How to Start Homeschooling in California

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As you know…as you can *feel*…these are unprecedented times. Our world, our country, and our state (California) are reeling from the impact of a pandemic.

One specific area that is affecting countless Californians is that of public education. With the next school year being potentially just weeks away, school districts all over the state are scrambling to come up with a plan forward. Masks or no masks? Distance learning? Who knows?

For many parents, including you, the uncertainty has caused you to consider homeschooling your child(ren). It’s a BIG decision. It’s a decision you haven’t taken lightly. And now, it’s time to figure it all out.

I’m here to help you walk through the options available to you in the state of California. Don’t worry. I’ll explain all of this as we go on. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore how you can legally homeschool in California.

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Is Homeschool Legal in California?

Yes! There are legal ways to homeschool in the state of California. Let’s clear that up right now.

Let me also mention here for the first time (and probably not the last) that there is an organization dedicated to advancing and protecting homeschool freedom for you and me…in other words, keeping it legal for you and me! HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) has been fighting for your family’s rights for over 35 years.

If you choose to homeschool your child(ren) via Option #1 below (and that is the only option for many families right now), I highly recommend joining HSLDA. Join other homeschool parents on your homeschooling journey!

Similarly, Family Protection Ministries (FPM) works specifically for Californians to defend freedoms that we often take for granted, including homeschooling. Consider donating to their cause, as they deal with California legislators on a daily basis on your behalf.

Both of these organizations happen to be led with a Christian perspective, and they are both concerned about your rights and freedoms being defended.

How to Comply with California Homeschool Laws

HSLDA provides great information about your homeschooling options at the following link: California Homeschool Law at a Glance

How to Comply with California Homeschool Law is HSLDA’s step-by-step instructions for Californians who want to homeschool.

If you become a member of HSLDA, you will also be able to download a short legal analysis of California’s homeschool law that references California Education Code for each item. It will explain the state laws and legal requirements of the California Department of Education.

How Do I Legally Homeschool in California?

There are five options for legally homeschooling in the state of California. I’ll present all the options available in the next section.

First, here are some basic requirements:

Age: If your child turns 6 by September 1 in a given year, they need to be in school in the state of California. (If your child has already been in public school, you will need to formally withdraw your child from that current school.)

Days of Instruction: 175 days, but only for public schools. No specific requirement for private schools. (Here are some ideas to maximize your homeschool hours per day.)

Requirements: Must teach in English, and must offer instruction in the branches of study required to be taught in the public schools (core subjects, such as social studies, English language arts, science, and math, to name a few).

Teacher Qualifications: Basically your resumé! Not required to be credentialed in the state of California, unless private tutor option is selected. YOU are your child’s best teacher. You’ve been teaching them since before they were even born!

Standardized Tests: Not required by California statutes.

California Homeschool Options

Option #1: Homeschooling as a Home-Based Private School

This option will be our main focus, as it is the main option for many California families who want to homeschool right now (due to COVID-19 issues and funding freezes in the public school realm). You will essentially be your own private school.

• file private school affidavit (PSA) annually between October 1 and October 15 each school year (you get to give your private school a name!)
• instructor(s) must be capable of teaching (that’s you & you’re capable!)
• attendance must be kept in a register
• Common Core not required
• no monetary resources from state
• most freedom

Grab Your FREE Checklist!

If you’re homeschooling in California as a Home-Based Private School, you need this checklist!

CLICK HERE!

Option #2: Homeschooling with a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

• often charge tuition/fees
• PSP files the affidavit, not you
• may also be other requirements for participating in the PSP
• no monetary resources from state

Option #3: Homeschooling via Instruction by a Private Tutor

• state-certified private tutor for at least three hours a day for 175 days each calendar year between 8:00 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• no monetary resources from state

Option #4: Homeschooling via Public School Independent Study Program

• independent study program at home using public school curriculum
• student is a public school district student

Option #5: Homeschooling via Public School Charter Program

The public charter school has become a popular option in recent years. Funding, however, has been frozen for all public schools (including charter schools), and there is limited space for enrolling new students. This is why Option #1: Homeschooling as a Home-Based Private School has become the main option for many families.

• home study program
• families receive educational funds with some choice in curriculum and extracurricular activities (such as sports teams, enrichment classes, field trips, etc.)
• usually have to meet monthly with a credentialed teacher and provide work samples
• student is a public school student

How Do I File My PSA in California?

If you choose Option #1, you will need to file a PSA (private school affidavit) each year.

The PSA form can be completed online. HSLDA provides updated instructions each year on how to complete the PSA during the October 1-15 time period.

HSLDA California Private School Affidavit Filing Instructions

Grab Your FREE Checklist!

If you’re homeschooling in California as a Home-Based Private School, you need this checklist!

CLICK HERE!

California Homeschool Resources

CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association of California) offers two fantastic resources to help you navigate homeschooling as a home-based private school:

• The California Homeschool Manual: A Guide to Private Home Education in California
• The High School Handbook

It doesn’t matter if your homeschool is religious or not. These two books are invaluable for anyone in California who is homeschooling as a home-based private school (Option #1).

And, make sure you download my FREE checklist for homeschooling in California as a home-based private school (Option #1)!

Also, get your recordkeeping in order with our Homeschool Recordkeeping Bundle!

How to Start Homeschooling in California

If you are considering homeschooling in California, I hope this blog post has been helpful. I’ve tried to include as much information as possible.

The best part of homeschooling is that it can be tailored to fit each family’s needs and personality, so do what feels right for you and your children. It can be an amazing experience for both you and your kids!

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Do you have any questions about how to start homeschooling in California? Please share in the comments below!

OG: 07182020