Deciding to homeschool your child is a significant step that offers immense flexibility and personalized learning opportunities. In Pennsylvania, the process is governed by specific state laws that ensure every child receives a high-quality education while giving parents the freedom to choose their curriculum. Whether you are moving to the state or transitioning from a traditional school setting, understanding the legal requirements and available resources is the key to a smooth start.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to starting your homeschooling journey in Pennsylvania. From filing the initial paperwork to finding local support groups, you will find everything you need to navigate the state’s educational landscape with confidence. By following these straightforward instructions, you can focus less on administrative hurdles and more on your child’s educational growth.
Understand the Legal Options for PA Homeschooling
Pennsylvania law provides several ways to educate your child at home. The most common method is the Home Education Program, also known as Act 169. This option gives parents the most control over the curriculum and daily schedule. Under this program, the parent or guardian is the supervisor of the education.
Other options include hiring a private tutor, enrolling in a satellite program of a private school, or participating in a church-run school. However, most families choose the Home Education Program because it is well-defined and widely supported by local evaluators and support groups. Understanding these distinctions is the first step in deciding which path fits your family’s lifestyle best.
Step 1: File Your Notarized Affidavit
The first official step in starting a home education program is to file a notarized affidavit with the superintendent of your local school district. This document must be filed by August 1st of each year, or immediately if you are starting in the middle of a school year. The affidavit serves as your formal notice to the state that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education.
The affidavit must include the name and age of the student, the name of the supervisor, and your contact information. It also requires you to attest that all subjects required by law will be taught in the English language and that the child has received the necessary immunizations or has a valid medical or religious exemption. This document must be notarized to be legally binding.
Step 2: Submit Your Educational Objectives
Along with your affidavit, you must submit a list of educational objectives for each child. These are not detailed lesson plans, but rather a broad outline of what you intend to cover during the school year. For example, your objectives might state that your student will “improve reading comprehension through various literature selections” or “master basic multiplication and division.”
Pennsylvania law requires specific subjects to be covered. For elementary students (grades K-6), you must include English, arithmetic, science, geography, history, civics, safety, health, physical education, music, and art. For secondary students (grades 7-12), the requirements expand to include subjects like economics, biology, and social studies. Keeping your objectives general allows you the flexibility to adjust your teaching as your child progresses.
Step 3: Log Your Instructional Days or Hours
Pennsylvania requires homeschoolers to provide a minimum amount of instruction each year. You have two ways to track this: by days or by hours. Most families choose to track days, requiring 180 days of instruction. If you prefer to track hours, you must complete 900 hours for elementary students and 990 hours for secondary students.
It is helpful to keep a simple calendar or log where you check off days as they are completed. You do not need to record every minute of the day; simply noting that instruction occurred is sufficient for legal compliance. This log will become a vital part of your year-end portfolio.
Step 4: Maintain a Student Portfolio
Throughout the year, you are required to maintain a portfolio of your child’s work. This portfolio serves as evidence that an “appropriate education” is taking place. An appropriate education is defined as instruction in the required subjects for the required time that results in sustained progress in the overall program.
Your portfolio should include the following items:
- The log of instructional days or hours.
- Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative projects.
- A list of books and instructional materials used (a reading log).
- Results of standardized testing (for grades 3, 5, and 8).
Keeping a three-ring binder or a digital folder makes this process easy. Simply tuck away a few samples from each subject every month so you aren’t rushing to find work at the end of the year.
Step 5: Complete Standardized Testing
If your child is in 3rd, 5th, or 8th grade, Pennsylvania law requires them to take a nationally normed standardized test. The results of these tests must be included in your year-end portfolio. You have several options for which test to use, including the PSSA (administered by local schools), the Iowa Assessments, or the Stanford Achievement Test.
Many parents choose to have their children tested by a private provider or a local homeschool organization to keep the environment low-stress. The goal of the testing is not to “pass” or “fail,” but to provide a benchmark for the child’s progress in reading, language arts, and mathematics.
Step 6: Schedule an Annual Evaluation
At the end of the school year, you must meet with a qualified evaluator. An evaluator is typically a certified teacher, a licensed psychologist, or a person with a background in education who meets the state’s criteria. During the evaluation, the evaluator will review the portfolio and may interview the student to ensure that progress is being made.
Once the review is complete, the evaluator will provide you with a written certification stating that an appropriate education is occurring. You must submit this evaluation letter to your local school district superintendent by June 30th of each year. This final step closes out your school year and satisfies your legal obligations to the state.
Finding Local Resources and Support
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is much easier when you connect with a community. There are hundreds of local support groups and co-ops across the state that offer social opportunities, field trips, and group classes. These groups are excellent resources for finding recommended evaluators and getting advice on curriculum.
Public libraries are also a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania homeschool experience. Many libraries offer daytime programming specifically for homeschool families, including STEM clubs, book circles, and art classes. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education website provides updated forms and official guidance if you have specific legal questions.
Conclusion
Starting a homeschool program in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process once you understand the core requirements of Act 169. By filing your affidavit, tracking your hours, and maintaining a portfolio, you fulfill the state’s expectations while providing your child with a tailored educational experience. Remember that you do not have to do this alone; the Pennsylvania homeschooling community is vast and welcoming. To continue your journey, consider exploring articles on choosing the right curriculum or tips for organizing your first homeschool room to ensure your first year is a success.