California Homeschooling: 3 Options Explained

Starting your homeschooling journey in California can feel like a big step, but understanding your options is the key to moving forward with confidence. The state offers several legal pathways for families to educate their children at home. This guide will walk you through the three main options so you can find the one that best fits your family's needs.

Understanding Your Three Main Paths

In California, you can legally homeschool your child in one of three ways. You can establish your own home-based private school, enroll your child in a public independent study program, or hire a credentialed private tutor. Each path comes with different requirements for record-keeping, curriculum, and funding.

Choosing an option is about finding the right balance of independence and support for your family. Some parents prefer complete control over their child's education, while others value the structure and resources that come with a public program. Let's look at each choice in more detail.

Option 1: File a Private School Affidavit (PSA)

This is the most common path for families who want maximum freedom and control over their homeschool. By filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA), you are establishing your home as a legally recognized private school, with you as the administrator and teacher. This option makes you fully responsible for your child's education, from curriculum choices to record-keeping.

How to Get Started with a PSA

Setting up your own home-based private school involves a few key steps. Once you complete the initial filing, you will have ongoing responsibilities to maintain your school's status.

1. Withdraw from School (If Applicable): If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you should notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing them to be taught at home in a private school. It's a good practice to keep a copy of this letter and the confirmation of your filed affidavit. This helps the school district verify that your child is not truant.

2. File the Private School Affidavit: You must file a PSA online with the California Department of Education (CDE). The official filing period is October 1–15 of each school year. However, the online system is available throughout the year for new schools that start mid-year. This form asks for basic information about your school, such as its name, address, and the number of students.

Ongoing Responsibilities for a PSA

Operating as a private school means you are responsible for meeting certain state requirements for instruction and record-keeping.

• Teach Required Subjects: The state requires that private schools provide instruction in the same general areas of study as public schools. These include English (covering reading, writing, and spelling), mathematics, science, social sciences, fine arts, health, and physical education. The state does not approve or provide curriculum; you have the freedom to choose the books, materials, and methods you believe are best for your child.

• Keep Required Records: As the school administrator, you must maintain several documents. These include a copy of your filed PSA, an attendance register, a list of the courses of study you are offering, and records for the faculty (which, in this case, is you). For attendance, you must keep a daily record and note any absences of a half-day or more.

• Re-file Annually: You must re-file the Private School Affidavit each year, even if nothing about your school has changed. Mark your calendar for the October 1–15 filing window to ensure you remain in compliance.

Option 2: Public Independent Study Programs

If you'd like more support and less administrative burden, enrolling in a public independent study program might be a good fit. These programs are offered by both charter schools and traditional public school districts. Your child remains a public school student, but their instruction takes place at home.

In this model, the school provides the curriculum and materials, which are aligned with state standards. You act as a co-teacher, guiding your child through the lessons with the support of a credentialed teacher from the school. This teacher typically meets with you and your child on a regular basis to review work, answer questions, and ensure progress.

Because these are public programs, there is no cost to you. Many programs even provide a budget for supplemental materials, classes, or field trips. The trade-off is less autonomy; you will have to follow the school's curriculum and calendar, and your child will likely need to participate in state testing. The school handles all legal compliance and record-keeping, freeing you from those tasks.

Option 3: Hire a Credentialed Tutor

A third, less common option is to hire a California-credentialed private tutor to educate your child. This is different from hiring a tutor for extra help; in this arrangement, the tutor is the primary instructor responsible for your child's full-time education.

For this option to be legally compliant, the instruction provided by the tutor must meet specific state requirements regarding the number of hours and days per year. The tutor is responsible for ensuring the educational program meets all legal standards. The parent's role is to facilitate the arrangement, but the legal burden of providing an appropriate education falls on the credentialed professional.

This is often the most expensive route, as you are paying for a professional's dedicated time. It is typically used in unique situations, such as for a child actor or athlete whose schedule makes traditional schooling difficult. The curriculum and teaching style are determined by the tutor in agreement with the family.

Comparing Your California Homeschool Options

Choosing the right path depends on your goals, your budget, and how much direct involvement you want to have in the administrative side of homeschooling.

• For Maximum Autonomy: The Private School Affidavit (PSA) gives you complete control. You choose the curriculum, set the schedule, and manage all records. This path is entirely parent-funded.

• For Maximum Support: A Public Independent Study Program offers the most structure and resources. The school provides curriculum, teacher support, and funding, but you have less freedom in what and how you teach.

• For Professional Instruction: Hiring a Credentialed Tutor places the responsibility for instruction and compliance on a paid professional. This offers a high degree of personalization but is generally the most expensive option.

A Note on Legal Requirements

Homeschooling laws and regulations can change, and official procedures are often updated. It is important to confirm requirements directly with the California Department of Education (CDE). They are the ultimate authority on what is required for each homeschooling path.

Here are some official resources to help you:

• CDE — Private School Affidavit Information
• California Education Code §33190 (Private School Requirements)
• California Education Code §48222 (Compulsory Attendance Exemptions)

Choosing Your Path Forward

Each of these paths offers a valid and legal way to provide a rich education for your child at home. Take some time to consider your family's educational philosophy, your budget, and your desire for either independence or support. Many families in California are thriving on each of these paths. As you map out your school year, tools like Doodlepad can help you organize your lessons and track progress to meet your goals, especially if you choose the PSA route.