Alaska vs Pennsylvania: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | No regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Not required | Detailed plan required — superintendent of the school district of residence by August 1 annually; prior to commencing if starting mid-year |
| Testing | Not required | Required |
| Required subjects | None specified | 10 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 900 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | a high school diploma or GED |
| Recordkeeping | None required | attendance, grades, portfolio |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Required by August 1 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania
What changes:
- +Pennsylvania requires notification (Detailed plan required — superintendent of the school district of residence by August 1 annually; prior to commencing if starting mid-year). Alaska does not
- +Pennsylvania requires testing (Required). Alaska does not
- +Pennsylvania requires instructor qualification (a high school diploma or GED). Alaska does not
- +Pennsylvania requires required subjects (10 subjects). Alaska does not
- +Pennsylvania requires instructional time (900 hrs/yr). Alaska does not
- +Pennsylvania requires recordkeeping (attendance, grades, portfolio). Alaska does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Alaska:
- ▢Withdrawal letter recommended (but not legally required) in Alaska
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in Pennsylvania:
- ▢File notification with superintendent of the school district of residence
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (a high school diploma or GED)
Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska
What changes:
- -Good news: Alaska has no notification requirement
- -Good news: Alaska has no testing requirement
- -Good news: Alaska has no instructor qualification requirement
- -Good news: Alaska has no required subjects requirement
- -Good news: Alaska has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: Alaska has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave Pennsylvania:
- ▢Submit withdrawal letter to superintendent of the school district of residence (The notarized affidavit must be filed with the superintendent before beginning homeschooling. The affidavit itself serves as official notice. Best practice is to also send a written withdrawal letter to the school. No statutory waiting period; homeschooling may begin once the affidavit is filed.)
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in Alaska:
- ▢No notification required in Alaska
Military families
Neither Alaska nor Pennsylvania has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in Alaska and Pennsylvania?
Alaska and Pennsylvania have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from Alaska to Pennsylvania?
When moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania, you must comply with Pennsylvania's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify