FAQ

1. Is homeschooling legal in Philadelphia?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law (24 P.S. § 13‑1327.1), parents/guardians with at least a high school diploma or equivalent can legally homeschool — known as operating a “home education program.” School district approval is not required, provided the necessary paperwork is filed (Philadelphia School District, Homeschool Pennsylvania).

2. When must I file paperwork to start or continue homeschooling?

For initial homeschoolers, file a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration before beginning. Returning homeschoolers must submit by August 1 each year to the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia (Homeschool Pennsylvania).

3. What information must the affidavit or unsworn declaration include?

It must include:

• Supervisor’s name and confirmation of high school diploma or equivalent
  
  

• Names and ages of the homeschooled children
  
  

• Address and contact info
  
  

• Proposed educational objectives by subject
  
  

• Proof of immunization and health exams
  
  

• Statement that instruction is in English
  
  

• Attestations of criminal-clearance (no major offenses in 5 years) for supervising adults (Miacademy, Silicon Valley High School, Pennsylvania.gov).
  
  

4. What subjects and instruction time are required?

Elementary (K–6): at least 180 days or 900 hours, covering English, math, science, geography, U.S./PA history, civics, safety (including fire safety), health/physiology, music, art, and physical education.
Secondary (grades 7–12): minimum 990 hours, including literature, composition, science, algebra & geometry, social studies, health, music, art, and PE (Miacademy).

5. Is standardized testing required?

Yes. At grades 3, 5, and 8, students must include results of either state PSSA tests or a nationally normed standardized test (e.g. Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test) in their portfolio. These tests cannot be administered by the parent (Pennsylvania Home Educators Association).

6. What records must I keep?

• A portfolio with reading logs, writing samples, worksheets, creative work
  
  

• Test results in grades 3/5/8
  
  

• A log of instructional hours in real‑time (Pennsylvania Home Educators Association, Great Homeschool Conventions).
  
  

7. Is an annual evaluation required?

Yes. By June 30, each student’s portfolio must be evaluated by a PA-certified teacher or licensed clinical or school psychologist, and the evaluator must submit a Written Evaluation Certification to the district (Philadelphia School District).

8. Can my homeschooled child join school extracurriculars?

Absolutely. Under PA Act 67 (2005) and Act 55 (2022), homeschooled students living in Philadelphia may participate in extracurricular, co‑curricular, and certain academic/CTE courses, subject to district eligibility policies (Pennsylvania.gov).

9. Do I need to formally withdraw from public school first?

Yes. If your child attended public school, you should formally withdraw them before beginning homeschooling. If you wait until mid‑year, file the affidavit within two weeks or before they miss three consecutive days to avoid truancy issues (A One Room Schoolhouse).

10. What if my child has special education needs?

If your child is identified in public school as having special needs, your proposed homeschool objectives must be approved by a special education teacher or licensed clinical school psychologist before starting the program (Philadelphia School District).

11. Does homeschooling allow graduation and diploma options?

Homeschooled students may earn a state‑recognized “home education diploma”. To do so, you must comply with required subjects, evaluation at grade 12, and submit a 12th‑grade affidavit and portfolio certified by a qualified evaluator (TSH Anywhere).

12. Does the district provide any curriculum materials?

Yes. If requested, the school district must lend district textbooks, planned courses, and curriculum materials appropriate to your child’s grade level — at no cost (Pennsylvania.gov).

13. Are immunizations and health screenings required?

Yes. Your affidavit must include proof of immunizations (or valid exemption), and documentation that required medical, dental, hearing/vision, and tuberculosis screenings have been completed for the child’s grade level, particularly in grades 3, 6, 7, and 11 as required by state law (Philadelphia School District, TSH Anywhere).

14. What happens if I don’t submit the June 30 evaluation?

Failure to submit the annual evaluation may trigger a hearing and possible disciplinary action by the school district, which could include probation, more oversight, or suspension of the homeschool program for a year (Pennsylvania.gov).

15. How do I get help and forms for homeschooling in Philadelphia?

• Download the Philadelphia Home School Starter Packet from the School District of Philadelphia website.
  
  

• It includes affidavit templates, student information sheets, and evaluation forms.
  
  

• Contact the Homeschooling Office at homeschooling@philasd.org or call 215‑400‑6695 for assistance (Philadelphia School District).