise the student’s daily instruction.
How does Zion Academy help with Pennsylvania’s portfolio requirement?
Zion Academy generates course grades, assignment records, and progress documentation throughout the year. This documentation forms the backbone of a Pennsylvania-compliant portfolio. The evaluator reviews Zion’s records alongside any additional student work samples the family provides. Families report that Zion’s structured records significantly simplify the portfolio evaluation process.
Does Pennsylvania recognize online homeschool programs as compliant?
Yes. Pennsylvania law allows parents to use any curriculum, including online programs, as long as the required subjects are covered and the affidavit, portfolio, and evaluation requirements are met. A full-service accredited online program like Zion Academy satisfies the curriculum requirement and generates the documentation the evaluation process requires. homeschool regulations by state
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects our understanding of current homeschool laws as of 2026. Homeschool laws, regulations, and funding programs change frequently at the state, county, and district level. This page does not constitute legal advice. Families should verify current requirements directly with their state’s department of education, consult HSLDA.org for up-to-date legal guidance, or speak with a qualified attorney before making educational decisions based on this information.
Zion Academy is accepted in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania families who enroll through Zion receive a complete accredited curriculum, built-in portfolio documentation, and a diploma issued by an accredited institution — eliminating the diploma legitimacy questions that affect parent-issued Pennsylvania homeschool diplomas. enrollment plans Pennsylvania start