Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

A practical starting point for Pennsylvania families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

High Regulation

Affidavit, objectives, log of materials, evaluator review, and standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

EITC and OSTC tax-credit scholarships fund private-school tuition; homeschool families are not eligible.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

Pennsylvania homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for Pennsylvania families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

Pennsylvania homeschool funding

Pennsylvania's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in Pennsylvania

A high-level checklist tailored to Pennsylvania’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Decide your homeschooling approach
Pick the structure that fits your family — independent homeschool, an umbrella school or co-op, or a public charter that supports home-based learning. Your choice affects which rules apply to you.
2
File notice, plan curriculum, and prepare for review
Submit the state's notice of intent, document a curriculum plan in the required subjects, and prepare for portfolio reviews or standardized assessments. Build assessment dates into your calendar early.
3
Track attendance, assessments, and portfolio reviews
Log instructional days, retain work samples for portfolio review, and submit standardized test results or evaluator narratives by the state's deadline.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Pennsylvania?

Yes. You'll file a notice of intent, document curriculum in required subjects, and submit assessments or portfolio reviews on a set schedule.

Does Pennsylvania require homeschool standardized testing?

Yes. Standardized testing or portfolio review is required on a set schedule, typically every year or every few years.

Can homeschool families in Pennsylvania access ESA or scholarship funding?

EITC and OSTC tax-credit scholarships fund private-school tuition; homeschool families are not eligible.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in Pennsylvania?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.