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Graduation
Requirements
The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program, as defined in Section 1327.1 of the Pennsylvania School Code.
(1) Four years of English.
(2) Three years of mathematics.
(3) Three years of science.
(4) Three years of social studies
(5) Two years of arts and humanities.
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If your child is college-bound, it is recommended that you research the colleges you are interested in attending and their admissions prerequisites for enrollment to help guide you on additional courses to take. Similarly, if you have an occupation in mind, research the requirements for that and build those courses or experiences into your studies.
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HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING HELPERS
Public School Enrollment Options
​​​​A school district must allow home educated students in the district to participate in:
1. Any cocurricular activity that merges extracurricular activities with a required academic course, including but not limited to band or orchestra
2. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
3. Academic courses equaling up to at least 25% of the school day for full-time students in the district's schools. (24 P.S. § 1327.1(f.2) (1)-(5))​
Credits taken by dual enrollment may count toward mandatory course completion and graduation requirements in the home education program.
The board of school directors may adopt further policies to implement the participation of home education students in cocurricular activities, academic courses, and CTE programs.
A school district or CTC may establish policies that prioritize participation in courses or programs with limited seating and enrollment.​​​
Diploma
Legal Requirements
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The supervisor must submit an affidavit to the superintendent of schools in their district of residence for the student's twelfth grade (graduation) year.
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The student must complete the graduation requirements of the law while enrolled in the home education program. (See the Curriculum section.)
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The home education evaluator must fulfill the legal requirements as a secondary level home education evaluator. (See the Evaluators section.)
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The evaluator who signs the diploma, in confirmation that the student has completed the graduation requirements of the law, must be the same evaluator whose evaluation was submitted to the school district for the student's twelfth grade (graduation) evaluation.
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The diploma must be awarded to the student on a standardized form developed by PDE.
College
Application Tips
Some schools have no special requirements for homeschoolers. It is important to explore each school’s website. Many have information specific for homeschool applicants.
Find out who your homeschooler’s admissions rep is. Many reps are assigned to a particular region of the country. Sometimes, you’ll find a specific rep for homeschoolers. Call or email the admissions office and ask!
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It is also important to know that YOU are your child's high school counselor. This means that you will create their transcript, course descriptions, and school counselor letter of recommendation.
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Also, you will be the school counselor on the Common App.
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The following links may be helpful. Search the web for more tips on homeschoolers and applying to college:
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