Homeschooling in Pennsylvania? We’ll walk you through it.

Pennsylvania's homeschool law creates a structured framework that many families come to appreciate. The annual portfolio — which includes a reading log, work samples, and an attendance log — gives you a tangible record of your child's progress. The certified evaluator who reviews it at the end of the year provides an independent perspective that can be reassuring, especially in your first year.

Standardized testing is required at grades 3, 5, and 8 in reading/language arts and mathematics. You choose the test — nationally normed options like the Iowa, Stanford, CAT, and Terra Nova are all accepted. Results are submitted to the district along with the evaluator's certification.

One detail that catches new families off guard: the affidavit must include a criminal history certification under Section 111 of the PA School Code. This is a sworn statement, not a background check. It applies to the Home Education Program pathway only.

If your child has a disability, the education plan for the child must be reviewed and approved by a certified special education teacher or licensed psychologist before you file your affidavit. This is a procedural step — it does not give the district veto power over your decision to homeschool.

Pennsylvania offers three distinct pathways. The Home Education Program (13-1327.1) is the most common and gives families the most control. Private Tutoring (13-1327) requires a Pennsylvania-certified teacher to provide instruction. The Religious Day School Extension (13-1327(d)) serves families affiliated with a religious organization and has reduced requirements, including no standardized testing.

Evaluator selection. Your evaluator can be a PA-licensed teacher, a teacher at a PA-licensed private school, a psychologist, or another qualified person as defined by the statute. Many experienced evaluators specialize in homeschool portfolio reviews and can be found through PA homeschool organizations like CHAP. Choose someone who understands homeschooling — their written certification carries significant weight if questions arise.

Dual enrollment and extracurriculars. Act 67 of 2005 gives homeschool students the right to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public school, including sports. Act 55 of 2022 extends that access to cocurricular activities and academic courses on a part-time basis. PIAA eligibility rules apply for athletics. This is a statutory right, not a favor from the district.

Portfolio tips. Your portfolio does not need to be elaborate. A reading log (titles and authors), representative work samples for each subject, and a simple attendance record are sufficient. Many families use a three-ring binder organized by subject. Retain your portfolio through your child's school-age years.

IEP and special needs. Homeschooled students with disabilities can request special education services from the district. The key step is having your education plan reviewed by a certified special ed teacher or licensed psychologist before filing your affidavit. If progress is deemed inadequate, a remedial plan is developed — this is a collaborative process, not a penalty.

High school. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized in Pennsylvania. Create a detailed transcript for college applications. Many PA colleges and universities have homeschool-specific admissions processes.