Homeschool Laws in California

California's homeschool law is unique: there is no specific homeschool statute. Instead, families use one of several legal options to comply with compulsory attendance law. The most common path is filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA).

Your Legal Options in California

Option 1 — File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) — Most Common

California Education Code § 48222 exempts children from compulsory attendance if they are enrolled in a private school. By filing a PSA, you declare your home a private school.

The PSA is filed online with the California Department of Education annually, typically in October (the filing window opens October 1 and closes October 15, though late filings are accepted).

What the PSA requires you to certify:

• Instruction in English (required by state law)
• Instruction in the required subjects (see below)
• That instruction is by "persons capable of teaching" (no specific qualifications defined)
• That you keep an attendance register and maintain it for 3 years

There is no fee for the PSA. You can file at the CDE private school affidavit portal.

Option 2 — Hire a Credentialed Private Tutor

California Education Code § 48224 allows a child to receive instruction from a credentialed tutor at home. The tutor must hold a valid California teaching credential in the subject(s) taught.

This option is less common and more expensive, but some families prefer the structured oversight.

Option 3 — Enroll in a Public Independent Study Program

Many California school districts offer independent study programs (often called "ISPs") where the family technically enrolls in the public school and receives curriculum and support from a credentialed teacher, but the student works at home.

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) and other charter schools operate statewide and are free to enroll.

Option 4 — Enroll with a Private Umbrella School

Some families enroll their child in a private school that offers a home-based or satellite program. The family operates under the umbrella school's PSA and oversight.

Required Subjects

If you file your own PSA, California law requires instruction in:

• English (grammar, reading, penmanship, spelling, written and oral communication)
• Mathematics (including mental arithmetic)
• Social Studies (including civics, US history, California history, geography)
• Science
• Fine Arts (art and music)
• Health (including instruction in alcohol, drug, and tobacco prevention)
• Physical Education (at least 200 minutes per 10 school days for grades 1–6)

Attendance Records

California requires private schools (including your home school) to keep an attendance register. This does not need to be submitted anywhere, but must be kept for 3 years and produced if requested in a court proceeding.

A simple daily log or calendar works fine.

Compulsory School Age

California's compulsory attendance age is 6 through 18. Transitional kindergarten (TK) at age 4–5 is optional.

No Testing Requirement

California does not require standardized testing for students in private schools (including home schools filing a PSA). You assess your child's progress however you see fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PSA public record? Yes. The names of private schools and their administrators (you) become part of the public record. Some families choose a business-like name for their home school on the PSA for privacy reasons.

What happens if I don't file a PSA? You may be reported to the school district as truant. California has pursued prosecution of some families who failed to comply with compulsory attendance law.

Can my child play public school sports? No. California does not have a Tim Tebow-style law allowing home-educated students to participate in public school athletics.

What is the CHEA? CHEA of California (Christian Home Educators Association) is the largest private school umbrella organization in the state and provides legal coverage, resources, and community for California homeschoolers.

Key Resources

• California Department of Education — Private Schools
• CDE Private School Affidavit Filing
• HSLDA — California
• CHEA of California