California allows you to easily guide your child’s education in a way that feels personal and practical. Many families choose to homeschool to better match learning with real-life needs, family values, and the pace their learner learns at best.
If you’re considering this path, knowing your choices and understanding the requirements can take away much of the guesswork. This guide covers key details and next steps, making your move into homeschooling smoother and less overwhelming.
Homeschooling options in California
In California, you can homeschool in five ways legally. Each option has its own rules and steps to follow, but all of them can help you meet the state’s school attendance requirements while learning at home. Understanding what each path involves makes it easier to pick the one that fits your family best.
Establish a home-based private school
Creating a private school at home is a popular way to homeschool in California. Families take on the full responsibility of providing curriculum, teaching, and keeping records. Each year, parents must file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the state and maintain required documents like attendance logs and course lists. The statutory period to file a PSA is October 1 through 15. To accommodate families as they make schooling changes throughout the year, the filing system is open from August 1 to June 30. This option offers the most independence, but also means you handle all planning and teaching on your own. Public funding options are not currently available under this option.
Enroll in a private school satellite program (PSP)
Private School Satellite Programs, also known as PSPs, support families who want to teach at home while staying connected to an established school. PSPs file the Private School Affidavit on your behalf. PSPs can help with recordkeeping, curriculum guidance, and sometimes even offer in-person classes and community events. This route keeps you under the umbrella of a private school, adding some structure and a bit of extra help when needed.
Hire a private tutor
You can hire a certified California teacher to instruct your child at home. Tutors must hold a valid California teaching credential for the grade level they teach, and instruction must cover core subjects for at least three hours each school day, for 175 days per year. This option works well if you’re seeking professional guidance without enrolling your child in a traditional school.
Join a public school independent study program
Some public school districts run independent study programs that let students learn at home with support from school staff. These programs provide lesson plans, check-ins with teachers, and often supply materials. You will still need to follow the school’s requirements, but they have more flexibility than a typical classroom schedule. They may even allow your student to attend a few classes on a traditional school campus.
Enroll in a non-classroom-based (NCB) or hybrid public charter school
California has a range of public charter schools that offer home-based and hybrid learning options. Charter schools often provide curriculum, teacher support, and enrichment activities, while allowing families to lead learning from home. Many charters are designed with flexible scheduling and personalized learning plans to fit each student’s needs. NCB charters also often offer public funding dollars or educational funds that families can use to purchase supplies, secular curriculum, in person classes and other enrichment experiences.
Requirements for homeschooling in California
Once you’ve picked the best way to homeschool for your child, it’s helpful to know what paperwork, records, and learning standards come next. Some of these basics have been touched on in the previous section, but here’s a closer look at what families should keep up with throughout the year to stay compliant and organized.
Enrollment paperwork
For families using the private school affidavit route, the main step is filing the Private School Affidavit every year. This shows the state that you’re running a private school at home. Public charter and independent study programs handle their own enrollment forms, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully. If you hire a private tutor, you won’t file an affidavit, but you must verify that the tutor has a valid California teaching credential.
Attendance and instruction
California’s compulsory education laws require homeschooled students to keep a record of daily attendance. Private schools and tutors must track absences and ensure lessons cover the core subjects required by the state, usually in English. Private tutors must provide at least three hours of instruction a day for at least 175 days each school year, during regular school hours.
Curriculum guidelines
Families who homeschool privately are responsible for picking or creating their own curriculum, but it must cover the same general subjects taught in public schools, like math, English, science, social studies, arts, and physical education. California’s content standards and curriculum frameworks can help you plan lessons that match grade-level expectations.
Recordkeeping essentials
In addition to attendance logs, private homeschoolers need to keep copies of each year’s affidavit, course lists, and basic teacher records (including names and addresses). It’s also smart to save lesson plans, report cards, and work samples, even if not all are strictly required. These can come in handy if your child returns to public school or applies for college.
Testing and assessments
California does not mandate standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, charter and public school independent study programs might include required school or state assessments as part of their policies. Some families also choose to test on their own to check learning progress.
Homeschool with Outschool
Homeschooling families often choose to homeschool because they desire learning that fits the unique learning needs of their children and is flexible enough to fit their day-to-day life. Outschool brings that freedom to life with live classes led by passionate teachers. Families can build a complete curriculum, outsource a hard to teach subject, or add fun extras to brighten the week.
Here’s why many homeschooling families love Outschool:
- Engaging live classes that invite participation
- Flexible timing that works for busy days
- A huge range of subjects, from core academics to unique electives
- Opportunities for kids to meet and learn with peers
- Easy-to-access class details, work samples, and records for your homeschool portfolio
However you choose to homeschool, Outschool can make it even easier to keep learning exciting and meaningful.
How to get started
You’ve explored the options and chosen the best fit. Now it’s time to make it official and jump into the learning at home. Here’s a quick look at what to tackle first for each path.
If you’re setting up a home-based private school:
- File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education each school year, during the filing window.
- Keep attendance records and note any absences of a half day or more.
- Maintain a list of subjects you cover.
- Provide instruction in English in the core subjects outlined by the California Education Code.
- Keep copies of your affidavit and other recommended records in case you need to show proof of compliance.
If you’re enrolling in a private school (PSP):
- Sign up with an existing private school that has a satellite or home-based program.
- Follow their specific enrollment forms and requirements. They’ll guide you through what records to keep.
- Maintain daily attendance and follow the school’s instructions for curriculum and any reporting.
If you’re hiring a certified private tutor:
- Make sure your tutor holds a valid California teaching credential for your child’s grade level.
- Confirm lessons happen in English, cover required subjects, and meet the minimum time: at least three hours a day for 175 days each year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Keep detailed attendance and lesson records.
If you’re joining a public school independent study program:
- Contact your local school district to find out which schools offer independent study options.
- Complete the program’s enrollment forms and agree to any regular check-ins with assigned teachers.
- Follow their curriculum plan and submit assignments and progress reports as required.
If you’re enrolling in a non-classroom based (NCB) or hybrid public charter school:
- Apply to a charter school that provides home-based or hybrid learning and serves your geographic location.
- Pro tip: They often have waitlists, so make sure to apply early.
- Complete the school’s registration steps and meet any deadlines.
- Follow the charter’s attendance, lesson plan, and progress tracking guidelines.
- If you select an NCB, you will be assigned a credentialed teacher to help guide you. They will help you select curriculum, choose supplies and keep relevant records.
- Pro tip: NCB’s almost always offer funds to help cover the cost of secular curriculum, approved enrichment activities, etc.
No matter which route you choose, staying organized from the start will make your homeschool days run more smoothly and help you feel confident about meeting California’s homeschooling rules.
Looking for a step-by-step walkthrough? Our 10-step homeschooling guide makes it easier to start with confidence and ease.
Find support through homeschool communities in California
Taking charge of your child’s learning can feel more manageable when you connect with others on the same journey. California families have plenty of ways to tap into homeschool support networks for advice, inspiration, and community activities.
Statewide organizations
These groups share helpful information, host events, and connect families across California:
Meeting other homeschooling families in your area can open the door to group activities, classes, and friendship. Here are a few suggestions:
- Homeschooling in Southern California – A friendly group for sharing local homeschooling info, resources, and events for grades K-12. Open to current and prospective homeschoolers.
- CA Homeschool Charter School Info Group – A free forum to discuss California homeschool charter school options and help families find the right fit. Charter staff and vendors are welcome to share offerings.
- South Bay Homeschool Network – A support group in the South Bay area of Los Angeles that helps families meet and build friendships. They host park days, field trips, classes, activities, and share updates through email and a newsletter. No fees or contracts required.
Joining a local or statewide group can make it easier to find support, share ideas, and add fun, community-based experiences to your homeschooling life.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Homeschooling in California comes with some common questions. Here are quick answers to help you feel prepared and informed.
What are the legal ways to homeschool in California?
Families can homeschool by starting a private school at home, joining a private school satellite program (PSP), hiring a certified private tutor, enrolling in a public school’s independent study program, or signing up with an NCB or hybrid public charter school. Each option has its own steps and rules, but all are recognized ways to learn at home.
Do I need to file any forms to homeschool my child in California?
If you’re setting up a home-based private school, you’ll need to file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education each year. If you choose a charter or independent study program, they’ll guide you through their paperwork so you know exactly what to do.
What subjects do homeschooled students need to study?
Kids learning at home should cover the same main subjects taught in public schools: English, math, science, social studies, arts, health, and physical education. Many parents find it helpful to look at California’s content standards as a starting off point when planning lessons, however the beauty of homeschooling is crafting an education that is as unique as your child. Don’t be afraid to incorporate interest based learning into your homeschool.
Does California require homeschoolers to take standardized tests?
No state tests are required if you’re homeschooling through your own private school. However, if your child is part of a public charter or independent study program, testing may be part of the program, just like in traditional public schools.
Can my child return to public school after homeschooling in California?
Absolutely. Families can enroll back in public school whenever they choose. Just remember, each district has its own policies for grade placement and transferring credits, so it’s wise to check in with your local school ahead of time.
Does California have an Education Savings Account (ESA) for homeschooling?
No. California does not have a state-run ESA program for homeschooling, so families who homeschool independently cover all costs themselves.
However, families can opt to use public homeschool charter schools instead. These charters provide each enrolled student with annual funds (typically $2,500–$3,800) that can be spent on approved learning resources, including Outschool classes, curriculum, supplies, and enrichment activities.
If your charter lists Outschool as an approved vendor, you can easily use your funds to register for classes. Learn how to enroll in Outschool using your charter funds here.
Your California homeschooling journey starts here
Choosing to homeschool in California opens the door to a more personal way of learning, one that can grow and change with your family’s needs. With so many flexible paths, clear requirements, and supportive communities, you have what you need to build an educational experience that truly fits your child.
Don’t forget to tap into helpful tools like Outschool to add live classes and new subjects as you go. With good support and flexible resources, you’ll be ready to help your learner grow and stay excited about what’s next.
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