State Requirements

Homeschooling in California

Regulation: Low-Moderate

Requirements are light, but there are a few things you'll need to handle. Nothing overwhelming.

California gives you 4 different ways to homeschool, each with its own set of rules. Choosing the right pathway is the first decision you'll make.

Option 1: Home-Based Private School (PSA)

Most freedom. File PSA = you become a private school. No testing, no reporting, no curriculum approval.

How to start: File Private School Affidavit (PSA) online with the California Department of Education. Filing period October 1–15 annually.
Parent qualifications: None specified. "Capable of teaching" is implied.
Required subjects: English, math, social sciences, science, fine arts, health, and PE — same as public schools.
Testing: Not required.
Dual enrollment: Available.

Legal reference: EC §33190, §48222

Option 2: Private School Satellite (PSP)

Less paperwork. An umbrella school handles compliance. You teach at home under their structure.

How to start: Enroll in an existing private school that serves homeschoolers. The PSP files its own PSA.
Required subjects: Same as public schools. PSP may specify additional requirements.
Testing: Varies by PSP. Some require annual testing.
Dual enrollment: Available.

Legal reference: EC §33190 (under umbrella school's PSA)

Option 3: Public Charter School

Charter provides curriculum funds and teacher support. Your student is technically a public school student.

How to start: Enroll through a charter school. The charter handles all reporting.
Required subjects: Determined by charter school. Must meet CA content standards.
Testing: Yes. Charter may require CAASPP plus additional testing.
Progress reports: Charter school manages all reporting.
Dual enrollment: Available.

Legal reference: EC §47612

Option 4: Credentialed Tutor

Requires a valid CA teaching credential. 3 hours/day, 175 days/year, 8 am–4 pm. Less commonly used.

How to start: No PSA filing needed. Tutor must hold a valid CA teaching credential for the appropriate grade level.
Parent qualifications: Valid CA teaching credential required.
Required subjects: Same branches of study as public schools. Taught in English.
Days / hours: 3+ hours/day, 175+ days/year, 8 am – 4 pm.
Testing: Not required.
Dual enrollment: Available.

Legal reference: EC §48224

Option 1 — PSA: Most freedom. No testing, no reporting, no curriculum approval. File the Private School Affidavit online during the annual window (October 1–15) to become your own private school under California law.

Option 2 — PSP: Less paperwork. An umbrella private school handles compliance; you teach at home following their structure. Costs and requirements vary by PSP. Works well for families who want structure without filing their own PSA.

Option 3 — Charter school: Your student is technically a public school student. The charter funds curriculum and manages compliance. You have less independence — the charter sets the direction. You cannot file a PSA while enrolled in a charter school.

Option 4 — Credentialed tutor: Requires a valid California teaching credential (parent or hired tutor). Specific hours on a specific schedule. Least commonly used; most families choose PSA or PSP.

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Last reviewed: 2026-01