California makes it genuinely doable to guide your child's education in a way that fits your family. Many families choose to homeschool to match learning with real-life needs, family values, and the pace their child learns best. If you're considering this path, knowing your options and the requirements takes away most of the guesswork.
This guide covers how to start, the five legal ways to homeschool in the state, what records you need to keep, and where to find support, so your move into homeschooling feels smoother and less overwhelming.
How to start homeschooling in California
If you want the short version before the details, here's the path most families follow:
- Choose your legal option. Decide among a home-based private school, a private school satellite program (PSP), a credentialed private tutor, a public school independent study program, or a public charter school (more on each below).
- File or enroll. If you're running a home-based private school, file the Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education during the filing window. If you choose a PSP, charter, or independent study program, complete their enrollment instead.
- Plan your subjects. Cover the core subjects California expects: English, math, science, social studies, health, fine arts, and physical education.
- Set up recordkeeping. Start an attendance log and a folder for course lists, work samples, and your affidavit or enrollment paperwork.
- Build your learning plan. Choose curriculum, add classes or a tutor for subjects you'd rather outsource, and connect with a local homeschool community.
The five legal ways to homeschool in California
In California, you can homeschool in five legal ways. Each has its own rules, but all of them satisfy the state's compulsory education requirements.
1. Establish a home-based private school
Creating a private school at home is a popular route. Families take full responsibility for curriculum, teaching, and records. Each year, parents file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the state and maintain attendance logs and course lists. The statutory filing period is October 1 through 15, though the system stays open August 1 through June 30 to accommodate families who start mid-year. This option offers the most independence and no public funding.
2. Enroll in a private school satellite program (PSP)
PSPs support families who want to teach at home while staying connected to an established school. The PSP files the affidavit on your behalf and can help with recordkeeping, curriculum guidance, and sometimes in-person classes and community events. It adds structure and a bit of extra help under a private school umbrella.
3. Hire a credentialed private tutor
You can hire a certified California teacher to instruct your child at home. The tutor must hold a valid California teaching credential for the grade level they teach, and instruction must cover the core subjects for at least three hours a day, 175 days a year, between 8am and 4pm. This works well if you want professional guidance without a traditional school.
4. Join a public school independent study program
Some public districts run independent study programs that let kids learn at home with support from school staff. These provide lesson plans, teacher check-ins, and often materials. You follow the school's requirements but get more flexibility than a classroom schedule, and some allow your child to attend a few classes on campus.
5. Enroll in a non-classroom-based (NCB) or hybrid public charter school
California has many public charter schools with home-based and hybrid options. Charters often provide curriculum, teacher support, and enrichment while letting families lead learning at home. Many NCB charters also offer public funds families can spend on approved secular curriculum, supplies, in-person classes, and enrichment.
Requirements for homeschooling in California
Once you've picked your route, here's what to keep up with through the year to stay compliant and organized.
Enrollment paperwork
Families using the private school affidavit route file the PSA every year. Charter and independent study programs handle their own enrollment forms. If you hire a private tutor, you won't file an affidavit, but you must verify the tutor's valid California teaching credential.
Attendance and instruction
California's compulsory education laws require homeschooled students to keep a daily attendance record. Private schools and tutors track absences and ensure lessons cover the required core subjects, generally taught in English. Private tutors must provide at least three hours of instruction a day for at least 175 days a year during regular school hours.
Required subjects
Families who homeschool privately choose or create their own curriculum, but it must cover the same general subjects taught in public schools: English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health, and physical education. California's content standards and curriculum frameworks are a helpful planning reference, though you're free to build interest-led lessons around them. If you're starting from scratch, our step-by-step guide to building a homeschool curriculum walks through the process.
Recordkeeping essentials
Beyond attendance logs, private homeschoolers keep copies of each year's affidavit, course lists, and basic teacher records (names and addresses). It's smart to also save lesson plans, report cards, and work samples, even when not strictly required. They come in handy if your child returns to public school or applies to college.
Testing and assessments
California does not require standardized testing for private homeschoolers. Charter and public school independent study programs may include required assessments as part of their policies. Some families also test on their own to check progress. For high schoolers, our guide to California graduation requirements walks through credits and diploma pathways.
Does California have an ESA for homeschooling?
No. California does not have a state-run Education Savings Account (ESA) program, so families who homeschool independently cover their own costs. There is a workaround, though: families can enroll in a public homeschool charter school, which typically provides each student with annual funds (often $2,500 to $3,800) for approved learning resources, including curriculum, supplies, enrichment, and Outschool classes. If your charter lists Outschool as an approved vendor, you can use those funds to register for classes.
Homeschool with Outschool
Families often homeschool because they want learning that fits their child and flexes with daily life. Outschool brings that to life with live classes led by passionate teachers. You can build a full curriculum, outsource a hard-to-teach subject, or add fun extras to brighten the week. Many California families use Outschool to:
- Join engaging live classes that invite participation
- Fit learning into busy days with flexible timing
- Explore a huge range of subjects, from core academics to unique electives
- Give kids a chance to meet and learn with peers
- Keep class details and work samples for their homeschool portfolio
When a subject calls for one-on-one attention, academic tutoring on Outschool pairs your child with a teacher who can meet them right where they are, and you can browse 1:1 tutoring across subjects.
Find support through California homeschool communities
Taking charge of your child's learning feels more manageable when you connect with others on the same path. A few statewide organizations to know:
- California Homeschool Network: legal updates, events, and resources for independent homeschooling families statewide.
- Homeschool Association of California: guidance, advocacy, and an annual conference.
Local groups, from Southern California networks to South Bay park-day communities, open the door to group activities, classes, and friendships. Charter-info groups can also help you compare California homeschool charter options.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the legal ways to homeschool in California?
Families can start a home-based private school, join a private school satellite program (PSP), hire a credentialed private tutor, enroll in a public school independent study program, or sign up with an NCB or hybrid public charter school. Each has its own steps, but all are recognized ways to learn at home.
Do I need to file any forms to homeschool in California?
If you set up a home-based private school, you file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education each year. Charter and independent study programs guide you through their own paperwork instead.
What subjects do homeschooled students need to study?
Cover the same core subjects taught in public schools: English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health, and physical education. California's content standards are a useful starting point, and you're free to weave in interest-led learning.
Does California require homeschoolers to take standardized tests?
No state tests are required if you homeschool through your own private school. If your child is in a public charter or independent study program, testing may be part of the program.
Does California have an ESA or homeschool funding?
There's no state ESA for independent homeschoolers. Families who want funding can enroll in a public homeschool charter, which usually provides annual funds (often $2,500 to $3,800) for approved resources, including Outschool classes when the charter lists Outschool as a vendor.
Can my child return to public school after homeschooling?
Yes. Families can re-enroll whenever they choose. Each district sets its own policies for grade placement and credit transfer, so check with your local school ahead of time.
Your California homeschooling journey starts here
Choosing to homeschool in California opens the door to a more personal way of learning, one that grows with your family. With flexible paths, clear requirements, and supportive communities, you have what you need to build an education that fits your child. Tap into tools like Outschool to add live classes and new subjects as you go, and you'll be ready to help your child stay excited about what's next.
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