Skip To Main Content

Homeschool Information

Home Education in Pennsylvania

What Is Home Education?

In Pennsylvania, home education—commonly known as homeschooling—is a legal and recognized option for fulfilling compulsory school attendance. Under this option, parents or legal guardians oversee their child’s education at home.

Homeschooling is a parent-directed program that offers flexibility while requiring adherence to specific legal guidelines established by the Pennsylvania School Code.

 

 

Starting a Homeschool Program

To begin homeschooling:

  1. Submit an Affidavit (Notorized) or Unsworn Declaration (Not Notorized) annually.

    • Must include educational objectives, health records, and immunization status.

    • Required for all students of compulsory school age (ages 6–18)

  2. Ensure the Supervisor is Qualified:

    • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

    • Must not have any disqualifying criminal convictions.

  3. Maintain a Portfolio throughout the school year:

    • Samples of student work.

    • Reading materials used.

    • Log of instructional hours or days.

  4. Complete a Year-End Evaluation:

    • Conducted by a qualified evaluator.

    • Must include an interview with the student and a review of the portfolio.

    • Submitted to the school district by June 30 each year.

  5. Standardized Assessments:

    • Required in grades 3, 5, and 8

    • Results must be part of the student's portfolio and reviewed by homeschool evaluator

    • The PSSA/Keystones may be taken to meet this requirement.  Please notify the school office by October 1st of each year to participate in the assessment

Curriculum Requirements

Elementary Level (Grades K–6)

  • English (including reading, writing, spelling)

  • Arithmetic

  • Science

  • Geography and U.S./PA History

  • Civics

  • Safety education

  • Health and physical education

  • Music and art

Instruction Time:

  • 180 days OR

  • 900 hours per year

Secondary Level (Grades 7–12)

  • English and literature

  • Mathematics

  • Science (including biology, chemistry, physics)

  • Social studies (including world history, civics, PA/US history)

  • Health and physical education

  • Art and music

  • Optional subjects: foreign languages, economics, etc.

Instruction Time:

  • 180 days OR

  • 990 hours per year

Diplomas and Graduation

There are multiple pathways to earning a state-recognized diploma as a homeschool student:

1. Supervisor-Issued Diploma

Parents/legal guardians may issue a diploma if:

  • Graduation requirements are met.

  • A certified evaluator signs the diploma.

  • The diploma is on a PDE-approved form.

2. Diploma from a State-Recognized Association

Approved homeschool organizations can issue diplomas and maintain records for verification.

3. Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD)

Available by:

  • Passing a state-approved high school equivalency test (e.g., GED®, HiSET®), or

  • Earning 30 college-level credits from an accredited institution.

Dual Enrollment and Public School Participation

Under Act 55 of 2022, homeschool students can participate in:

  • Co-curricular activities (e.g., band, orchestra tied to academic credit)

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs

  • Academic courses (up to 25% of a full-time schedule)

To participate, students must:

  • Meet eligibility and prerequisites.

  • Comply with all district rules and regulations.

Testing Requirements

Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Parents may choose between:

  • PSSA tests offered by their school district (free), or

  • A nationally normed test approved by PDE.

Students with Disabilities

Special rules apply if the child has an identified disability under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Homeschooling families must obtain pre-approval from a certified special education teacher or licensed psychologist to homeschool a student receiving special education services.

Transcripts and Records

Parents are encouraged to maintain thorough records, including:

  • High school transcripts

  • Portfolios

  • Evaluator reports

  • Diplomas

These records are helpful for post-secondary admissions, employment, or military enlistment.

Support and Resources

  • Access free curricular materials and textbooks from public schools.

  • Join homeschool support groups across Pennsylvania.

  • Use resources from the PA Department of Education for affidavits, evaluators, and legal updates.

➡ Visit the PA Department of Education's Homeschool Page for forms, sample documents, and official guidance.

 

Home School Contact information:

Lisa Murgas

814-832-2125