{"id":3569,"date":"2023-01-06T02:35:53","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T02:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=3569"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:30:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:30:47","slug":"homeschooling-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeschool in Pennsylvania 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking about making the switch to homeschooling<\/a>? You\u2019re in luck! Homeschooling in PA is made simple thanks to clear legislation, access to public school extracurriculars, and free learning materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PA homeschooling requirements are fairly straightforward. Once you\u2019ve got the legalities down, you\u2019ll be ready to start learning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pennsylvania \u2014 The Keystone State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age <\/td>6-18<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>11 subjects required<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>180 days per year, or at least 900 hours for elementary students and at least 990 for high schoolers<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Complete required credit hours, a portfolio review and end-of-year evaluation, and the 12th grade affidavit<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Parents must have a high school education; all adults in the home must have no major criminal offenses within the last 5 years.<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Image<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Homeschool Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You have a few options available for homeschooling in Pennsylvania: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Homeschool Statute<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The homeschool statute provides parents the right to homeschool in Pennsylvania. To homeschool under the homeschool statute, parents must meet all qualifications and standards outlined in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: Private Tutor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you homeschool with a private tutor, you\u2019ll follow the Homeschool Statute’s rules with a few extras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tutor needs a valid Pennsylvania teaching license and criminal history check before they may teach. They must also receive compensation for teaching and must teach one or more kids in a single family. In addition, they must inform the superintendent of any new students, any student absences over three days, and program withdrawals before a child is 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 3: Satellite Religious Day School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Satellite schools may be a good option if you prefer external structure and set curricula. As a satellite homeschool, it\u2019s your responsibility to follow the rules and procedures of the school you enroll with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To homeschool as a religious day school satellite, the principal of the religious school will need to send an affidavit to the superintendent about the school\u2019s subject offerings, legal compliance, and nonprofit status. In addition, you must teach for the same amount of time as outlined in the homeschool statute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school must also provide a list of all student information to the superintendent upon admission and must report any new students, absences, and withdrawals, like private tutors do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 4: Satellite Accredited Day School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may homeschool as a satellite of any day school that is accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the State Board of Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To homeschool in Pennsylvania, parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, any adult living in the home may not have any major criminal offenses within the last 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin homeschooling in PA, you\u2019ll need to submit a homeschool affidavit. If you have never enrolled your child in public school, you\u2019ll need to file an affidavit after their sixth birthday. If your child is currently enrolled in school, you\u2019ll need to contact the superintendent to file the affidavit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents must submit the notarized affidavit to their local school district superintendent. The affidavit must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Your name, address and phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The names and ages of each homeschooled student<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Outlined educational objectives<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Immunization records<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Verification that any adults with legal custody of your child and\/or residing in your home have no recent criminal charges<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Confirmation that all courses will be taught in English<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Confirmation that your homeschool will abide by the law<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    For students in grades K-6th, use this PA homeschool affidavit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For students in grades 7th-12th, use this PA homeschool affidavit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Parents must teach for at least 180 days per school year, or 900 or 990 hours, depending on the age of your student. Elementary students must receive at least 900 hours of instruction, while high school students must receive at least 990.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool Curriculum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The state requires 11 different subjects for PA homeschoolers. For students K-6th, these subjects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Physical education<\/td>English, including spelling, reading and writing<\/td><\/tr>
    Music<\/td>Math<\/td><\/tr>
    Art<\/td>Civics<\/td><\/tr>
    Geography<\/td>U.S. history & Pennsylvania history<\/td><\/tr>
    Science<\/td>Health and physiology<\/td><\/tr>
    Safety (including fire safety)<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For students in grades 7th-12th, required subjects include those above, with these modifications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • English, including:\n
        \n
      • Literature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Composition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Speech<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Language<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Math, including:\n
            \n
          • General mathematics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Geometry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Algebra<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Social studies, including:\n
                \n
              • Civics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • History of the U.S. and Pennsylvania<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • World History<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n