Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

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Homeschooling in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming at first, especially with all the rules and requirements unique to our state. Whether you’re exploring homeschooling for the first time or making the switch from traditional school, this guide will walk you through the basics. As a longtime homeschooling parent and evaluator in PA, I’ve answered these questions many times—and I’m here to help you get started with confidence.

Do I Need a Teaching Degree to Homeschool in Pennsylvania?

No teaching degree is required. In Pennsylvania, the homeschool supervisor (usually the parent) must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Does the School District Have to Approve My Homeschool?

No. Pennsylvania law requires you to notify your school district by submitting an affidavit and a list of educational objectives. This process is about informing, not seeking approval.

Are Standardized Tests Required?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires homeschooled students in grades 3, 5, and 8 to take standardized tests. You can choose from a list of approved tests found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website—your child does not need to take the same test used by the local public school.

Do I Need to Follow a Set Curriculum?

Nope! You have the freedom to choose (or create) the curriculum that best fits your family’s needs. Whether you go with a structured program, follow your child’s interests, or blend several approaches, the choice is yours.

How Do I Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania?

If your child has never been enrolled in school, submit an affidavit and objectives only when your child will be six on or before September 1. If your child isn’t turning six until later in the school year, you can put off doing the paperwork, but still homeschool. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

If your child has been enrolled in school, you must first officially withdraw them following your district’s process. After that, submit your affidavit and objectives to begin homeschooling.

In both scenarios, I highly recommend mailing your affidavit and objectives to the Superintendent of your school district through USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. According to PA Home Education Law, you only communicate with the superintendent, not the secretaries, guidance counselors, or random other employees the district may appoint on their end.

How Specific Should My Objectives Be?

Keep your objectives general. The law doesn’t require a detailed lesson plan—broad goals are fine. You can create a more detailed plan for your own use if you’d like. I have used the same objectives for grades 1-12.

Do We Have to Do a Certain Number of Hours Each Day?

Not exactly. Pennsylvania law requires 180 days of instruction or 900 hours (990 hours for grades 7–12) each academic year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.

Tracking days is often easier than hours.

A lot of families use Homeschool Planet to track their days while others use a 180 day check list or a calendar. Use what works best for you.

Try the World’s Best Homeschool Planner for FREE!

What Counts as an Instructional Day?

Any day that includes meaningful learning—formal or informal—counts. That includes:

Reading and writing assignments
Science experiments
Field trips
Scout camps
Baking (yes, even on the weekend!)
Real-life skills like budgeting, gardening, and home maintenance
Sick Days – learning how to take care of yourself is just as important as academics

Learning doesn’t just happen at a desk.

How Do I Find a Homeschool Evaluator?

Ask around! Reach out to local homeschoolers, check Facebook homeschool groups, or talk to friends who are certified teachers. I also offer both in-person and virtual evaluations for Pennsylvania families. Evaluations must be completed and submitted to your superintendent by June 30 each year, so plan on reaching out in March or April to get something scheduled.

Where Can I Learn More?

Start by reading the homeschool law directly on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website or you can get a general overview here. This is the most reliable source for up-to-date legal requirements.