Pennsylvania

24 P.S. § 13-1327.1 (Act 169 of 1988, amended 2014)

Pennsylvania law establishes one of the most comprehensive homeschool regulatory frameworks in the United States.

The "supervisor" must:

1. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

   • GED/HiSET qualifies
   • 30 college credits qualifies
   • This is the only high-regulation state with this requirement

2. Pass criminal background check

   • Supervisor, all adults in home, and anyone with legal custody
   • Cannot have been convicted of certain criminal offenses in past 5 years

Submit a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) containing:

• Name of supervisor (parent)
• Name and age of each child
• Address and telephone number
• Proposed educational objectives by subject
• Evidence of immunization (or exemption)
• Evidence of required health/medical services
• Certification of compliance with 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1
• Criminal background certification

Note: School district approval is NOT required. Once you file, you may begin.

Time Requirement (choose one):

• 180 school days per year, OR
• 900 hours (elementary K-6) / 990 hours (secondary 7-12)

Required Subjects — Elementary (K-6):

• English (including spelling, reading, writing)
• Arithmetic
• Science
• Geography
• History of the United States and Pennsylvania
• Civics
• Safety Education (including fire prevention)
• Health and Physiology
• Physical Education
• Music
• Art

Total: 11 required subjects

The portfolio must contain:

1. Contemporaneous Log

"A log, made contemporaneously with the instruction, which designates by title the reading materials used"

What this means:

• Created as you go, NOT reconstructed at year-end
• Must list reading materials by title
• Include ALL books used
• Can be as simple as a running list with dates

2. Work Samples

"Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials"

Best practice:

• Samples from beginning, middle, and end of year
• Include samples from major subjects
• 3-5 samples per subject is typical

3. Standardized Test Results (Grades 3, 5, 8 only)

Required in reading/language arts AND mathematics.

Evaluator Qualifications (one of these):

• Licensed clinical or school psychologist
• PA-certified teacher (2+ years experience)
• Nonpublic school teacher/administrator (2+ years experience in PA)
• Other qualified person (with superintendent approval)

Cannot be: The supervisor (parent) or supervisor's spouse

"Appropriate Education" Definition:

"Instruction in the required subjects for the time required in this act and in which the student demonstrates sustained progress in the overall program."

Submission:

• Only the evaluator's certification letter goes to the district
• Portfolio stays with the family
• Due by June 30