Pennsylvania Homeschool Evaluations
Withdrawing Your Child From Public School to Homeschool in PA
How to withdraw your child from a Pennsylvania public school to homeschool the right way: file the affidavit first, then begin. No district permission needed.
Deciding to pull your child out of a Pennsylvania public school to homeschool can feel urgent — especially if it’s driven by bullying, a safety concern, or a school situation that just isn’t working. The good news is that the legal process is straightforward, and you don’t need the school’s permission. You do, however, need to do the steps in the right order.
This guide explains how to withdraw your child and begin a home education program in Pennsylvania the right way, so there’s never a question of truancy.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Homeschool requirements can change, and local district practices may vary. For official requirements, review Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance or contact your local school district.
Quick Answer: How Do You Withdraw to Homeschool in PA?
To withdraw your child from a Pennsylvania public school to homeschool, file a notarized affidavit (or an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury) with your district superintendent before or on the same day your child stops attending. That affidavit legally establishes your home education program and triggers the district to remove your child from its rolls. You don’t need district permission, and you can begin homeschooling immediately. Send it by certified mail or deliver it in person and keep a dated receipt.
Planning Ahead for the Year-End Evaluation?
Once you’re homeschooling, The Homeschool Evaluator handles your required PA evaluation online — the easy last step.
Why the Order of Steps Matters
The single most important thing to get right is sequence. Your affidavit is what legally creates your home education program and obligates the district to remove your child from enrollment. If your child simply stops attending before the affidavit is filed, the absences can be treated as truancy.
So the rule is simple: file the affidavit before, or on the same day as, the day your child stops attending school. If the situation is urgent — a safety issue or mental-health crisis — file the affidavit the same day you notify the school, so paperwork timing never creates legal exposure during an already stressful moment.
File the Affidavit (and What Goes In It)
Pennsylvania does not let you withdraw with a phone call or a casual email. You file a notarized affidavit — or an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury, which carries identical legal weight — with the superintendent of your district of residence. Your filing includes:
- The supervisor’s name and address.
- Your child’s name and age.
- A statement that instruction will be in English.
- An outline of proposed educational objectives by subject area.
- Evidence of required immunizations (or a valid exemption).
- Evidence of required health and dental services.
- The certification that no adult in the home has a disqualifying conviction in the past five years.
Submit it by certified mail with return receipt, or in person with a date-stamped receipt. It’s also wise to send the school a brief written withdrawal note so there’s no confusion. For the complete start-up walkthrough, see how to start homeschooling in Pennsylvania.
Mid-Year Timing and Your Required Days
When you withdraw mid-year, you don’t owe a full 180 days of home education on top of the time already spent in school — you owe the remainder of the school year. For example, if your child completed 50 days in public school before you withdrew, you’ll plan for the remaining days of home instruction through June 30.
Keep the year-end deadline in mind as you plan: your portfolio must be evaluated and the evaluator’s certification submitted to the district by June 30. Aim to wrap your instructional days with enough margin to complete the evaluation comfortably.
After You Withdraw
Once your affidavit is filed, you can begin homeschooling right away — you don’t wait for a district reply. Take a week or two to settle in, then build a simple routine and start keeping your portfolio: a reading log, work samples, and records of the subjects you cover. Our What You Will Need page is a practical place to start.
When Evaluation Season Comes Around
The Homeschool Evaluator completes your required Pennsylvania evaluation online, so the final step of your year is simple.
Withdrawing to Homeschool in PA: FAQ
Do I need the school’s permission to withdraw?
No. Filing your affidavit with the superintendent legally establishes your home education program. You do not need permission from the school or district to begin.
When exactly should I file the affidavit?
Before or on the same day your child stops attending school. Filing first is what prevents the absences from being treated as truancy.
How many days do I have to homeschool if I start mid-year?
You complete the remaining portion of the school year, not a fresh 180 days. Days already completed in public school count toward the year.
Do I still need a year-end evaluation if I start late?
Yes. Regardless of when you start, the evaluator’s certification is due to your district by June 30.
How should I submit the affidavit?
By certified mail with return receipt, or in person with a date-stamped receipt. Keep your proof of submission.