Homeschool Requirements by State

Pennsylvania

Approval required

Notification: Annual notarized affidavit with the local school district, including names of children, ages, and confirmation that subjects will be taught in English.
Subjects: English (including reading, writing, spelling, grammar), mathematics, science, social studies (civics), and a sound citizenship education. Geography, history of Pennsylvania and the United States are required.
Attendance / Instructional days: 180 days of instruction / 900 hours per school year (24 P.S. §13-1327.1).
Assessment method: Portfolio review by a qualified evaluator (Pennsylvania-certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or approved nonpublic school teacher). Standardized testing required at grades 3, 5, and 8.

No notice required

Notification: No state notification — homeschool is treated as a private school under Leeper v. Arlington ISD. Parents may choose to file a Statement of Intent locally for record-keeping.
Subjects: Reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship (Texas Education Code §25.086). Curriculum materials are board-approved or a private school program.
Attendance / Instructional days: No statutorily required days, though Texas homeschool conventions recommend ~180 days. Most families track instructional log privately.
Assessment method: No state testing or portfolio review. Method of evaluation is documented privately. Immunization status recorded; proof-of-progress is the parent’s choice.

Notification only

Notification: Annual filing of a Private School Affidavit (R-4) with the California Department of Education. Must list school name, address, and student roster. Optional homeschool charter enrollment covers the same.
Subjects: English / Language Arts, Mathematics, Science / Health, Social Studies, Visual / Performing Arts, and Physical Education (Cal. Ed. Code §48222).
Attendance / Instructional days: Annual instructional log with days-possible, days-completed, and absences. No statutorily fixed minimum day count for affidavit filers.
Assessment method: Proof-of-progress method required — standardized test, parent portfolio review, or Annual Review with a Certificated Teacher (ARC). Immunization status recorded.