California

California has no specific homeschool statute. Instead, homeschooling operates under the private school exemption to compulsory education.

Key Statutes

Significant Case Law

Jonathan L. v. Superior Court (2008) — California Court of Appeal confirmed that parents have the right to homeschool their children by establishing a home-based private school. This landmark case settled the legal status of homeschooling in California.

Important: The Private School Affidavit (PSA) does not create, license, or approve your school. It simply documents that a private school exists for statistical purposes and attendance verification.

California provides four legal ways to educate your child at home:

Which Option is Right for You?

• Option 1: Best for maximum control and independence at lowest cost.
• Option 2: Best for privacy, administrative support, and avoiding state filing.
• Option 3: Best if you are a certified teacher or can hire one.
• Option 4: Best if you need access to CIF sports or want free curriculum/materials.

This is the most common option. You establish your own private school and file directly with the state.

Private School Affidavit (PSA)

• Filing Period: October 1-15 annually (system open August 1 - June 30)
• File With: California Department of Education (online)
• Cost: Free

Requirements

What California Does NOT Require

• No minimum hours or days
• No testing or assessment
• No curriculum approval
• No teacher certification
• No home visits or inspections

Tip: Do NOT contact your local school district. They have no authority over private schools. File directly with the CDE.

Also called "umbrella schools," PSPs are private schools that enroll homeschoolers.

How It Works

1. You enroll in an existing PSP
2. PSP files the Private School Affidavit
3. You become a "teacher" in their school
4. PSP maintains required records
5. You teach at home with curriculum freedom

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No PSA filing yourself
• Greater privacy (your name not on state records)
• Administrative support & transcripts
• Some offer community/activities

Cons:

• Enrollment fees ($50-$400 typically)
• Must follow PSP's requirements
• Still no CIF sports eligibility

Under EC § 48224, children can be taught by a private tutor who holds a valid California teaching credential for the grade level taught. Instruction must be for at least 3 hours per day, 175 days per year, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Children enroll in a public school ISP or homeschool-friendly charter school.

• How it works: Parent teaches at home, but student is legally a public school student.
• Benefits: Access to CIF sports, free curriculum, credentialed teacher support, school issues diploma.
• Trade-offs: Must follow state standards, subject to testing, regular meetings/accountability.

Private schools must "offer" the courses required in public schools. Note: You must offer them, but there's no requirement that students must take or pass specific courses.

Grades 1-6 (EC § 51210)

English, Mathematics, Social Sciences (history/geography/civics), Science, Visual & Performing Arts, Health, Physical Education.

Grades 7-12 (EC § 51220)

All of the above, plus Foreign Language, Applied Arts, Career Technical Education, and Driver Education (optional).

Practical Application: You must have a "course of study" document listing subjects you offer. Students don't have to study every subject every year. You choose curriculum, methods, and materials.

Private schools must maintain the following records (EC § 33190):

1. Attendance Records: Register showing daily attendance and absences.
2. Courses of Study: Documentation of subjects offered.
3. Faculty Information: Names, addresses, and qualifications of teachers.

Important Notes

• Retention: Keep attendance records throughout enrollment. Preserve transcripts permanently.
• Inspections: District attendance officers may verify PSA filing but have NO authority to evaluate your school, inspect records without a warrant, or approve your curriculum.
• Fingerprinting: NOT required for parents teaching only their own children.

Diplomas & Transcripts

As a private school administrator, you determine graduation requirements and issue the diploma. Parent-issued diplomas are legally valid.

College Admission

• UC System: Accepts homeschool transcripts but requires "a-g" subject pattern (15 units) and may request additional documentation.
• Community Colleges: Excellent pathway for homeschoolers. Open enrollment (18+ or diploma) and transfer options to UC/CSU.

CHSPE

The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) is available at age 16+ or after 10th grade. Passing is the legal equivalent of a high school diploma.

Tip: For college-bound students, maintain detailed course descriptions and consider using community college dual enrollment to validate coursework.

Sports: CIF Rules

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) governs high school sports.

"Only students regularly enrolled in public and private CIF member schools... shall be permitted to participate."

Impact: Private homeschoolers (Option 1, 2, 3) are NOT eligible for CIF sports teams. Only students in Public ISPs/Charters (Option 4) are eligible.

Alternatives: Community college sports, club sports, recreational leagues, or private leagues.

Other Access

California law is silent on access to classes or extracurriculars. Most districts do NOT allow part-time enrollment. Special education services are not an automatic entitlement for private school students (unlike ISP/Charter students who are entitled to IEP services).

California's homeschool environment is unique:

Advantages:

1. Low regulation — No testing, no evaluation, no hours
2. Curriculum freedom — Complete control
3. Multiple pathways — Options for privacy and support
4. Community college access — Excellent dual enrollment

Challenges:

1. No CIF sports — Major limitation for athletes
2. No homeschool statute — Operating under private school law

Comparison Table

*Texas only requires notification if withdrawing from public school