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California Homeschool Information

—Homeschool In California—

Homeschooling in California

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Find Out What the State Says About Home Education

California School Choice

Click above for general information on the school choice.

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California Department of Education

Click above for the state Education Information.

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California Homeschool

California offers several legal options for homeschooling:

  • Private School Affidavit (PSA)

    • Parents can establish a private school in their home by filing a PSA annually with the California Department of Education between October 1–15.

    • Parents become the administrators and teachers.

    • They must:

      • Keep attendance records.

      • Maintain courses of study.

      • Ensure instruction in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies, etc.).

      • Have a record of faculty qualifications (no specific teaching credential is required for parents).

  • Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

    • Families can enroll in a PSP, which is an established private school that files the PSA and manages records and support for homeschooling families.

    • Parents provide the teaching, while the PSP provides administrative and sometimes curricular support.

  • Charter or Independent Study Public School Programs

    • California offers online charter schools or independent study programs where public schools provide curriculum and oversight.

    • Parents work under the supervision of credentialed teachers.

    • These are publicly funded and considered part of the public school system.

  • Home-Based Instruction by Credentialed Tutor

    • Parents with a California teaching credential can teach their children at home as private tutors.

    • Requires instruction for at least 3 hours a day, 175 days per year.

Impact of Enrolling in an Accredited Online School (In-State or Out-of-State)

Accredited Online School in California:

  • If the school is a California-based private school, and files a PSA on behalf of students, parents may not need to file one themselves.

  • If it’s a California public charter online school, the student is technically enrolled in public school, and the family is not classified as homeschoolers under state law.

  • In both cases, oversight and records are handled by the school, which simplifies compliance.

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      Accredited Online School Out of State:

      • California does not recognize out-of-state online schools as satisfying compulsory education law on their own.

      • Parents must still comply with California law, usually by filing a Private School Affidavit and operating as a private school, even if all instruction is delivered through an out-of-state accredited program.

      • The out-of-state school may provide curriculum and grading, but it does not relieve the parent from legal responsibilities under California’s education code.

      California K-12 School Choice

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      California School Choice Summary

      California offers a variety of public education options beyond a student’s assigned neighborhood school:

      • Intra- and Inter-District Transfers allow families to apply for attendance at public schools within or outside their home district, depending on availability and district policies.

      • Charter Schools are publicly funded, independently operated schools that are free to attend and open to all California students. Admission is usually by application, with lotteries used when demand exceeds capacity.

      • Magnet Schools are specialized public schools focusing on themes like science, arts, or technology. They often accept students from outside the normal attendance zones.

      • Online and Virtual Schools are available statewide, primarily through charter schools, offering full-time remote learning options.

      • Private Schools can be chosen at a family’s expense. California does not offer state-funded vouchers or tuition assistance for private school enrollment.

      • Homeschooling is legal in California, and families can choose to educate their children at home using one of several authorized methods, such as filing a Private School Affidavit or using a private tutor.

      Homeschool Resources for California

      Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.

      In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.

      Homeschool Legal Defense Association

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      Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney.  Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.