{"id":31318,"date":"2024-10-07T07:05:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T15:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=31318"},"modified":"2024-10-07T07:05:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T15:05:23","slug":"pennsylvania-homeschooling-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/homeschool\/pennsylvania-homeschooling-laws\/31318","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Homeschooling Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pennsylvania Homeschooling Laws and Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re considering homeschooling in Pennsylvania, this guide provides you with information that will help you get started, such as the state’s legal requirements, tips, and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Homeschooling in Pennsylvania Overview<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent Required: Yes, Homeschool Affidavit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Options for Homeschooling: Homeschool Statute, Private Tutor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Pennsylvania Homeschooling Laws and Regulations
<\/strong>How to Start Homeschooling<\/a>
Options for Homeschooling<\/a>
Proof of Homeschooling<\/a>
Homeschool Affidavit<\/a>
Qualifications to Homeschool<\/a>
Legal Requirements<\/a>
Subject and Curriculum Requirements<\/a>
Attendance and Age Requirements<\/a>
Record-Keeping Requirements<\/a>
Evaluations and Assessments<\/a>
Required Immunizations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Resources for Homeschooling Families in Pennsylvania <\/strong>
Homeschool Groups and Co-ops<\/a>
Organizations and Associations<\/a>
Sports Opportunities<\/a>
Homeschool Field Trips<\/a>
Special Education Homeschoolers<\/a>
How Our Curriculum Can Help<\/a>
Homeschool FAQ <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has created mandatory steps to begin your homeschool journey. First, you\u2019ll need to withdraw your children from public school if they were previously enrolled. You\u2019ll then create and submit your annual Homeschool Affidavit. (In other states, this document is called a Notice of Intent to Homeschool.) Next, you\u2019ll choose which homeschool option best suits your family. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Options for Homeschooling in Pennsylvania <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pennsylvania has two ways to set up a homeschool. There is the traditional approach, where the parent or legal guardian is the teacher and responsible for delivering all facets of instruction. The other option is to hire a private tutor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling Under the Homeschool Statute<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To homeschool under this method, you must have your high school diploma and be free of criminal offenses in the past five years. You\u2019ll need to keep organized records to comply with the Homeschool Affidavit, attendance, subject, and testing requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> This homeschool option allows for more flexibility in your child\u2019s school schedule and gives you, the home educator, full control of what students learn and how it\u2019s delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiring a Private Tutor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many homeschooling families, hiring a private tutor is a viable way to curate a homeschool in Pennsylvania. A homeschool tutor must be a certified Pennsylvania teacher with a current teaching license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiring a private tutor in Pennsylvania reduces the steps required to comply with homeschool laws. Rather than filing a Homeschool Affidavit, the private tutor must submit a copy of their teaching certification to the school district where the students live. The tutor must also give the school district the names and addresses of the students they\u2019re tutoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> This method of homeschooling includes truancy compliance. The private tutor must tell the school district if a child misses three days of instruction during the school year without a lawful excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a comparison of Pennsylvania\u2019s two homeschooling options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling Under the Homeschool Statute<\/strong><\/td>Hiring a Private Tutor<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Homeschool Affidavit required<\/td>No Affidavit required<\/td><\/tr>
Annual evaluation required<\/td>No evaluation required<\/td><\/tr>
Can dual enroll in public school<\/td>Can dual enroll in public school<\/td><\/tr>
Teacher needs a high school diploma<\/td>Teacher needs a PA teaching license<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Pennsylvania Proof of Homeschooling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To begin homeschooling in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to create a yearly homeschool affidavit and have it notarized before submitting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> You need to submit this document for the first time when your child turns 8 and has not yet been enrolled in school or when you withdraw your child from a public or private school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can submit your first homeschool affidavit anytime. However, you must have the affidavit recorded by August 1st for every following school year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a notarized document can sound intimidating. Learn exactly what to include and how to submit your homeschool affidavit here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/printables-email-registration>\n\n\n\n

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Submitting Your Pennsylvania Homeschool Affidavit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to submit a notarized homeschool affidavit to the local school superintendent annually. These are the things you must include in your document:<\/p>\n\n\n\n