Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
Strict on paper, but manageable with organization. Guaranteed sports access is a major benefit.
Pennsylvania is one of the stricter states. You must file a notarized affidavit annually with educational objectives. You must also maintain a portfolio, track hours (or days), and have your child evaluated by a qualified professional every year.
In our Library: Homeschooling in Pennsylvania: Complete 2026 Guide to the Affidavit, Portfolio, and Evaluator System
Quick Reference
School Days
180
per year
Hours Required
900
per year
Subjects
12
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File notarized affidavit by August 1 annually
- Maintain portfolio of student work
- Annual evaluation by qualified evaluator (NOT parent)
- Testing required in grades 3, 5, 8 (results go in portfolio)
- Submit ONLY the Evaluator's Certification to superintendent
- Guaranteed sports access via Equal Access law
Legal Framework
Pennsylvania Home Education Law (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1)
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Pennsylvania
The Waldorf Map lists 7 schools, 1 kindergarten, 1 co-op and 1 special education school in Pennsylvania, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Kimberton Waldorf School, Phoenixville
- River Valley Waldorf School, Upper Black Eddy
- Susquehanna Waldorf School, Marietta
- The Camphill School, Glenmoore
Required Subjects
English
Arithmetic/Mathematics
Science
Geography
History
Civics
Safety Education
Includes Fire Safety
Often missed by homeschoolers
Fire Safety
Specific requirement under Safety Education
Often missed by homeschoolers
Health
Physical Education
Music
Art
Filing Requirements
What to file
Homeschool Affidavit
When
August 1
Where
Local School District Superintendent
How to submit
Mail or hand deliver
What to include
- • Child's name, age, address
- • Parent/supervisor name
- • Educational objectives for each subject
- • Attestation of immunization compliance
- • Criminal history attestation
**STRICT STATE**: NOTARIZED affidavit required. 180 days OR 900 hrs (elem)/990 hrs (sec). Annual evaluation by licensed psychologist, certified teacher, or qualified non-public teacher (parent CANNOT evaluate own child unless qualified) - submit Evaluator's Certification to superintendent by **June 30**. Standardized testing REQUIRED in grades 3, 5, 8 (results in portfolio for evaluator). Portfolio required. 11 subjects including **Fire Safety** (often missed). **Sports GUARANTEED** via Equal Access law. Parent-issued diploma is state-recognized if evaluator signs off.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: specific_grades
Grades: Grades 3, 5, 8
Testing is for portfolio, not for state submission.
How to Get Started
- 1
Prepare Notarized Affidavit
Complete and notarize the homeschool affidavit form
- •Get affidavit template from CHAP or other support group
- •Fill out child's information and educational objectives
- •Attest to immunizations and criminal history
- •Have notarized
Tip: Banks often offer free notary services Do not use district forms that over-requestBy August 1 annually
- 2
Submit Affidavit to Superintendent
File the notarized affidavit with your school district
- •Mail or hand deliver to superintendent's office
- •Keep a copy for your records
- •Request acknowledgement of receipt
Tip: Certified mail provides proof of delivery - 3
Begin Instruction and Portfolio
Start teaching and collecting work samples
- •Set up portfolio system (folder per subject)
- •Track attendance/hours
- •Keep reading log
Tip: Digital portfolio systems work well Include photos of projects
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Clear legal framework
- ✓Guaranteed sports access
- ✓State-recognized parent-issued diplomas
- ✓Portfolio keeps student motivated
Cons
- •High paperwork burden
- •Mandatory annual evaluation by third party
- •Testing required at specific grades
- •Notarization adds complexity
Sports & Activities
**Guaranteed**. Pennsylvania's "Equal Access" law allows homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurriculars.
Questions about homeschooling in Pennsylvania
Do I need to submit my portfolio to the school district?
No! You submit ONLY the Evaluator's Certification letter. The portfolio is for the evaluator's review, not the superintendent.
Can I evaluate my own child if I'm a certified teacher?
No. The evaluator must be an independent third party, not the parent, regardless of qualifications.
What is Fire Safety and why is it important?
Fire Safety is a specific subject requirement often missed. Cover fire escape plans, fire prevention, and fire extinguisher use.
Can my child play sports at the public school?
Yes! Pennsylvania's Equal Access law guarantees homeschoolers can participate in public school extracurriculars including sports.
Get Pennsylvania’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Pennsylvania page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for Pennsylvania deadline reminders and news when our Pennsylvania page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Pennsylvania paperwork tools
Generate your Pennsylvania notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · PA homeschool law guide