Pennsylvania Homeschool Information

🏠 Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws – Family Guide

1. Notification Requirement

Families must submit annual notice of intent to homeschool to their local school district each year. This notice typically includes:

• Parent name(s) and address

• Student name and date of birth

• School year calendar being followed

• Statement of compliance with PA homeschool law

2. Qualifications for Instructors

Parents or guardians must have:

• A high school diploma or its equivalent,

• Or can demonstrate equivalent competency via coursework, training, or past experience.

3. Educational Plan & Instruction

The homeschool plan must include:

• Subjects taught (reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and health/physical education)

• Calendar of instructional days (minimum ~180 days)

• Description of curriculum or instructional materials.

4. Assessments & Portfolio

Families must maintain:

• A portfolio of work samples (e.g., writing assignments, tests, projects).

• One of the following assessments annually:

  • Standardized testing in core subjects

  • A formal written evaluation by a certified teacher

  • Evaluation of the portfolio by a qualified person

5. Record Keeping & Submission

Annual record-keeping includes:

• Notice of intent each year

• Results of assessment or evaluation

• Submission of portfolio or evaluation to the school district by a specified deadline (typically late spring).

6. Transition Options

If parents wish to withdraw and return to public school:

• Notify district in writing of intent to stop homeschooling.

• Student will be evaluated and placed appropriately per district policy.

7. Legal Foundation

• Pennsylvania Code Title 22, Education, Chapter 11 outlines compulsory attendance and private instruction options.

• Legal precedent (e.g., Pocono Mountain School District v. Homeschoolers) supports parents’ rights to homeschool under “private instruction” provision.