How to Homeschool in California
Are you considering the switch to homeschooling? You’re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.
California’s homeschooling laws follow private school rules, which is why parents must establish a “home-based private school.”
Whether you’ve homeschooled before or are still on the fence, we’re glad you’re here! In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start homeschooling in California with confidence.
Homeschooling in California at a Glance
California – The Golden State
| Option | Home-based Private School | Private Satellite Program (PSP) | Certified Tutor |
| Age | 6-18 | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required | Dependent on program | Not required |
| Subjects | 5 subjects required for 1st-6th, 11 subjects for 7th-12th | 5 subjects required for 1st-6th, 11 subjects for 7th-12th | 5 subjects required for 1st-6th, 11 subjects for 7th-12th |
| Time Requirements | None | Dependent on program | At least 3 hours per day |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent | Dependent on program | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | Must file private school affidavit annually | Must follow rules and procedures of individual program | Must keep a copy of criminal record of tutor if they are not the parent |
| Financial Resources Available | No | No | No |
The first step to homeschooling in California is deciding how you are going to homeschool. There are a few different options in California:
Option 1: Establish your own home-based private school
The California Department of Education allows parents to file for the creation of their own home-based private school. To do this, you’ll need to file your private school affidavit (PSA) between October 1st and 15th annually. You can find a full list of instructions on the PSA instructions page.
Families who choose this option must teach the required subjects and keep their own records. This option gives parents the most freedom and is a popular choice for California homeschool families.
Option 2: Enroll in a private satellite program (PSP)
A private school satellite program (PSP) provides access to private school curriculum and resources at home. Parents are typically the primary educators, using curriculum and resources provided by the PSP. These programs operate under the regulations that govern private schools, ensuring they meet specific educational standards and requirements.
PSPs also commonly offer record keeping, testing, parental guidance, and additional resources like workshops or group learning activities. With a PSP, families can enjoy the benefits of both private school and home education.
Option 3: Hire a certified tutor
To homeschool with a tutor, the tutor must hold a valid California teaching credential for the grade level they are teaching. In addition, students must receive instruction in all required subjects in English. Instruction must take place between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at a minimum of 3 hours per day for 175 days.
Unlike with other homeschooling options, families don’t need to file the annual private school affidavit, making it a straightforward alternative for parents seeking a more personalized education for their child.
Parent Qualifications
As a general rule, parents must be capable of teaching in order to homeschool. All three options do not require parents to hold a teaching license.
However, if you do hold a valid California teaching credential, you have the additional option of registering yourself as the certified tutor.
Notice of Intent
In California, parents must submit the Private School Affidavit (PSA) in order to create a home-based private school. This must be filed annually between October 1st and 15th. If your home-based private school begins outside of this period, it’s best to file the affidavit as soon as possible.
Families who choose options 2 or 3 do not need to file a PSA.
For all options, it’s important to formally withdraw your student to prevent any truancy claims. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of all withdrawn paperwork or school correspondence for future reference.
Attendance
Children ages 6-18 are required to be in school in the State of California. For home-based private schools, there is no minimum time requirement.
Students with private tutors must receive instruction for at least three hours a day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for 175 days each school year.
Homeschool Curriculum
In California, there are several required subjects that students must take. All instruction in these subjects must be in English.
Between 1st and 6th grade, children must receive instruction in…
- English
- Math
- Social studies
- Visual and performing arts
- Health and physical education
In addition to the subjects listed above, students must also receive instruction in the following for grades 7th-12th:
- Foreign language
- Science
- Applied arts
- Career and technical education
- Driver’s education (ages 15 and older)
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. The good news is, Miacademy’s online homeschool program is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC!
Testing
California does not have testing requirements mandated by state law. However, testing can be a valuable tool to assess your child’s progress. Many homeschool parents purchase nationally normed tests online, such as the TerraNova or Stanford Online.
If you choose to homeschool with a PSP, the PSP will outline any testing requirements for you.
Record Keeping
Per California private school law, you must keep the following records:
- A copy of your completed private school affidavit
- Attendance records (days on which there was/wasn’t school)
- Courses taken
- Instructor qualifications
- Immunization records or waivers
If your homeschool instructor is NOT the parent of the child, you’ll also need to keep any criminal record summaries (EC 33190).
If you homeschool with a PSP, the PSP may take care of record keeping for you.
Transcripts
While not required for homeschool students, transcripts are a vital document for the college application process. If you decide to enroll in a PSP for homeschooling, you may request a copy of your child’s transcripts from your PSP program. If you choose the home-based private school option, you can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In the state of California, parents decide when their student is ready to graduate.
Homeschooled students often receive their high school diplomas from their parents upon course completion.
If you homeschool with a PSP, graduation requirements may vary by individual program.
Financial Resources
While the State of California doesn’t provide any financial resources for homeschoolers, the California Department of Education website provides a way to search for available private funding. Each grant here has its own eligibility requirements, but they can be filtered by keyword, topic, and type. To find more information or search for grants, visit the official funding page.
More Tips & Resources
Here are a few resources to help you get started with homeschooling in California:
- Homeschool Association of California
- California Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
If you’re considering Miacademy or MiaPrep for your online homeschool curriculum in California, feel free to chat with our customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on California homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates
FAQ
What are the California homeschool requirements?
CA homeschool laws require at minimum:
- All students between the ages of 6-18 be enrolled in school
- Parents must be qualified to homeschool (qualification depends on the option)
- Students must learn all required subjects in English
Additional requirements may apply, depending on which homeschool option you choose.
Does California pay for homeschool?
The State of California does not pay for home-based private school expenses at this time. However, if you homeschool through a PSP or charter school, you may be able to find private grants and scholarships to cover those costs.
Last updated: 04/23/2024. All information on this site is provided with no guarantee of accuracy. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.