California Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In California—
Homeschooling in California
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
California School Choice
Click above for general information on the school choice.
California Department of Education
Click above for the state Education Information.
California Homeschool
In California, homeschooling is legal and you have three main ways to do it:
📚 1. Home-based Private School (Private School Affidavit – PSA)
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Annual Affidavit: File a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education between October 1–15. If starting mid‑year or before October 1, filing opens early—usually August 1–June 30 for that school year.
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Subjects: Teach the same “branches of study” as public schools—English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health, PE, etc.
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Record-Keeping:
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Maintain attendance logs (including half-day absences).
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List of courses, teacher names/addresses/qualifications, and immunization or exemption records.
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Instructor qualifications: No formal credential needed—you just must be “capable of teaching”.
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Testing & Reporting: No requirement for standardized testing or submitting reports to public schools.
2. Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
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You enroll in a private school that offers independent study at home.
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Meets the same legal requirements as a home-based PSA: affidavit, records, instruction
3. Credentialed Private Tutor
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You can homeschool under a qualified California-credentialed teacher.
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Must teach at least 3 hours/day, during 8:00AM–4:00PM, for 175 days/year, covering same required subjects.
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No affidavit or record-keeping for PSA required under this option.
🔍 Important Details
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Age requirement: Homeschool covers compulsory education age—children who turn age 6 by September 1 up to 18 years old.
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Affidavit window: October 1–15 each year, with early open from August 1—new this past few years.
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Calendar requirements: Private homeschools aren’t bound to public school calendars, but “similar length” (~175–180 days) is standard.
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Diplomas: Parents can issue diplomas; no state-issued diplomas. Graduates may pursue GED or CHSPE if desired.
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Public school extras: Homeschooled under PSA or PSP generally cannot participate in public school sports or extracurriculars—PSP in charter/IS programs may allow it.
California K-12 School Choice
California School Choice Summary
California offers a variety of public education options beyond a student’s assigned neighborhood school:
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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.
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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.
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Magnet Schools are specialized public schools focusing on themes like science, arts, or technology. They often accept students from outside the normal attendance zones.
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Online and Virtual Schools are available statewide, primarily through charter schools, offering full-time remote learning options.
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Private Schools can be chosen at a family’s expense. California does not offer state-funded vouchers or tuition assistance for private school enrollment.
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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
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.