Pennsylvania is one of the most heavily regulated homeschool states. Here is everything you need to know about affidavits, portfolios, evaluations, required subjects, and key deadlines under Act 169.
Pennsylvania requires an annual affidavit, a maintained portfolio with activity log and work samples, standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8, and an annual evaluation by a qualified evaluator. The August 1 affidavit deadline and June 30 evaluation deadline are firm. Missing either can trigger truancy proceedings.
Pennsylvania homeschool law is governed primarily by Act 169 (24 P.S. §13-1327.1), with updates from Act 196 (2014) allowing unsworn declarations and Act 55 (2022) expanding part-time enrollment rights. There are three distinct compliance paths, though the Home Education Program is by far the most common.
The parent or guardian serving as the "supervisor" of the home education program must have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, no adults residing in the home may have disqualifying criminal convictions within the past five years.
This is the path used by the vast majority of Pennsylvania homeschool families. It requires:
If the parent holds a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate, they may homeschool under the private tutor provision. This path does not require an affidavit, portfolio, or annual evaluation. The tutor must provide 180 days of instruction and teach the required subjects.
Families can enroll as an extension of a religious or accredited day school. The school oversees curriculum and compliance. Requirements depend on the specific umbrella school program.
Most families should use Path 1. It is the most straightforward and well-documented path. The rest of this guide focuses on Path 1 requirements.
Each year by August 1, you must submit an affidavit to the superintendent of your local school district. Since April 2020 (Act 196), you may use an unsworn declaration instead of a notarized affidavit, which saves a trip to the notary.
Your affidavit or declaration must include:
The criminal background check applies to all adults living in the home, not just the supervising parent. Disqualifying offenses within the past 5 years will prevent you from using the home education program.
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Fire safety instruction is required annually at all grade levels. It is often overlooked by new homeschool families. A brief annual lesson on fire prevention and escape planning satisfies this requirement.
Pennsylvania uses a days or hours standard. You must meet one, not both:
Most families track by days, counting each day with meaningful instructional activity. If you prefer a flexible schedule (such as year-round homeschooling or longer days with more breaks), the hours option gives you that flexibility.
If tracking by hours, keep a contemporaneous log that records the date, subject, and hours spent. This becomes part of your portfolio and will be reviewed by your evaluator.
Pennsylvania families must maintain a portfolio of student work throughout the school year. The portfolio is the centerpiece of your compliance documentation and must include:
The portfolio belongs to the family. Your school district cannot demand to see it or keep it. The portfolio is reviewed only by your qualified evaluator as part of the annual evaluation process.
Pennsylvania requires standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8 only. Students must be tested in:
Acceptable tests include:
The test must be administered by someone other than the parent. Many homeschool families arrange group testing through local homeschool co-ops or use a certified teacher or testing service. Test results are included in the portfolio and reviewed by the evaluator.
By June 30 each year, you must submit an evaluation to your school district superintendent. The evaluation must be completed by a qualified evaluator who:
Your spouse cannot serve as the evaluator, nor can the supervising parent. The evaluator must be an independent third party.
Most evaluators charge between $75 and $200 for the evaluation. Many homeschool support groups maintain lists of experienced evaluators in your area.
| Date | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Annual Affidavit Due | Notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration submitted to school district superintendent |
| June 30 | Annual Evaluation Due | Evaluator's certification submitted to superintendent |
| Grades 3, 5, 8 | Standardized Testing | Reading/Language Arts and Math; must be administered by a non-parent |
| October 1 | Immunization Compliance | Students must have up-to-date immunization records on file |
The August 1 affidavit and June 30 evaluation are the two most critical deadlines. Missing them can trigger truancy referrals. Set reminders well in advance.
Despite its heavy regulation, Pennsylvania offers some benefits that many other states do not:
The textbook borrowing benefit is underused. Contact your district office to ask what textbooks are available. This can save hundreds of dollars per year on curriculum costs.
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Track Pennsylvania ComplianceThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. Last updated February 2026.