Homeschooling

Struggling to figure out where to start and where to go? Let us help a little bit, and you can go from there.

How to File a PA Homeschool Affidavit

Step 1: Make sure the supervisor qualifies

The adult who will teach must have at least a high school diploma or GED. If you plan to use a cyber/charter school instead, different rules may apply.

Step 2: Gather the items you’ll need

Collect these documents before you file:

Completed Affidavit or Unsworn Declaration (form lists supervisor and child).
List of educational objectives by subject for each child.
Immunization records or a valid exemption.
Medical/health records for emergencies.
A short statement confirming the supervisor’s diploma/GED.

Step 3: Fill out the affidavit packet

Complete the affidavit or unsworn declaration with: supervisor’s name, child’s name and age, and program contact info (address/phone).
Notarize the affidavit (signature in front of a notary).
If you use an unsworn declaration, you do not need a notary, but you must include the required declaration language and sign it properly.

Step 4: Fill out the affidavit packet

Send the notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration), the list of objectives, and the required medical/immunization records to the superintendent of your local school district.
If you are new to homeschooling, file before you begin instruction.
After the first year: file by August 1 each year.
Tip: Mailing by Certified Mail with a return receipt is recommended so you have proof of filing. Some districts may accept email; check with your district.

Step 5: Keep ongoing records (required)

Keep a copy of the affidavit and objectives.
Maintain a log of materials and curriculum used for each subject.
Track attendance, aim for the equivalent of 180 school days or the district’s required hours.
Keep health and emergency medical records on file.

Quick Legal Notes

The district must accept your affidavit and objectives. They cannot use your objectives to judge your program.
These steps are meant to help you meet Pennsylvania’s basic homeschooling requirements. If you need more help, contact your local school district or a Pennsylvania homeschooling organization.

Beginning to Homeschool

Step 1: You recieved approval or enrolled

If you filed an affidavit or unsworn document, you need to receive it first, but once you have, you can begin to plan out your requirements for your students (The children you are teaching must be directly related; you cannot teach another's children).

If you chose the cyber or charter method, or an umbrella school, then you only needed to enroll, and you will be following their curricula. Akin to a physical public school, but it is about how to integrate the children with their learning and the world around them.

Step 2: Developing a curriculum

If you have a cyber/charter/umbrella school, they will have a curriculum to follow. But you can still add in your own things. You have a belief you want to integrate? Go ahead. Think there is a good teaching moment not found in the school's materials? You're free to do so yourself.
Creating a curriculum is hard at first, but once you get going and have a grasp of what is required, you can go from there. That is why with our Curriculum Ideas kind of push starting with preschool or even before it, because even if the child might not grasp it, you gain a bit of experience in how to make a curriculum. Think of it like a chores list, and as you complete these tasks, you check them off.

Step 3: Create a school environment at home

Don't relax because these are children, and you want to teach them. When it is class time, you are not their parent and/or guardian; you are the teacher. This boundary will help them in the future; if they ever have the same workplace as you, they will know to treat you as a coworker when appropriate.
Pick a room to teach in, because you want a stable environment with few distractions. This can rotate depending on you.
Treat your selected room as a classroom. No, you don't need desks; that's optional. You can use a table, or even a clipboard. Example: Your room is the living room today, so you have your child sit on the floor with you and their clipboard across their lap.
Remember to get up every hour or so to stretch. As they get older, you can extend the seated time.

Step 4: ???

Keep a copy of the affidavit and objectives.
Maintain a log of materials and curriculum used for each subject.
Track attendance, aim for the equivalent of 180 school days or the district’s required hours.
Keep health and emergency medical records on file.

Step 5: ???

The district must accept your affidavit and objectives. They cannot use your objectives to judge your program.
These steps are meant to help you meet Pennsylvania’s basic homeschooling requirements. If you need more help, contact your local school district or a Pennsylvania homeschooling organization.

Quick Legal Notes

The district must accept your affidavit and objectives. They cannot use your objectives to judge your program.
These steps are meant to help you meet Pennsylvania’s basic homeschooling requirements. If you need more help, contact your local school district or a Pennsylvania homeschooling organization.