Homeschooling is a legal and popular option in California. Families may choose from several pathways to educate their children at home. For example, you can file a private school affidavit (PSA) and run a home-based private school, enroll your child in a public charter school that allows home instruction, join a public independent study program, or even use a credentialed private tutor. Each route has specific requirements, but all ultimately let parents provide a personalized education. This guide outlines the legal steps California parents must take and reviews curriculum options for K–12 learners.

Key Points On California Homeschooling: Homeschooling is legal in California through several options, most commonly by filing a Private School Affidavit or enrolling in a charter or independent study program. Parents must teach core subjects, keep basic records, and choose a curriculum that fits their child. Oversight is minimal, and families have wide flexibility in how learning happens.

Homeschooling Options in California

  • Home-based Private School (PSA). Most homeschoolers operate as a private school and file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education (CDE) each year. Once the affidavit is filed, your home is officially a private school, giving you freedom to choose curriculum and teaching methods.
  • Public Charter School. Many California charter schools welcome homeschoolers. These schools are publicly funded, tuition-free, and often offer flexible or online programs tailored to home-based students.
  • Public Independent Study Program. Most school districts offer independent study or home-study programs. In these programs, a certificated teacher oversees the work while the child learns mostly off campus. Independent study students follow the district’s curriculum and meet similar standards as classroom pupils.
  • Private Tutoring or Satellite Programs. California law allows a credentialed tutor to teach a child at home (minimum 3 hours/day for 175 days). Some families also join Private School Satellite Programs (PSPs), which are administrative networks that handle paperwork while parents teach.

Getting Started: Legal Steps

  1. Choose Your Homeschooling Path. Decide whether to file a PSA (home-based private school) or enroll in a charter/independent-study program. (California law recognizes all these as legal options.)
  2. File the Private School Affidavit (if applicable). If you run a home-based private school, you must file a PSA with the CDE every year (per Ed. Code §33190). CDE’s online system opens each August 1 and stays open through June 30 of the following year (statutory window Oct. 1–15). Filing the PSA declares that you will comply with California’s requirements (teaching in English, covering required subjects, keeping attendance, etc.).
  3. Enroll in a School Program (if not filing a PSA). If you prefer public options, contact local charter schools or your district’s educational options office. Charter schools often let you enroll as a student-at-home, providing curriculum and teacher support. District independent study programs require signing a learning agreement with a credentialed teacher. Either way, you’ll have an enrollment process similar to public school registration.
  4. Plan Your Curriculum. California requires homeschool curricula to cover the “several branches of study” taught in public schools. At minimum, this means teaching English/language arts, math, science, social studies (including California and U.S. history), health, and physical education. (See CDE’s Content Standards and Curriculum Frameworks for grade-by-grade guidance.) High schoolers should also prepare any courses needed for graduation or college admission (see CDE’s high school requirements).

Homeschool Curriculum Options

Parents have many choices to suit their children’s grade levels and learning styles. California does not mandate a specific curriculum, but homeschools usually align with state standards. Common approaches include:

  • Structured/Textbook Programs. These use grade-level textbooks or complete curricula (e.g. math workbooks, readers, science kits). They cover core subjects sequentially and often mirror a traditional school scope and sequence.
  • Online and Virtual Courses. Plenty of online programs (free or paid) meet California standards. For example, free public cyber-schools (California Virtual Academies, iLEAD, etc.) offer complete online curricula. Many private programs (K12, Time4Learning, Khan Academy, etc.) provide interactive lessons and grading. These can be used full-time or supplement other studies.
  • Unit Studies and Project-Based Learning. Some families combine subjects into thematic units (integrating history, science, art around a central topic) or pursue long-term projects. This approach allows flexibility and hands-on learning.
  • Unschooling / Child-Led Learning. In this philosophy, children learn through life experiences, reading, and interest-driven projects. The “unschooling” model emphasizes that children naturally pursue knowledge, with parents facilitating resources.
  • Homeschool Co-ops and Classes. Many California parents join local homeschool co-ops or classes for subjects like science labs, foreign language, or electives. Libraries, museums, and community colleges also offer classes or labs that enrich the curriculum.
  • Customized Blends. It’s common to mix methods: for example, using a textbook for math, an online curriculum for language arts, and projects for science. The choice depends on your child’s needs and your teaching philosophy.

For elementary grades, curricula focus on foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and basic science/social studies, often with creative or play-based elements. For middle/high school, curricula become more subject-specific. High schoolers should keep clear records (transcripts) of courses and credits. If college is a goal, follow courses that meet the “a–g” requirements for California universities (CDE provides guidelines).

Keeping Records and Meeting Requirements

California homeschool laws impose very little state oversight beyond the initial filings. However, you must keep simple records for a home-based private school. Legally, you are required to: record daily attendance in a register (marking each half-day absence) and document the courses of study you cover. (CDE recommends keeping copies of your PSA and any progress reports.) These records demonstrate compliance with laws in case they are requested. Note: You do not report grades to the public school district (unless enrolling through public programs).

Unlike a public school, there is no state test or evaluation requirement for private homeschools. Once your PSA is filed, the state considers the child exempt from compulsory public school, provided you meet the basic requirements (teaching required subjects, attendance, etc.). Charter or independent-study schools may require standardized tests or report cards as part of enrollment, but that varies by program.

Getting Help and Resources

Though not required, many California homeschool families join support groups or use online resources. For example, the California Homeschool Network and Homeschool Association of California offer information, conferences, and community forums.

Quick Homeschool FAQ

Is homeschooling legal in California?

Yes. California allows homeschooling through a Private School Affidavit, public charter schools, independent study programs, or credentialed private tutors.

Do I have to follow a specific curriculum?

No. California does not mandate a specific curriculum, but required subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies must be taught.

Are homeschoolers required to take state tests?

No for private homeschools filing a PSA. Testing requirements only apply if you enroll through a public charter or independent study program.