Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania homeschool laws & record-keeping (2026)

High regulation Last verified June 2026 against primary sources

Pennsylvania asks for a lot: an affidavit and objectives by August 1, a log and reading list, a portfolio with work samples, tests in grades 3, 5, and 8, and an evaluator review by June 30.

Regulation level: High
Notice or filing: Affidavit by Aug 1; evaluator review by June 30.
Instructional days: 180 per year
Instruction hours: 180 days, or 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary).
Testing grades: 3, 5, 8

Required filings in Pennsylvania

Affidavit & objectives

A notarized affidavit plus educational objectives, filed with the superintendent.

Aug 1

Log of educational activities

A record of instruction and a reading list across the school year.

Portfolio & work samples

Samples showing progress in each required subject.

Standardized tests

Nationally normed test results in grades 3, 5, and 8, kept in the portfolio.

Annual evaluation

A written evaluation by a qualified evaluator, filed with the superintendent.

Jun 30

Common questions about homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Do I have to notify the state to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

Affidavit by Aug 1; evaluator review by June 30.

How many days or hours do I have to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires 180 instructional days per year (180 days, or 900 hours (elementary) / 990 hours (secondary).).

Is standardized testing required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a nationally standardized test in grades 3, 5, 8. Keep the results with your records.

What records do I need to keep in Pennsylvania?

Keep the documents Pennsylvania asks for, such as affidavit & objectives, log of educational activities, portfolio & work samples, standardized tests, annual evaluation. Homeschoolio builds these from what you log.

How Homeschoolio helps in Pennsylvania

Homeschoolio logs your day in seconds, tracks your 180 required days, and generates the actual records and filings Pennsylvania expects, as review-ready PDFs built from data you already logged. Everything works offline, and your records are always yours to export.

Get Homeschoolio

Compare nearby states

Homeschoolio helps you keep records. It isn't legal advice. Homeschool requirements vary by district and change over time, so always verify your state and district's current rules.