PAHigh Regulation

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires a notarized affidavit, supervisor with high school diploma, instruction in required subjects, portfolio with annual evaluation, and standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8.

Pennsylvania Homeschool Laws & Regulations

Pennsylvania is one of the more heavily regulated states for homeschooling, but thousands of families still thrive here with home education. The key is understanding exactly what's required and having systems in place to stay compliant throughout the school year.

To begin homeschooling in Pennsylvania, you must file a notice of intent with the Local school district superintendent by august 1 of each school year. Submit a notarized affidavit to the superintendent by August 1. Include child's name, age, address, certification of required subjects, proposed education objectives, and evidence of required immunizations.

The state requires instruction in specific subjects including English (spelling, reading, writing), Mathematics, Science, Geography, History (US and Pennsylvania), Civics, Health, Physical education and 3 more. Our 100% online Montessori Homeschool platform covers all of these through 8,100+ structured daily lessons that integrate practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, science, geography, and cultural studies — the hallmarks of an authentic Montessori education.

Attendance tracking is required in Pennsylvania: 180 days per year. With Montessori Homeschool, every lesson is timestamped and logged automatically, making it simple to demonstrate compliance at year-end or during any review.

Pennsylvania requires an annual assessment: Standardized test in grades 3, 5, and 8 PLUS annual portfolio evaluation by a certified teacher or licensed psychologist. Students must meet the following standard: standardized test scores at or above the 25th percentile; portfolio must demonstrate appropriate education. Our structured curriculum and progress tracking help ensure your child is well-prepared when assessment time arrives.

Pennsylvania requires parents to meet specific qualifications before homeschooling: Parent or supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent. The fastest path is to high school diploma or ged. Montessori Homeschool provides step-by-step guidance for meeting your state's parent qualification requirements.

The Montessori approach is a natural fit for homeschooling in Pennsylvania. Rather than rigid textbook learning, children work with hands-on materials at their own pace — developing concentration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Montessori Homeschool brings this approach into your home with a 100% online platform featuring daily lesson plans, printable materials, parent guides, and built-in compliance tools designed specifically for Pennsylvania families.

Pennsylvania Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

📋Required

Notice of Intent

Notarized affidavit of intent to homeschool. Due: By August 1 of each school year

📅Required

Attendance Tracking

180 days of instruction with minimum 900 hours (elementary) or 990 hours (secondary)

📚Required

Required Subjects

English (spelling, reading, writing), Mathematics, Science, Geography, History (US and Pennsylvania), Civics, Health, Physical education, Art, Music, Safety and fire prevention

📝Not Required

Quarterly Reports

No quarterly reports required

📊Required

Annual Assessment

Standardized test in grades 3, 5, and 8 PLUS annual portfolio evaluation by a certified teacher or licensed psychologist

📁Required

Portfolio

Must maintain a portfolio including: log of reading materials, samples of writings/worksheets/creative work, standardized test results (grades 3, 5, 8), and evaluator's certification. Reviewed annually by a qualified evaluator.

🎓Required

Parent Qualification

Parent or supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent

How to Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

  1. 1

    Submit a notarized affidavit to the superintendent by August 1

  2. 2

    Parent/supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent

  3. 3

    Provide instruction in all required subjects for 180 days

  4. 4

    Maintain a portfolio with reading log, work samples, and test results

  5. 5

    Have the portfolio evaluated annually by a certified teacher or licensed psychologist

  6. 6

    Submit the evaluator's certification to the superintendent by June 30

  7. 7

    Administer standardized testing in grades 3, 5, and 8

Important Deadlines

  • Submit notarized affidavit: By August 1 each year
  • Standardized testing: In grades 3, 5, and 8
  • Submit portfolio evaluation: By June 30 each year

How to Qualify as a Homeschool Parent in Pennsylvania

Parent or supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Choose the pathway that works best for you:

Recommended

High school diploma or GED

Pennsylvania requires the parent or supervisor providing instruction to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent

Cost: Free (diploma) / $144 (GED testing)Format: Credential verification
Learn More

How Montessori Homeschool Helps Pennsylvania Families

Built for High-Regulation States

  • Detailed subject-by-subject tracking for quarterly reports
  • Hour logging meets the most stringent state requirements
  • Assessment preparation built into the curriculum sequence
  • Exportable records formatted for district submission
  • State-specific compliance dashboard shows exactly what's due and when
  • Parent guides help you document the "why" behind every lesson

Homeschool Guides for Nearby States

Ready to Homeschool in Pennsylvania?

8,100+ daily Montessori lessons. State compliance tools. Parent guides. Printable materials. Everything you need to homeschool with confidence.