Homeschooling in California
Are You Thinking About Homeschooling in California?
For a quick overview of California home education law, click HERE
For downloadable recordkeeping forms, planner pages, sample letters, and more, click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions...
Q: What homeschool options are available in California? (Note: Laws vary from state to state)
A. There are 4 ways to legally homeschool:
- Homeschool as a home-based private school by filing the Private School Affidavit (PSA) online each year (it's easy and this option offers the greatest educational freedom)
- Enroll in a Private Satellite Program (PSP) - a private school umbrella
- Homeschool under the instruction of a credentialed teacher or private tutor - families hire a teacher who meet the requirements detailed HERE.
- Enroll in a publicly-funded home-based Independent Study Program (ISP) or Charter School (Note: These programs require compliance with public school rules and regulations)
Q: Do I need a college degree or teaching credential to homeschool my own children?
A: No. You just need to be capable of teaching. Studies (HERE) have shown that a parent's educational history is not prohibitive to a child's homeschool success.
Q: When do I begin teaching my child?
A: The compulsory school age for children is age 6 (by September 1st) through 18.
As a private homeschooler filing the PSA, you can begin teaching your child on any day, any time of year, and according to any schedule. However, DO NOT file the PSA until your student turns 6 years old. For details, click HERE.
Q: Do I have to submit lesson plans or sample work to another authority like a local school district or have my child tested annually?
A: No, not t if you are a private homeschooler filing the PSA. In that case, YOU are the authority. Standardized testing is available for anyone interested (sources HERE) but it's NOT required of private school students in California.
PSP, Private Tutor, ISP, and Charter School organizations have their own policies and requirements. This usually includes submission of samples, forms, records, and tests.
Q: What records am I required to keep as a private homeschooler?
A: The list in California is mercifully short:
- A copy of your PSA
- Your attendance record
- A list of faculty and their qualifications (basically your resume')
- A list of the courses of study your private homeschool offers (general topics of study such as Language Arts, Mathmatics, History, etc.)
- Health Examination form or waiver
- Any Immunization records (current information HERE)
Our Selah Mentors are able to help you obtain forms and will keep members informed of updates. An annual "Getting Started" meeting is held at the beginning of each school year.
Q: What if my child has special needs?
A: There are no additional laws or filing requirements for families where there are special education needs. The flexibility and familiarity of the home environment with parents who know and love their child is sometimes the best educational situation.
Some services may be available through the school district (at their discretion) and there are special grants for services available through HSLDA (see HERE). Special Education testing resources are also available (HERE).
Q: Will my children have access to sports teams and enrichment classes through the local school district.
A: California does not have any laws requiring school districts to include homeschool students in sports or enrichment programs. Individual disctricts set their own policies so parents would have to inquire locally.
Typically, involvement in a public or private school sports or enrichment program comes with some level of enrollment in the school. Keep in mind that other options exist such as Parks & Rec programs and club leagues.