California Homeschool Laws Explained for Beginners

Homeschooling is legal in California, but families must follow a recognized education option to meet state attendance laws. Parents may operate a home-based private school, use a private school program, choose a public home-study option, or hire a qualified private tutor.

For families choosing an independent home-based private school, the main steps include filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA), teaching required subjects, and keeping required school records. This guide explains California homeschool laws and the steps parents should know before starting.

California Homeschool Laws at a Glance

Requirement	California Rule
Homeschooling legal?	Yes
Compulsory education	Generally ages 6–18
Independent homeschool route	Home-based private school
Private School Affidavit	Filed annually
Regular PSA filing period	October 1–15
Teaching credential	Not required for PSA route
Required subjects	Yes
Attendance records	Required
State standardized testing	Not generally required for PSA route
State curriculum approval	Not required
Public funding	Not available to independent PSA schools

Is Homeschooling Legal in California?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in California when a child is educated through an option that satisfies the state’s compulsory education requirements. California does not have one separate law simply called a “homeschool law.” Instead, home education generally operates through private school, private tutor, or public-school alternatives.

For independent families, a common approach is establishing a home-based private school and filing a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education.

Parents should understand which legal pathway they are using because filing, teacher, funding, and recordkeeping requirements can differ between private homeschooling and public home-study programs.

California Homeschool Laws and Education Code

Several parts of the California Education Code are important for families educating children at home.

California Education Code §48222 covers the private-school exemption from compulsory public-school attendance. It addresses instruction in English, required branches of study, capable teachers, and attendance records.

California Education Code §33190 covers the Private School Affidavit and certain records private schools must maintain.

California also uses Education Code §§51210 and 51220 when describing branches and courses of study for elementary and secondary students.

Parents do not need to memorize these laws, but knowing where the requirements come from makes it easier to separate legal requirements from general homeschooling recommendations.

California Compulsory Attendance and Homeschooling

California’s compulsory education rules generally apply to children from ages 6 through 18. This is why parents should establish the appropriate education arrangement when removing a school-age child from traditional school.

A child educated through a qualifying private school, private tutor, or public-school alternative can satisfy compulsory education requirements when the applicable legal conditions are met. Parents should keep documentation showing which education option their child is using.

Ways to Homeschool Legally in California

California families can educate children at home through several private and public education arrangements. The requirements depend on which pathway the family chooses.

1. Home-Based Private School (Private School Affidavit)

This is the most common method. Parents file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education each year.

The filing window is between October 1 and October 15.

How to File the Private School Affidavit (PSA)

Parents file the PSA online through the state education website.

Information required includes:

• Homeschool name
• Address of instruction
• Number of students
• Teacher information

Once filed, the homeschool is legally recognized as a private school.

What If You Start Homeschooling Mid-Year?

The regular annual filing period for California’s Private School Affidavit is October 1–15. However, families establishing a new home-based private school should not assume they must wait until the next October to begin.

The California Department of Education keeps its online PSA filing system available from August 1 through June 30 to accommodate new schools, including new home schools. Families starting during the school year should complete the applicable filing and keep a copy with their school records.

Does Filing a PSA Mean California Approves Your Homeschool?

Then explain in roughly 60–80 words that filing the affidavit does not mean the CDE has approved, licensed, accredited, recognized, or endorsed the school.

2. Private School or Private School Satellite Program

PSPs provide guidance, record-keeping help, and sometimes curriculum support.

3. Public Charter School or Independent Study

Charter homeschool programs provide funding, materials, and teacher support but require reporting.

4. Credentialed Private Tutor

Parents may hire a California-credentialed teacher to provide instruction.

California Home Education Options Compared

Option	Type	PSA Filed by Parent?	Credential Required?	Public Funding	Independence
Home-based private school	Private	Yes	No	No	Very high
Private school/PSP	Private	Usually handled by school	Depends on program	No	High
Charter/independent study	Public	No	Public-school rules apply	Publicly funded	Moderate
Private tutor	Private instruction	No PSA under tutor route	Yes	No	Varies

Do Homeschool Families Receive Funding in California?

Funding depends on the homeschooling option.

Families using the Private School Affidavit do not receive government funding. Public charter and independent-study programs may provide curriculum, materials, classes, or other educational resources because the student remains enrolled in a public-school program. This should not be confused with direct government funding for an independent private homeschool.

Charter homeschool programs may provide:

• Curriculum funding
• Learning materials
• Teacher support

Choosing the Best Homeschool Option for Your Family

Families wanting full independence often choose the PSA option.

Those needing support may prefer PSP or charter programs. The best choice depends on time, budget, and teaching confidence.

How to Start Homeschooling in California (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Legal Option

Select the method that fits your family.

Step 2: Withdraw from Public School

Submit a withdrawal notice to avoid attendance problems.

Important Tips for Withdrawing from School

Provide a written notice including:

• Student name
• Withdrawal date
• Reason for withdrawal

Keep a copy for your records.

Step 3: Complete the Requirements for Your Chosen Option

File during the official PSA window if using this option.

Step 4: Create a Learning Plan

Then explain that PSA applies specifically to families using the home-based private-school route.

Step 5: Start Teaching and Keep Records

Begin instruction and maintain records from day one.

California Homeschool Requirements

What Subjects Must California Homeschoolers Teach?

Instruction must be in English and include subjects similar to public schools, such as:

• English/language arts
• mathematics
• science
• social sciences
• health
• physical education
• visual/performing arts where applicable

And reference §§51210 and 51220 rather than implying your short list is the complete statutory requirement. The CDE points homeschool families to those provisions.

Do California Homeschool Parents Need a Teaching Credential?

Parents do not need a teaching credential for PSA homeschooling. Teachers must simply be capable of teaching.

What Attendance Records Must Be Kept?

Parents must maintain:

• Attendance records
• Course outlines
• Teacher list
• Immunization records

What Homeschool Records Must Parents Keep?

Homeschool private schools must keep immunization or exemption records. These must be available if requested by authorities.

How Many Days and Hours Are Required for Homeschooling in California?

This deserves its own section because users specifically search for it.

But make the answer pathway-specific. Don’t copy a competitor’s “175 days / 3 hours” statement and present it as universally applicable to every California home-education arrangement.

Explain the private-school rule separately from the private-tutor pathway.

Is Standardized Testing Required for California Homeschoolers?

California does not impose a general statewide standardized-testing requirement on students educated through an independent home-based private school. Students enrolled in public charter or independent-study programs may have testing requirements associated with their public-school enrollment.

California Homeschool Compliance Checklist

Starting homeschooling becomes easier when parents follow a simple checklist.

Before Starting Homeschool:

• Choose a legal homeschooling option
• Withdraw your child from current school
• Decide your teaching schedule
• Select learning materials

Legal Steps to Complete:

• File the Private School Affidavit (PSA)
• Keep attendance records
• Maintain course outlines
• Store immunization records

Homeschooling High School in California

Homeschool parents can issue diplomas. Students often take college entrance tests or community college classes.

What California Does Not Require From Independent Homeschoolers

Cover carefully:

• no general California teaching credential for a parent operating a qualifying home-based private school;
• no general statewide standardized testing requirement for the PSA route;
• no state-selected homeschool curriculum;
• PSA filing does not equal state accreditation or approval.

Common California Homeschool Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming the October PSA window means mid-year homeschooling is impossible

2. Filing a PSA when your child is actually enrolled in a public charter program

3. Failing to maintain required attendance records

4. Confusing recommended records with legally required records

5. Assuming filing a PSA means the state approved or accredited the homeschool

Frequently Asked Questions

Do parents need a teaching credential?

No, credentials are not required for PSA homeschooling.

Is testing required?

No testing is required for PSA homeschoolers.

Can homeschool students go to college?

Yes. Many homeschool graduates attend college.

Conclusion

California homeschool laws become easier to understand once you identify the legal pathway your family will use. Independent home-based private schools, private programs, public home-study options, and credentialed tutors follow different requirements. Check current California Department of Education guidance, complete the paperwork that applies to your option, and keep accurate records from the beginning.