Although Puerto Rico currently does not require homeschooling families to maintain academic records by law, it is highly recommended that families keep organized documentation of each student's educational journey.

Academic records include evidence of learning, coursework, projects, activities, and educational experiences. These materials can be organized into a homeschool portfolio, which provides a valuable record of the student's academic progress over time.

Types of Portfolios

Families may organize portfolios in several ways, including:

By academic year.

By subject.

By theme or project.

According to specific educational needs.

The most common format is a subject-based portfolio, which makes information easy to organize and has traditionally been the format requested by the Puerto Rico Department of Education when documentation has been needed.

Types of Evidence to Include

A homeschool portfolio may contain:

Educational philosophy or homeschooling method.

Educational goals and parent-written evaluations.

Daily schedules, calendars, or activity logs documenting ongoing instruction.

Lists of textbooks, curricula, and educational resources.

Samples of written assignments.

Reading logs, educational videos, documentaries, and other learning resources.

Summaries of field trips and educational experiences.

Photographs of projects and hands-on activities.

Records of volunteer or community service.

Awards, certificates, diplomas, letters of recommendation, newspaper articles, and other recognitions.

Academic evaluations, standardized test results, transcripts, or professional evaluations when applicable.

Copies of birth certificates, immunization records, and other important personal documents.

Why Keep a Portfolio?

Maintaining organized records can help families:

Document the student's educational progress.

Evaluate learning over time.

Facilitate enrollment or transfer to a traditional school.

Provide educational documentation if requested by government agencies or other organizations.

Prepare transcripts, résumés, or supporting documentation for college admission or employment.

Provide evidence in special circumstances such as custody proceedings, child welfare investigations, continuation of health insurance coverage for students over age 18 who are still completing high school, or other legal situations.

Suggested Portfolio Organization

1. Cover Page

Include:

Homeschool name.

City, state, or country.

Student photograph.

Full name.

Age.

Date of birth.

Most recently completed grade level.

2. Personal Documents

This section may include:

Birth certificate.

Immunization records.

Medical and dental records.

Vision screening results.

Educational or psychological evaluations, when applicable.

3. Academic Subjects

Organize this section by subject.

For each subject, include:

Topics studied.

Books and educational resources used.

Representative samples of student work.

Completed projects.

Related extracurricular activities.

Photographs and dates whenever appropriate.

4. Academic Evaluations

This section may include:

Parent evaluations.

Samples of quizzes or tests (optional).

Grade records.

Academic transcripts.

Attendance records, if maintained.

5. Awards and Recognition

Include:

Certificates.

Diplomas.

Awards.

Letters of recognition.

Other honors received by the student.

Recommended Resources

Websites

A to Z Homeschooling – Homeschool Portfolio Examples

My Little Poppies – Free Homeschool Portfolio

Recommended Book

The Homeschooler's Guide to Portfolios and Transcripts

Author: Loretta Heuer

Downloadable Resources

Homeschool Portfolio and Standardized Testing Workshop

Portfolio Worksheets

Standardized Testing Guide