Pennsylvania Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Pennsylvania—
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Pennsylvania School Choice
Click above for general information on the school choice.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Click above for the state Education Information.
Pennsylvania Homeschool
Pennsylvania has one of the more detailed sets of homeschool laws in the United States. Families choosing to homeschool must follow specific requirements to comply with state law. Parents must submit a notarized affidavit to their local school district each year, typically by August 1, stating their intent to homeschool. This affidavit must include required subjects, immunization records, and assurance of objectives for the year.
Parents must maintain a portfolio of records, including samples of the student’s work, a log of reading materials, and results of standardized tests (required in grades 3, 5, and 8). At the end of the year, an evaluation by a qualified evaluator (usually a certified teacher or licensed psychologist) must be submitted to the school district to show the child made appropriate academic progress.
While Pennsylvania’s homeschool law is thorough, many families successfully navigate it with careful planning. The state offers flexibility in curriculum choice, but it expects consistent documentation and annual reviews to ensure educational standards are being met.
If parents in Pennsylvania enroll their children in an accredited school (like a cyber charter, private school, or umbrella school) instead of fully homeschooling under the Home Education Law, the rules and requirements shift significantly.
| Activity | Homeschool (PA Law) | Accredited/Umbrella/Cyber School |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Paperwork | Parent files affadavit annually | School files all documentation on behalf of the student |
| Recordkeeping | Parent maintains portfolio & records | School maintains grades, records, and compliance documentation |
| Testing/Evaluation | Parent Arranges & submits report | School administers tests and issues report cards and transcripts |
| Diploma | Parent issued or via diploma-grating org. handle by parent | School issues offical diploma |
| Compliance Responsibility | Entirely on parent | Entirel on school |
| Parental Authority | Legal supervisor, full control over curriculum | Supportive role, school has legal responsibility |
Pennsylvania K-12 School Choice
Pennsylvania Scholarship Summary
No Universal K-12 Scholarship Program
Pennsylvania does not currently offer a universal school choice program with education savings accounts (ESAs) or vouchers available to all families. Instead, it provides limited school choice through tax-credit scholarship programs (EITC and OSTC), which allow businesses to fund scholarships for students—primarily low- to middle-income or those attending underperforming schools. While public charter and cyber charter schools are available statewide, and homeschooling is well-supported, families do not receive direct state funding to support private or alternative education. Proposals to establish ESAs—especially for students in low-performing schools or with special needs—have been introduced but have not passed into law, meaning Pennsylvania’s school choice options remain restricted compared to states with universal ESA programs.
Homeschool Resources for Pennsylvania
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.