Pennsylvania vs Texas: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Pennsylvania | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | High regulation | No regulation |
| Notification | Varies by pathway | Not required |
| Testing | Varies by pathway | Not required |
| Required subjects | 10 subjects | 5 subjects |
| Instructional time | 900 hrs/yr | No requirement |
| Instructor qualification | Varies by pathway | No requirement |
| Recordkeeping | attendance, grades, portfolio | None required |
| Annual renewal | Required by August 1 | Not required |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Pennsylvania to Texas
Grace period: N/A — no notification required (Tex. Educ. Code §25.086(a)(1); Leeper v. Arlington ISD (1994))
What changes:
- -Good news: Texas has no notification requirement
- -Good news: Texas has no testing requirement
- -Good news: Texas has no instructor qualification requirement
- ~Required subjects: Pennsylvania (10 subjects) → Texas (5 subjects)
- -Good news: Texas has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: Texas has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave Pennsylvania:
- ▢Submit withdrawal letter to superintendent of the school district of residence (required by state law)
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in Texas:
- ▢None. Texas requires no notification, registration, or approval. Compliant as soon as bona fide instruction begins.
Filing deadline:
- ▢No filing deadline — begin teaching when ready
Moving from Texas to Pennsylvania
What changes:
- +Pennsylvania requires notification (Varies by pathway). Texas does not
- +Pennsylvania requires testing (Required). Texas does not
- +Pennsylvania requires instructor qualification (a high school diploma or GED). Texas does not
- ~Required subjects: Texas (5 subjects) → Pennsylvania (10 subjects)
- +Pennsylvania requires instructional time (900 hrs/yr). Texas does not
- +Pennsylvania requires recordkeeping (attendance, grades, portfolio). Texas does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Texas:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Texas
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in Pennsylvania:
- ▢File notification with superintendent of the school district of residence
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (a high school diploma or GED)
Military families
Neither Pennsylvania nor Texas has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania and Texas have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from Pennsylvania to Texas?
When moving from Pennsylvania to Texas, you must comply with Texas's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify