5 Common Misconceptions About Homeschool Laws in California
California is one of the most flexible states when it comes to homeschooling—but that doesn’t stop confusion from spreading. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a credential to homeschool, or if homeschooling is even legal here, you’re not alone.
Let’s clear up five of the most common myths about California homeschool laws so you can move forward with confidence.
1. “Homeschooling is illegal in California.”
This is completely false. Homeschooling is legal and recognized under multiple provisions in California’s Education Code. While the law doesn’t specifically use the word “homeschool,” families meet the legal requirements by using one of several exemptions from public school enrollment—most commonly the Private School Affidavit (PSA).
Learn more about how it works on our Understanding California Homeschool Laws page.
2. “You need a teaching credential to homeschool.”
Only if you’re using the private tutor exemption—which very few families do.
Most homeschoolers in California either:
- Establish their own private school at home via a
PSA, or
- Enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
Neither option requires a credential. You just need to be “capable of teaching,” which the law leaves open to parental discretion.
3. “You have to use a specific curriculum.”
California doesn’t mandate any specific curriculum for homeschoolers. If you file a PSA, you’re in full control of how and what your child learns—as long as you provide instruction in the general subjects taught in public school, like English, math, science, and social studies.
This means:
- You can choose textbooks, websites, games, or real-world experiences.
- You don’t need approval or permission.
- There’s no reporting required on what curriculum you use.
Read more about
how homeschooling works in California.
4. “You must follow the public school calendar.”
Nope. Homeschoolers can set their own daily and yearly schedules. Private schools are expected to operate for a “similar length of time” as public schools (typically interpreted as 175 days per year), but how you arrange those days is up to you.
You can homeschool:
- Year-round
- With a four-day school week
- Around your travel, work, or family needs
This flexibility is one of the reasons many families choose homeschooling in the first place.
5. “You have to test your child each year.”
There is no statewide testing requirement for students homeschooling under a PSA or PSP in California. You're not required to give your child standardized tests, report scores, or submit assessments to the state.
That said, some families choose to test periodically for their own information—or to prepare for transitions to public school or college. But it’s entirely optional unless you’re enrolled in a public charter or independent study program, which may have testing requirements.
Learn more about records to keep on file to stay compliant without overcomplicating things.
Understanding the law is one of the first (and sometimes most intimidating) steps in homeschooling. But once the myths are cleared up, most families realize just how much freedom and flexibility California homeschoolers truly have.
Want support and resources from real California homeschoolers?
Join HSC to get access to legal tools, ongoing updates, and a statewide community that’s here to help.
