Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in California
What to know in California
Parents establish and operate their own qualifying private full-time day school at home.
Compulsory school attendance age
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Compulsory education applies to children ages six through eighteen unless legally exempt.
Annual Private School Affidavit (PSA) filing
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Parents must file an annual PSA under Education Code 33190. The statutory filing period is October 1–15, though the online system is accessible from August 1 to June 30.
Instructor capability
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Under Education Code 48222, instruction must be provided by persons capable of teaching.
Curriculum and language of instruction
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Instruction must generally be in English and cover the required branches of study outlined in Education Code 51210 for grades 1–6 and Education Code 51220 for grades 7–12.
Mandatory school recordkeeping
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Schools must keep attendance registers recording absences of a half day or more, courses of study, faculty names, addresses, educational qualifications, and designate a records custodian and location.
Full-time instruction schedule
We haven't confirmed this yet.
Read the explanation
Instruction must be in a private full-time day school. The text notes that whether there is a fixed statewide calendar or minimum hours requires legal verification rather than adopting the tutor schedule.
State standardized testing
This applies only in certain situations.
When this applies: If chosen by the family
Read the explanation
State testing is not required for private schools under California Department of Education guidance; families choose and supply their own curriculum, tests, and materials.