How to File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) in California

When to File a PSA?

Section 33190 of the Education Code requires private schools to file between October 1 and October 15 each year.

However:

• The PSA is available on the California Department of Education (CDE) website all year long (except June 20–July 31) for those starting mid-year.
  
  
• New schools: File as soon as you unenroll your child if it's after October 15.
  
  
• Established schools: Begin filing between August 1 and October 15 (as of 2023, the PSA is available starting August 1).
  
  

File yearly. Always unenroll from your current school before filing.

But if the school year starts in August and I don’t file until October, does that make my child truant?

The fact that the affidavits are filed after the school year typically starts is not a problem. No private school can file before October 1, and the state does not claim that every private school student is truant between mid-August and October 1. If you are contacted after the typical school year begins but before October by anyone who has a right to see your school's affidavit, you should explain that no private school can file an affidavit before October 1. You can also offer to show them your affidavit from the prior year, or, if you did not file it in the prior year, offer to mail them a copy when you can (after you've filed it).

As long as you follow the private school statutory requirements, your school is a legal private school. Fill out the private school affidavit carefully and accurately, return it in a timely manner, and keep a copy of it with your homeschool records. If you are visited by a truancy officer or contacted by school officials, read our detailed guide on handling truancy contacts here.

Where to File a PSA

The PSA is filed electronically on the California Department of Education website. 

Once submitted, your affidavit is entered into the CDE database, accessible to school districts statewide. Filing procedures may change, so always check the latest updates on the HSC Legal Info page or the CDE website.

Electronic Signatures are Legally Binding

When you file electronically:

• Your submission is a legal signature under penalty of perjury.
  
  
• By clicking “submit,” you’re attesting that all information is true and that you’re maintaining the required records.
  
  
• You’ll receive a confirmation number (and an email confirmation if you provide an email).
  
  

Important:

• Always print/save a copy of your affidavit before ending your session.
  
  
• The state can prosecute for perjury if false information is submitted.
  

Will filing a PSA online increase our risk of scrutiny by truant officers?

Some worry that filing online might attract unwanted attention from truancy officers. In fact, we believe the opposite is true—filing online keeps your documentation clear and accessible. While the form asks for details like your phone number and school district, these are routine and not a cause for concern.

If you have strong objections to filing online, you can submit a “Statement in Lieu of an Affidavit” containing all the required legal information (see Calif. Education Code §33190).

Reminder:
All affidavits—whether filed online or by mail—are public documents.