Homeschool Owl

Pennsylvania Homeschool Requirements

High Regulation

Pennsylvania's home education law (24 P.S. Sec. 13-1327.1, Act 169 of 1988) requires a notarized affidavit filed with the resident district superintendent by August 1 annually, a contemporaneous title-based reading log, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Pennsylvania has a REAL statutory instructional minimum: 180 days or 900 hours/year (elementary), 990 hours/year (secondary). Since Act 196 of 2014, families no longer submit the full portfolio each year, a qualified evaluator reviews it and files only a certification letter by June 30. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].

180

days/year

Required

notification

Required

testing

Ready to start? See the step-by-step guide to withdrawing your child and homeschooling in Pennsylvania.Get started →A district recently overstepped this exact requirement. Here's what the law actually requires, and how the families who pushed back won.Read more →

Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 15, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: Notarized affidavit filed with the resident district superintendent before the program begins, renewed annually by August 1; evaluator certification due by June 30

Testing

Required

Frequency: Grades 3, 5, and 8 (PSSA or an approved nationally-normed test, reading/language arts and math only)

Required Subjects

  • English/Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Geography
  • US and PA History
  • Civics/Social Studies
  • Art
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Health
  • Safety Education

Instructional Days Required

180days per year

Report Frequency

annual

Submission Method

Resident school district superintendent: notarized affidavit by August 1, plus a qualified evaluator's certification of "appropriate education" by June 30. The full portfolio itself is not routinely submitted since Act 196 of 2014, only the evaluator's certification letter is, unless the district disputes it.

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

Notarized affidavit filed with the resident district superintendent before the program begins, renewed annually by August 1; evaluator certification due by June 30

Testing Requirement

Grades 3, 5, and 8 (PSSA or an approved nationally-normed test, reading/language arts and math only)

Report Due

annual

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania's home education law (24 P.S. Sec. 13-1327.1, Act 169 of 1988) requires a notarized affidavit filed with the resident district superintendent by August 1 annually, a contemporaneous title-based reading log, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8. Pennsylvania has a REAL statutory instructional minimum: 180 days or 900 hours/year (elementary), 990 hours/year (secondary). Since Act 196 of 2014, families no longer submit the full portfolio each year, a qualified evaluator reviews it and files only a certification letter by June 30. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania requires 180 instructional days per year for homeschooling families.
Does Pennsylvania require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, Pennsylvania requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is Notarized affidavit filed with the resident district superintendent before the program begins, renewed annually by August 1; evaluator certification due by June 30.
Does Pennsylvania require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
Yes, Pennsylvania requires testing for homeschool students. Testing frequency: Grades 3, 5, and 8 (PSSA or an approved nationally-normed test, reading/language arts and math only).
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania requires the following subjects to be taught: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Geography, US and PA History, Civics/Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, Health, Safety Education.
How to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

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