Yes, homeschooling is legal in Pennsylvania under the state’s homeschool law (Act 169 of 1988), as amended. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees compliance, requiring affidavits, portfolio reviews, and standardized testing for homeschooled students. Local school districts enforce oversight, and recent 2026 legislative proposals may introduce stricter accountability measures for nonpublic educational entities.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
- Affidavit Requirement: Parents must file an affidavit with the local school district within 15 days of beginning homeschooling, including the child’s name, age, and address, along with an outline of the proposed educational objectives.
- Annual Portfolio Review: Homeschoolers must submit a portfolio of student work to a certified teacher or supervisor for annual evaluation, demonstrating academic progress in required subjects (e.g., math, science, English).
- Standardized Testing: Students must take a standardized test annually in grades 3, 5, and 8, with results submitted to the local school district to verify compliance with state standards.
Local districts, such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, may impose additional procedural requirements, including notarization of affidavits or mid-year progress reports. Failure to comply with PDE or district mandates risks revocation of the homeschool’s legal status, potentially triggering truancy proceedings. Homeschool associations, like the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA), provide guidance but do not replace state oversight.