Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

A practical starting point for Pennsylvania families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

High Regulation

Affidavit, objectives, log of materials, evaluator review, and standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

EITC and OSTC tax-credit scholarships fund private-school tuition; homeschool families are not eligible.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

Pennsylvania homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for Pennsylvania families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

Pennsylvania homeschool funding

Pennsylvania's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in Pennsylvania

A high-level checklist tailored to Pennsylvania’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Understand Pennsylvania's homeschool requirements
All homeschool families in Pennsylvania follow the same legal pathway. Affidavit, objectives, log of materials, evaluator review, and standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8. There is no separate umbrella-school or charter option.
2
File affidavit and objectives
Submit a notarized homeschool affidavit and education objectives to your local superintendent by August 1 (or within a short window if starting mid-year).
3
Log materials, evaluate, and test
Maintain a log of instructional materials, obtain annual evaluator certification, and administer standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

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

Yes. You'll file a notice of intent, document curriculum in required subjects, and submit assessments or portfolio reviews on a set schedule.

Does Pennsylvania require homeschool standardized testing?

Yes. Standardized testing or portfolio review is required on a set schedule, typically every year or every few years.

Can homeschool families in Pennsylvania access ESA or scholarship funding?

EITC and OSTC tax-credit scholarships fund private-school tuition; homeschool families are not eligible.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in Pennsylvania?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.