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Ten things the homeschool portfolio states ask for

Ours is not on this list: it is built from Peabody's checked state records. The states are the six whose records require a portfolio or its equivalent: DC, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania and South Carolina (option 1).

States that require a homeschool portfolio mostly ask for samples of the child's writing, worksheets, workbooks and creative work, plus a log made as you teach that names the reading materials. Some add test results, a record of evaluations, and a set time to keep it. Florida keeps it two years, DC one. Florida, DC and South Carolina may ask to see it, with notice.

Checked October 27, 2026.

By Peabody editors. Each item is something at least two of the six portfolio states' records ask for, most-asked first; each links to a state that asks for it.

  1. Samples of the child's writingAsked for by DC, Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania; Missouri and South Carolina ask for samples of the child's work. Opened October 27, 2026.
  2. WorksheetsNamed in the portfolio rules of DC, Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Opened October 27, 2026.
  3. WorkbooksNamed alongside worksheets by DC, Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Opened October 27, 2026.
  4. Creative workCreative materials or creative work count in DC, Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Opened October 27, 2026.
  5. The reading materials, namedPennsylvania's log lists reading materials by title; Florida's log names any reading materials used; Maryland's portfolio can hold instructional and reading materials. Opened October 27, 2026.
  6. A log kept as you teachFlorida and Pennsylvania ask for a log made at the time of instruction; Missouri and South Carolina (option 1) ask for a plan book, diary or other written record of subjects taught and activities. Opened October 27, 2026.
  7. Tests and assessmentsMaryland's portfolio can hold tests and DC's assessments; Pennsylvania's must hold grade 3, 5 and 8 test results. Opened October 27, 2026.
  8. A record of evaluationsMissouri and South Carolina (option 1) ask for a record of evaluations of the child's progress; in Pennsylvania an evaluator reviews the portfolio. Opened October 27, 2026.
  9. Keeping it for a set timeDC: keep the portfolio at least one year. Florida: keep it two years. Opened October 27, 2026.
  10. Showing it when asked, with noticeFlorida's superintendent may ask to inspect with 15 days' written notice; DC's OSSE with at least 30 days' notice, twice a year at most; a South Carolina district on reasonable notice. Opened October 27, 2026.

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