How to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in Pennsylvania, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

Pennsylvania requires an annual affidavit, portfolio, and evaluation. Most paperwork-heavy state outside New York.

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Have your Affidavit of Home Education notarized.

Step 2

Submit by August 1 to your local superintendent.

Step 3

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 4

Plan curriculum across all required subjects.

Step 5

Maintain a portfolio and arrange a qualified evaluator review by year-end.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known Pennsylvania homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full Pennsylvania homeschool law summary →

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