Understanding California Homeschool Laws:

What You Need to Know

If you're considering homeschooling in California, understanding the legal landscape is essential. California law requires children to attend school—but homeschooling is a legal and valid way to meet that requirement. This guide walks you through what the law says, the legal options available to families, and what’s required to stay compliant.

California Homeschool Laws at a Glance

Legal Options: 3 primary paths

Required School Ages: 6 to 18

Notification Required: Yes (varies by option)

Parent Qualifications: None, unless using a tutor with a credential

Subjects Required: Yes, under private school options

Standardized Testing: Not required for PSA or PSP options

Immunizations: Not required for home-based private schools

Who Must Attend School in California?


California law requires all children ages 6 to 18 to be enrolled in full-time education unless they qualify for an exemption. Children who turn six on or before September 1 must be enrolled for that school year.

This is referred to as compulsory education, and it applies to every student unless their family uses a legal alternative such as a private school, public charter program, or certified tutor.


For details, see California Education Code §48200.

Homeschooled children in California exploring geography using a map on a whiteboard.
A blue mountain with a white circle in the middle on a white background.

Legal Ways to Homeschool in California

California doesn’t use the word “homeschooling” in its education code. Instead, families meet the law by choosing one of several exemptions from public school enrollment:

This is the most independent path. You file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education and operate your own private school for your children.

Requirements include:

  • Filing the PSA between October 1–15 each year (or after unenrolling, if starting mid-year)

  • Keeping basic records: attendance, course of study, faculty info (you), and immunization records

  • Covering core academic subjects outlined by the state.


Learn How to File a PSA

A PSP is a private school that supports home-based learners. They file the PSA on your behalf and often help with transcripts, records, and sometimes curriculum planning.


Important notes:


  • PSPs vary widely—some are administrative only, others offer structure or community

  • Out-of-state PSPs must file a California PSA to meet legal requirements

Before enrolling, verify that the PSP complies with California law.

Some public schools and charter programs offer independent study or homeschool-like support. These options still count as public school enrollment and require:



  • Regular check-ins with a credentialed teacher

  • Compliance with testing and reporting

  • Use of approved materials or curriculum

Many charters offer educational funding or access to enrichment classes. But keep in mind, these programs may come with more oversight and less flexibility than private options.

Read More about Charter Schools

You can hire a tutor—or be one yourself if you have a valid California multiple-subject teaching credential—to instruct your child full-time.


The tutor must:

  • Teach for 3 hours/day, 175 days/year, between 8 AM–4 PM

  • Teach in English

  • Cover required public school subjects

This option has strict requirements and is rarely used on its own. Many credentialed parents choose to file a PSA instead due to the flexibility it offers.

A blue and white mountain with a white circle in the middle.
California homeschool student studying science at home with a wind turbine model.

What Subjects Are Required?


If you’re homeschooling under the PSA or PSP route, California requires that you offer instruction in the “branches of study required in public schools.” These include:


  • English
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social studies
  • Fine arts
  • Health
  • Physical education

You don’t have to use state curriculum or report grades, but your course of study should reflect these general subjects.

Learn About Records to Keep on File

Related Blogs on California Homeschool Law

Looking for more information on specific legal topics? These blog posts go deeper into common questions and scenarios faced by California homeschoolers:

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California homeschoolers, concerned about CPS? HSC explains your legal rights & offers resources to minimize risk & navigate interactions.
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Get clear answers to common legal questions about homeschooling in California, including requirements, PSA filing, and parent qualifications.
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Navigating California's regulations for private schools? Learn about establishment procedures, health & safety codes, homeschooling statutes, & 1st grade health screenings.
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April 3, 2024
Facing divorce, CPS, or other challenges while homeschooling in CA? Find resources & support for common legal & procedural hurdles.
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April 3, 2024
Ensure homeschooling stays legal in California! Visit your legislators & advocate for your choice. Learn how to schedule meetings, what to say, & why bipartisan support is crucial. Fight for your right to homeschool!
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April 3, 2024
Confused about the Private School Affidavit (PSA) for homeschooling in California? The HSC clarifies everything! Learn who needs to file, deadlines, required information, and how the PSA works. Decide if it's the right option for your homeschooling journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About

California Homeschool Laws

  • Is homeschooling legal in California?

    Yes. Homeschooling is legal in California. Families typically meet the legal requirements by filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA), enrolling in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP), joining a public charter school, or hiring a credentialed tutor.

  • Do I need a teaching credential to homeschool my child in California?

    No. You do not need a teaching credential unless you are using the private tutor exemption, which requires a valid California teaching credential. Most families use the PSA or PSP option, which does not require credentials.

  • At what age is homeschooling required in California?

    Children must be enrolled in school (or legally exempt) from ages 6 to 18. If your child turns 6 on or before September 1 of the school year, they must be enrolled for that year.

  • What records am I required to keep?

    If you homeschool under a PSA or PSP, you should keep:


    Attendance records


    A list of courses of study


    A list of instructional materials


    Faculty qualifications (you, as the teacher)


    Immunization records or exemption


    More details are on our Records to Keep on File page.

  • Do I have to follow the same school calendar as public schools?

    No. Homeschoolers under PSA or PSP options can create their own schedule. However, the law does state that private schools must operate for a “similar length of time” to public schools—generally understood to mean around 175 days per year.

  • Is testing required for homeschoolers in California?

    No. There is no statewide requirement for homeschoolers to take standardized tests under the PSA or PSP options. However, public charter programs may require testing.

  • Do homeschoolers have to teach specific subjects?

    Yes. Under California law, private schools (including home-based schools) must offer instruction in the “branches of study” taught in public schools, such as:


    English


    Math


    Science


    Social Studies


    Fine Arts


    Health


    Physical Education


    There is no required curriculum, and families choose how to teach these subjects.

  • Can my homeschooled child participate in public school activities?

    If your child is enrolled in a public charter or independent study program, they may have access to school activities depending on the district’s policies. Students homeschooling under PSA or PSP are considered private school students and access to public school programs is not guaranteed.

  • What is the PSA and when do I file it?

    The Private School Affidavit (PSA) is a form you file with the California Department of Education to establish your home as a private school. File between October 1–15 each year, or the same day you withdraw your child if starting mid-year.


    Learn more on our How to Start Homeschooling in California page.

Looking for deeper legal questions? See our extended Legal FAQs

Need Help Navigating the Legal Side of Homeschooling in California?

HSC provides reliable, California-specific information, not fear-based advice. We’re here to empower you, not pressure you.  Homeschooling in California is legal, doable, and supported. You don’t have to do it alone. Join HSC and get the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need to start strong and stay confident.

Become an HSC Member

Staying Informed About Legal Issues


The Homeschool Association of California (HSC) actively monitors legislation that may affect homeschool families. While changes are rare, staying informed helps protect your rights and helps you advocate when necessary.


See current issues on our Legislative Watch:

A judge 's gavel sits on top of a california republic flag
By Jamie Heston April 10, 2025
Stay informed about California bills AB84 and SB414, which could impact public charter school funding and vendor access for homeschool families. Learn what’s at stake and how to take action.
A judge 's gavel sits on top of a california republic flag
April 3, 2024
STATUS UPDATE: APRIL 19, 2018  This bill has been pulled from the Education Committee's agenda. This bill will not be heard on April 25, 2018, and therefore cannot continue this legislative session
A judge 's gavel sits on top of a california republic flag
April 3, 2024
STATUS UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2018 This bill has failed in the Assembly Education committee
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