Homeschooling in California
Wondering how to homeschool in California? Read on to find out everything you need to know!
Author
Lisa Luciano
Published:
May 2025
Key takeaways
- • California provides multiple options for families who want to homeschool.
- • Some homeschooling options offer funding for homeschooling families.
- • Homeschooling is popular and easy in California.
Until recently, California law did not specifically allow or outlaw homeschooling. Instead, it was categorized as a form of private schooling. In 2008, homeschooling was specifically addressed through a court case that defined homeschooling as a “form of private education.” Currently, California parents who want to homeschool their children have various options, and the legal requirements are minimal. The percentage of students who are homeschooled in California is twice the national average. Perhaps you are wondering how to apply for homeschool in California and would like more information on the best way to begin? Read on to find out how to start homeschooling in California!
Homeschooling in California
Families who want to start homeschooling in California can launch their homeschool in one of the following ways:
1. Submit a document to the California Department of Education to start a home-based private school. If you choose this option, California law requires the homeschooling parent to file this affidavit each year to qualify as a home-based private school.
- This option allows parents the freedom to educate their children according to their values, goals, and student needs.
- Parents are responsible for the financial burden of buying curriculum and materials. (No government funding.)
- The responsibility falls on the parent to keep all private school laws and records.
- The parent must create their support system with other homeschooling groups.
2. Enroll in a charter school. If you choose this option, your child will technically still be in public school. The parent is considered as an assistant and will be assigned a supervising licensed teacher to oversee your homeschool.
- The state pays for curriculum, supplies, and enrichment activities. Textbooks are offered on loan.
- Most charter schools provide a budget that parents can use for a variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance or music lessons.
- Support systems are available.
- Parents must sign a document agreeing that their child will be tested.
- Requirements are subject to state and local education guidelines.
- Faith-based instruction or curriculum may not be allowed.
3. Operate your homeschool under the authority of a private school satellite program (PSP). You can operate your homeschool under a private school that has filed an affidavit. You are the teacher of your children, but the PSP is required to collect records on your homeschool. The PSP may offer enrichment opportunities and curriculum packages.
- Support services are offered; the extent depends on the school.
- The parent pays for PSP fees, books, and educational materials.
- Curriculum guidelines and record-keeping requirements vary by PSP.
4. Use a credentialed tutor. Parents who have a valid California teaching license may teach their own children, provided their credentials cover the grades of their children. Anyone using the private tutorial option must teach a minimum of three hours a day during regular school hours. A parent may also hire a credentialed tutor who is a non-family member.
Table of contents
Homeschooling in California: requirements and laws
Need more details on how to begin homeschooling in California? Parents who wish to start homeschooling independently must file an affidavit establishing a home-based private school. This affidavit must be filed every fall. There are also some additional requirements for a home-based private school in California:
- Instructors must be capable of teaching but do not need to be certified or licensed.
- Instruction must be delivered in the English language.
- A home-based private school must keep attendance records, qualifications of instructors, immunization records, health exam forms or waivers, and a record of the course of study.
Homeschooling in California: curriculum requirements
If you are wondering how to homeschool your child in California, you may want to know what subjects you are required by law to teach. Instruction must be given in various branches of study, as in the public school, but parents can decide the method and materials used in teaching. Not all subjects need to be covered, but a variety of subjects in various fields should be offered to students.
- In grades 1-6: language arts, science, social studies, fine arts, physical education, and health and a math program.
- In grades 7-12: language arts, science, social studies, math, fine arts, health, physical education, foreign language, vocational training, and driver’s education.
Choosing a curriculum
If you have learned more about how to sign up for homeschool in California and are determined to jump in, it may be time to look for a curriculum that fits your child’s needs, and your family’s budget. Choosing a curriculum out of the universe of options can be challenging However, here are some questions to ask first that might point you in the right direction:
- What is my educational philosophy? (What beliefs do you have about education, teaching methods, and how children learn?)
- Where is my child developmentally?
- What is my child’s learning style?
- Will this curriculum allow me to slow down or speed up if needed to accommodate my child’s individual needs?
Where to purchase a homeschool curriculum
Buying a curriculum can feel like a huge task, and parents put pressure on themselves to buy the “right one.” Buying used materials is a great way to try something new without overextending your budget.
- Online Sellers: Amazon.com, Rainbow Resource Center, Homeschool.org, Homeschool Curriculum online sellers.
- Homeschool Conventions: Attend your state homeschool convention, and you will see more curriculum providers than you knew existed. You can see a product demo, meet the publishers, and check out the books firsthand.
- Social Media Sales and Swaps: browse eBay and Craigslist for used curriculum, and check out Facebook homeschool groups to join and to become informed about upcoming sales and curriculum swaps.
- Local Bookstores & Educational Supply Stores
Take homeschool field trips in California
You are learning about how to homeschool in California, discovering state requirements, and getting help with choosing a curriculum. After homeschooling for a while, you and your students might be aching for a break from the bookwork. When that happens, it’s probably a good time for an educational field trip. A large and populous state, California houses endless educational attractions. Check out the California Field Trip Directory, and also this site, which conveniently lists field trip options by grade level and region.
Get support
It is important to have support, especially if you are just starting out with homeschooling. Homeschool groups and coops offer encouragement, practical tips, help for finding curriculum, group activities and more. In addition to local groups, here are some statewide CA homeschooling organizations:
- Homeschool Association of California (HSC) is a secular, inclusive organization of volunteers offering support and resources to homeschooling families.
- Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA) is an organization that has been supporting and providing resources to homeschooling families since 1982.
- Family Protection Ministries For almost four decades, Family Protection MInistries has been monitoring and intervening on legislation affecting homeschooling families.
California Homeschool Network (CHN) is a statewide organization committed to protecting homeschooling parents’ rights to educate their children.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding adventure no matter where you live. Thanks to California’s most recent homeschooling law, the state makes it easy to get started educating your children in a way that best meets their unique needs. Now that you have learned more about how to homeschool in California, consider finding a local homeschool group and explore membership in a statewide homeschooling organization for additional help. Being part of a supportive group enables homeschooling parents to learn more tips for getting started, access resources, and find enrichment opportunities to make homeschooling successful. Enjoy your California homeschooling adventure!
FAQs
California does not fund home-based private schools. However, If parents choose to homeschool through enrollment in a PSP or charter school, they may be able to access government funding.
Yes. California law allows parents to choose from a variety of options. For the least restrictive option, many parents submit a document to the California Department of Education, applying to be a home-based private school. If parents are credentialed to teach in California, they may educate their own children, with a few guidelines. Families can also homeschool in California by enrolling their child in a charter school, or by operating under the authority of a private school satellite (PSP).
A credentialed teacher can operate as a tutor for someone else’s children under the private tutorial option.
California law mandates that children aged 6-18 attend school.
