How to Homeschool in Pennsylvania
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania – Based on Our 10+ Years of Experience
We’ve been homeschooling for over a decade, with 8 of those years under full compliance with the public school system—back when compulsory age started at 8. As of now, we’re officially homeschooling our 6-year-old, and plan to homeschool our younger kids (ages 4 and 1), along with any future kids. It’s been a deeply rewarding journey, and we’ve learned a lot. Here’s a checklist to help you stay legal, stay confident, and remember—you can homeschool your way.
Beginning of the Year (Before the First Day of School)
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Submit an Affidavit to your local school district superintendent – submit by August 1 with objectives
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You can use a notarized affidavit or a legal unsworn declaration (no notary required—yes, this is legal under PA law). Document is at the end of this blog.
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We’ve used notarized versions in the past but plan to switch to unsworn declarations starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
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Include Educational Objectives with your affidavit.
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These are simple, general goals for the year. They do not need to be detailed—don’t overcomply! Document is at the end of this blog.
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Medical Records or Exemption
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Technically optional, but HSLDA recommended we submit a medical exemption to avoid unnecessary issues. It’s simple and protects your privacy. Document is at the end of this blog.
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Throughout the Year
Choose any curriculum that fits your family’s values and your child’s learning style.
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You’re not locked into textbooks or grade levels—unschooling is completely legal in PA.
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There are countless ways to educate kids successfully—at home, at their pace, in line with their interests.
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Log 180 days of instruction
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Keep a portfolio of work samples, reading list, and progress throughout the year.
End of the Year
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Schedule with a PA-certified homeschool evaluator.
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This is someone who will review your portfolio and discuss your child’s progress.
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Ask around for homeschool-friendly evaluators—they’re out there and amazing.
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Receive your Evaluator’s Letter.
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Submit the Evaluator Letter to the school district by June 30.
Other Things to Know
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Your kids can earn a diploma through recognized homeschool diploma programs or via a parent-issued diploma, which your evaluator can help you with.
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PA law allows for tons of flexibility—you can raise thoughtful, creative, well-educated kids without mimicking a traditional classroom.
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Don’t feel pressured to over-report, over-comply, or overshare.
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You are in charge of your homeschool. Trust yourself.
Why join HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)?
Joining the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) can offer peace of mind, legal protection, and a strong sense of support throughout your homeschooling journey. One of the biggest benefits is knowing that you have experienced attorneys on your side who specialize in homeschool law. If a school district ever questions your compliance, asks for more than the law requires, or if you’re ever contacted by social services, HSLDA is ready to step in and represent you—often resolving issues quickly with just a phone call or letter. For many families, especially those new to homeschooling or living in more strictly regulated states like Pennsylvania, that legal backing is incredibly reassuring.
Beyond legal defense, HSLDA also provides up-to-date information and guidance tailored to your state’s laws. They break down complex requirements in easy-to-understand terms, offer affidavit and evaluation templates, and regularly update their resources based on legislative changes. If you’re ever unsure about how to file a document or respond to your district, you can call or email them and get clear, confident answers from people who truly understand homeschool law.
Membership also connects you to a wider community of homeschoolers through their newsletters, webinars, and discounts on curriculum and testing services. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, having HSLDA in your corner means you’re not navigating this alone. For many families—including ours—joining HSLDA has been a worthwhile investment in both legal security and long-term homeschool confidence.
Print the Documents
To make things easy and not make you enter your email, I put the documents right in this blog. Simply save the images, and print. Done!
Pennsylvania Homeschool Affidavit
If you’d prefer to use an unsworn declaration, here is a link. I have personally not used this, so I don’t have a document of my own to share.
Pennsylvania Educational Objectives
Medical Exemption
