High regulation

Homeschool Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires an affidavit, detailed portfolio, annual evaluation by a certified evaluator, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Yes, homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania, and the state has one of the most detailed compliance regimes. You file a notarized affidavit annually with your local superintendent before starting each school year. You maintain a portfolio (log of materials, samples of work, test results, reading list). At year-end an outside evaluator certified by PA — typically a teacher or psychologist — reviews the portfolio and writes an evaluation letter, which you submit to the superintendent. Standardized testing required in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Last verified: May 19, 2026·Re-checked quarterly · Information, not legal advice
Heads up — Pennsylvania has nuances
Pennsylvania's evaluator is the key person — choose carefully. Each evaluator has their own style and depth of review. Ask your local homeschool group (PA Homeschoolers, Christian Homeschool Association of PA) for recommendations. We surface evaluators known to work well with our families.

Key dates

Notarized affidavit
before starting each school year (Aug 1 typical)
Standardized testing
grades 3, 5, and 8 only
Evaluator review + portfolio submission
by June 30

Where this comes from

What you need to do

  • Annual notarized affidavit to local superintendent
  • Maintain detailed portfolio: log of materials, work samples, test results, reading list
  • Cover required subjects per grade level (PA enumerates them)
  • Annual evaluation by PA-certified evaluator (teacher or psychologist)
  • Standardized test in grades 3, 5, 8 — results stay in portfolio
  • 180 days or 900/990 hours instruction per year

We handle the paperwork

PA looks intimidating on paper. We assemble the affidavit, track your portfolio as you go, pair you with certified evaluators in your area, and prep your year-end submission. Most PA families settle into a clean rhythm after year one.

Homeschool Factory tracks every deadline, generates every form, and prepares your year-end portfolio — for Pennsylvania and every other state. 3-day free trial, cancel anytime.

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Where Pennsylvania ranks

7states share Pennsylvania's regulation level

Across the 50 states + DC, the homeschool-regulation breakdown is:

Low regulation26 states
Moderate regulation18 states
High regulation7 states
Compare all states
Last verified May 19, 2026. We re-check sources quarterly. This page is information, not legal advice — confirm specifics with your local district or a homeschool attorney before filing.
See all 50 states + DC