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2026 State Guide
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Requirements & Rules
Homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania, and families face substantial notification, instruction, and assessment requirements. Here’s everything you need to stay compliant, in plain English.
- Regulation level
- High
- Notification
- Annual notice
- Instruction time
- 180 days/year
- Required subjects
- 11 subjects
- Assessment
- Required
- Recordkeeping
- Required
- Compulsory ages
- 8–17
Notification
Pennsylvania requires annual notice, due august 1 annually.
File a detailed annual affidavit with the local district superintendent, including a list of subjects to be taught and books/materials to be used.
Instruction time
Pennsylvania requires 180 days of instruction per school year.
180 days required, with 900 hours at elementary and 990 hours at secondary level.
Required subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- History
- Geography
- Civics
- Health
- Physical education
- Art
- Music
Extensive required subject list: English (including spelling, reading, writing), math, science and health, social studies, history, geography, civics, safety, and PE. High school adds additional subjects.
Assessment & testing
Pennsylvania requires periodic assessment of homeschooled students.
Annual evaluation by a licensed PA teacher, certified evaluator, or psychologist. Portfolio reviewed. Evaluator submits a letter to the superintendent.
Recordkeeping
Pennsylvania requires homeschool families to maintain records.
Detailed portfolio required: log of activities, samples of student work, and standardized test or evaluator results. Retained for 3 years.
Parent qualifications
None required, but evaluator must be licensed.
Good to know
Pennsylvania is one of the most complex states. The portfolio and evaluator system is time-consuming but well-defined. Many PA families use umbrella schools for easier compliance.
Track Pennsylvania’s requirements automatically
Homeschool Wizard logs your school days, hours, and subjects against Pennsylvania’s rules — and turns them into portfolio PDFs, transcripts, and report cards when you need them. Free for one student.
Private by design: your family’s records stay on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeschooling legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes — homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. In Pennsylvania, families face substantial notification, instruction, and assessment requirements. Children ages 8–17 fall under compulsory education law.
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires annual notice — august 1 annually. File a detailed annual affidavit with the local district superintendent, including a list of subjects to be taught and books/materials to be used.
How many days or hours of instruction does Pennsylvania require?
Pennsylvania requires 180 days of instruction per year. 180 days required, with 900 hours at elementary and 990 hours at secondary level.
What subjects are required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires: English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Geography, Civics, Health, Physical education, Art, Music. Extensive required subject list: English (including spelling, reading, writing), math, science and health, social studies, history, geography, civics, safety, and PE. High school adds additional subjects.
Is testing or assessment required for homeschoolers in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Pennsylvania has an assessment requirement. Annual evaluation by a licensed PA teacher, certified evaluator, or psychologist. Portfolio reviewed. Evaluator submits a letter to the superintendent.
What records do homeschoolers need to keep in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires families to keep homeschool records. Detailed portfolio required: log of activities, samples of student work, and standardized test or evaluator results. Retained for 3 years.
Official sources
Verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and HSLDA’s Pennsylvania page.
Not legal advice. This data is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently. Always verify requirements with your state's Department of Education or a qualified homeschool legal organization before making compliance decisions. Requirements shown were last verified 2026-09.