Homeschooling in California.

Compulsory ages

Children ages 6 to 18 must receive full-time education, in public school or through one of the routes below (Education Code § 48200).

Choosing a route

California has no separate homeschool law. You can set up a home-based private school and file an affidavit, enroll in a private school's home-study program, use a credentialed tutor, or choose public independent study or a charter school.

State testing

None on the private school and tutor routes. The California Department of Education (CDE) says state testing isn't required of private schools, though you may arrange testing yourself.

Diplomas

No law sets graduation requirements for private schools, so a home-based private school creates its own diploma and transcript. CDE notes these may not be widely recognized, so check with colleges and employers.

What this route is

You set up a private school in your home, with you as its owner and teacher. Your child is exempt as a student of a private full-time day school.

Statute citation

Education Code §§ 33190, 33191 and 48222.

Who you notify

CDE, by filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) online. The law names the Superintendent of Public Instruction, changing to the Education Commissioner under AB 181. The school's owner or head signs it under penalty of perjury.

How and when

Every year. The law sets October 1–15, but CDE's online system is open August 1 to June 30, so a new home school files when it starts. If you file in August or September, you don't refile in October.

What the affidavit covers

Your school's name and address, where records are kept and by whom, enrollment by grade, number of teachers, and a statement that required records are kept and accurate. Filing is a registration only, not approval.

Your school district

Your exemption counts once your district's attendance supervisor verifies you filed, and CDE says to give them a copy of your affidavit. You don't otherwise report to the district, though CDE suggests telling it you're homeschooling.

Teaching and subjects

Instruction must be by people capable of teaching, in English, covering the subjects taught in public schools (Education Code §§ 51210 and 51220). No teaching credential is required.

Days and hours

The law calls for a full-time school but sets no number of days or hours for this route.

Records to keep

An attendance register noting every absence of half a day or more, the courses of study you offer, and each teacher's name, address and educational qualifications. Keep a copy of your affidavit with them.

Assessment

None required.

What this route is

You enroll your child in an existing private school that offers home-based study, independent study or online learning. Families sometimes call these private school satellite programs.

Who you notify

The school is the private school, so it files the affidavit. Ask what it needs from you, such as attendance logs or work samples, before you enroll.

Statute citation

Education Code §§ 33190 and 48222.

What this route is

A tutor, who may be a parent, holding a valid California teaching credential for the grade taught teaches your child.

Statute citation

Education Code § 48224.

Days and hours

At least 3 hours a day for 175 days each calendar year, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Subjects

The subjects taught in public schools, in English.

Who you notify

No affidavit is needed on this route, according to CDE.

What this route is

Your child stays enrolled in a public school district or charter school and learns at home under a supervising teacher. Because your child is a public school student, the school sets the requirements.

How to start

Ask your district, nearby districts or your county office of education what independent study or home-based programs they offer. An inter-district transfer may be possible.