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Pennsylvania Homeschool Planning: Creating Your First Year Timeline
A solid plan removes stress and ensures compliance. This guide provides month-by-month timeline for your first homeschool year, from decision to end-of-year evaluation.
Key Takeaways:
– Start planning 3–6 months before you begin school (March–June for August start)
– Two critical deadlines: Affidavit by August 1, Evaluation by June 30
– Curriculum selection should complete by July
– Record-keeping systems set up BEFORE school starts (not June scramble)
– Monthly check-ins prevent year-end panic
Pre-Homeschool Planning (3–6 Months Before Start)
January–March: Decision Phase
What to do:
– [ ] Research Pennsylvania homeschool laws (read PA Dept of Education materials)
– [ ] Verify your supervisor qualifications (HS diploma, no criminal conviction)
– [ ] Research homeschool approaches (classical, Charlotte Mason, online, eclectic)
– [ ] Talk with experienced PA homeschoolers (local co-ops, online groups)
– [ ] Assess your family’s readiness and motivation
– [ ] Discuss with your child (age-appropriately)
Outcome: Clear decision—Yes, we’re homeschooling.
April–May: Research & Planning Phase
Curriculum Research
– [ ] Read reviews of curriculum options
– [ ] Request sample pages from publishers
– [ ] Join online groups discussing specific curriculum
– [ ] Attend homeschool conventions (PA has spring/early summer events)
– [ ] Narrow choices to 2–3 options per subject
Administrative Prep
– [ ] Identify your school superintendent and contact info
– [ ] Learn affidavit filing process (email, mail, in-person?)
– [ ] Research evaluator options in your area
– [ ] Join homeschool support group/co-op (if interested)
– [ ] Gather child’s immunization records (if transferring from public school)
If transferring from public school:
– [ ] Plan school withdrawal (June end-of-year ideal)
– [ ] Draft withdrawal letter
– [ ] Plan to request school records
Outcome: Research complete; curriculum narrowed; admin details clear.
Launch Planning (June–July)
June: Final Preparation
Curriculum Final Selection
– [ ] Make final curriculum decisions
– [ ] Place orders (allow 2–3 weeks delivery before August 1)
– [ ] Confirm receipt of materials
– [ ] Gather any missing supplies (notebooks, pencils, folders)
School Withdrawal (If Needed)
– [ ] Submit withdrawal letter to principal (if currently in public school)
– [ ] Request and collect all school records
– [ ] Confirm receipt and timeline for record transfer
– [ ] File home school affidavit simultaneously with withdrawal
Affidavit Preparation
– [ ] Complete affidavit or unsworn declaration form
– [ ] Gather educational objectives by subject
– [ ] Arrange immunization documentation (attach to affidavit)
– [ ] If using notarized affidavit: Schedule notary appointment
– [ ] Make copy of completed affidavit for your files
Record-Keeping Setup
– [ ] Create attendance log system (spreadsheet or planner)
– [ ] Set up portfolio folders (by subject or month)
– [ ] Create file for administrative documents
– [ ] Design skills/subject checklist (verify all required subjects covered)
– [ ] Print or organize calendar for marking instruction days
Physical Space
– [ ] Identify school area (desk, table, corner, separate room)
– [ ] Organize shelving for curriculum and supplies
– [ ] Set up supply storage
– [ ] Create student workspace (chair, good lighting, organized)
Outcome: Curriculum ordered; affidavit ready to file; record systems set up.
July: Final Launch Prep
File Affidavit (By July 15, ideally; definitely before August 1)
– [ ] Submit affidavit or unsworn declaration to superintendent
– [ ] Request written confirmation of receipt
– [ ] Keep copy for your files
– [ ] Note filing date in calendar
Finalize Schedule
– [ ] Create daily schedule (rough outline, to be refined)
– [ ] Mark calendar with planned instruction days (aim for 185–190 to hit 180 target)
– [ ] Plan first week (lighter load for adjustment)
– [ ] Plan for testing grades if applicable (grade 3, 5, or 8)
First-Week Planning
– [ ] Plan light first-week curriculum (not full load)
– [ ] Plan celebration of start (make it special!)
– [ ] Prepare materials for first week
– [ ] Plan community connection (group, co-op, field trip) for early fall
Contact Evaluator (Early Introduction)
– [ ] Find evaluator in your area
– [ ] Send introductory email or call
– [ ] Confirm availability for June evaluation
– [ ] Discuss your student’s needs/learning style (if special needs)
Outcome: Affidavit filed; schedule set; evaluator contacted.
Year 1: Month-by-Month Timeline
August: School Launch
Week 1:
– [ ] Begin school (celebrate first day!)
– [ ] Keep first week light (adjustment period)
– [ ] Establish morning routine
– [ ] Introduce curriculum gently
– [ ] Start marking attendance days
Ongoing:
– [ ] Follow your planned schedule
– [ ] Begin portfolio collection (keep work samples from day one)
– [ ] Mark calendar with instruction days
– [ ] Maintain attendance log daily
By end of August:
– [ ] Routine established
– [ ] Child adjusted to home learning
– [ ] 10–12 instruction days logged
– [ ] Portfolio started (samples from each subject)
September–November: Fall Semester
Monthly checklist (repeat each month):
– [ ] Maintain 4–5 instruction days per week (adjust if needed)
– [ ] Collect portfolio samples from all subjects
– [ ] Update attendance log
– [ ] Review progress informally (is curriculum working?)
– [ ] Adjust pace if child struggling or excelling
September:
– [ ] Settle into routine by mid-month
– [ ] Curriculum hitting stride
– [ ] ~16–18 instruction days
October:
– [ ] Fall enrichment (pumpkin patches, nature walks, field trips)
– [ ] ~16–18 instruction days
– [ ] Check: On pace for 180 days? (Should have ~60 days by October 31)
November:
– [ ] Thanksgiving break (1 week off is typical)
– [ ] ~12–14 instruction days (shorter month due to holiday)
– [ ] By November 30: Should have ~90 days total
December: Winter & Holidays
- [ ] Holiday break (typically 2 weeks around Christmas)
- [ ] Lighter instruction or enrichment if continuing
- [ ] ~8–10 instruction days
- [ ] Portfolio review: Do you have samples from all subjects?
- [ ] By December 31: Should have ~110–120 days total
January–February: Winter Semester
January:
– [ ] New year refresher/recommitment
– [ ] Adjust curriculum if needed (what’s working? What isn’t?)
– [ ] ~16–20 instruction days
– [ ] Mid-year informal assessment (is child progressing?)
February:
– [ ] Short month; weather challenges may affect scheduling
– [ ] ~14–16 instruction days
– [ ] By February 28: Should have ~160+ days total (if on pace)
– [ ] Check: If behind, plan catch-up for spring
March–April: Spring Semester & Testing Prep
March:
– [ ] Spring break (1 week typical)
– [ ] ~14–16 instruction days
– [ ] If child in grade 3, 5, or 8: Begin test prep
– [ ] Contact test administrator; schedule testing
April:
– [ ] Testing window opens (grades 3, 5, 8)
– [ ] Schedule and administer standardized tests
– [ ] ~16–18 instruction days
– [ ] Request evaluator to schedule June evaluation (don’t wait!)
May: Final Month & Evaluation Prep
Full month instruction:
– [ ] 16–18 instruction days
– [ ] By May 31: Aim for 175+ days (hit 180 by mid-June if needed)
– [ ] Compile portfolio (organize by subject or month)
– [ ] Prepare summary of attendance/hours
– [ ] Gather test results (if tested)
Evaluator Planning:
– [ ] Confirm evaluation appointment (should be May 15–30)
– [ ] Prepare documents for evaluator (portfolio, attendance, test scores)
– [ ] Write brief summary of curriculum and progress
– [ ] Prepare any questions or concerns for evaluator
June: Wrap-Up & Evaluation
First 2 weeks:
– [ ] Complete remaining instruction days (reach 180 if not there)
– [ ] Finalize portfolio
– [ ] Prepare evaluator materials
Mid-to-late June:
– [ ] Complete evaluation appointment (by June 30 DEADLINE)
– [ ] Receive evaluator’s written certification of “appropriate education”
– [ ] File certification with superintendent (evaluator often does this)
– [ ] Organize and file all year’s records
– [ ] CELEBRATE! You completed year one!
End June/Early July:
– [ ] Debrief: What worked? What would you change?
– [ ] Gather feedback from child
– [ ] Plan summer (rest, enrichment, light learning)
– [ ] Begin preliminary planning for year 2
Key Deadlines (Mark Your Calendar)
| Deadline | Task | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | File affidavit with superintendent | Late filing may be rejected; can’t legally school |
| By May 1 | Contact evaluator + schedule evaluation | Evaluators book up; may not get desired time |
| June 30 | Complete annual evaluation | Failure to evaluate = noncompliance; superintendent involvement |
| By June 30 | Maintain 180 days/900-990 hours | Evaluator reviews attendance; must show compliance |
| By June 30 | Maintain organized portfolio | Evaluator reviews; needs clear evidence of learning |
Planning Tools & Templates
Calendar Template
Use wall calendar or digital calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook):
– Mark August 1 (affidavit deadline)
– Mark June 30 (evaluation deadline)
– Block out 185–190 instruction days
– Mark breaks, vacations, holidays
– Mark test window (April–May if applicable grade)
– Mark evaluator appointment
Monthly Planning Sheet
Create simple sheet for each month:
MONTH: _______
Instruction days planned: _____ (target 15–18 per month)
Break/holidays: _____
Potential issues: _____
Subjects focus: Math, LA, Science, History, Art, Music, PE
Portfolio samples to collect:
- Reading: _____
- Math: _____
- Science: _____
- History: _____
- Writing: _____
- Art: _____
- Music/PE: _____
Progress check: Child progressing? Pace right? Adjustments needed?
Year-at-a-Glance
JAN: Goal 16 days | Running total: ___
FEB: Goal 14 days | Running total: ___
MAR: Goal 16 days | Running total: ___
APR: Goal 16 days | Running total: ___
MAY: Goal 18 days | Running total: ___
JUN: Goal 12 days | Running total: ___
JUL: Goal 8 days | Running total: ___
AUG: Goal 14 days | Running total: ___
SEP: Goal 18 days | Running total: ___
OCT: Goal 18 days | Running total: ___
NOV: Goal 14 days | Running total: ___
DEC: Goal 10 days | TOTAL: 180+ days
Common Planning Mistakes
- Starting without clear plan — You’ll drift and miss deadlines.
- Underestimating affidavit filing time — File by July 15 to avoid last-minute stress.
- Planning 180 days across 32 weeks — You’ll fail. 36–45 weeks minimum.
- Not contacting evaluator until June — They book up. Contact by May 1.
- No buffer days — Plan 185 days if targeting 180 to account for sick days, travel.
- Not setting up portfolio from day one — You can’t reconstruct it in June.
- Ignoring required subjects in planning — Verify all 11 (elementary) or 10 (secondary) subjects in your plan.
- Unrealistic schedule — Plan for actual family life, not ideal version.
- No monthly check-ins — Don’t wait until June to realize you’re behind.
- Forgetting testing window — Grades 3, 5, 8 need standardized tests; schedule by May.
Year 2 & Beyond: Simplified Planning
Once you’ve done one year, planning becomes easier:
June–July of Year 1:
– Debrief; decide curriculum changes
– Order materials
August 1:
– File updated affidavit (simple renewal if no changes)
August–May:
– Follow familiar routine; adjust as learned
– Most systems already in place
By May 1:
– Schedule next year’s evaluator
By June 30:
– Complete evaluation
– File results
Resources for Planning
- PA Homeschool Law Summary: www.education.pa.gov
- CHAP Planning Resources: www.chaponline.com (member resources, planners, forms)
- Homeschool Planner Options: Homeschool Planet, Gather Round, BookShark, any digital planner
- Timeline Printables: Pinterest, TeachersPayTeachers (search “homeschool planning”)