Homeschool Laws in California
A plain-English overview of what it takes to homeschool legally in California — how to get started, what to file, what to teach, and what to keep on record. Use it to understand the moving parts; confirm the current specifics with your local district before you rely on them.
How homeschooling is legal in California
California has no standalone "homeschool law." Families homeschool under the state's private school exemption in the Education Code — the same statutes that govern private schools apply to a home you establish as one.
- EC §33190 — private school affidavit (PSA)
- EC §48222 — exemption from compulsory public school attendance
- EC §51210 — required subjects, grades 1–6
- EC §51220 — required subjects, grades 7–12
Legal pathways to homeschool in California
California families use one of a few legal routes. Most independent homeschoolers file the affidavit that establishes their home as a private school; the others trade more oversight for more support.
Private School Affidavit (PSA)
Establish your home as a private school by filing the affidavit annually with the CDE. The most common independent option.
Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
Enroll under an existing private school that handles the affidavit; the majority of instruction still happens at home.
Public charter school / independent study
State-funded, with curriculum and teacher support provided — but more oversight and attendance requirements.
Private tutor
Instruction by a person holding a valid California teaching credential for the grade level, at least 3 hours a day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for 175 days a year. This is the only pathway that requires a credential.
Who must comply — compulsory age in California
A child is subject to compulsory education starting the school year they turn 6 by September 1. Kindergarten is not mandatory. Children under compulsory age who are taught at home should not be counted as enrolled students on the affidavit.
Notification & filing requirements in California
Getting the filing right is what moves a child from “enrolled and absent” (a truancy risk) to “legally homeschooling.” In California:
- Statutory filing window: October 1–15 each year (EC §33190)
- Online filing: August 1 – June 30 (CDE online filing system)
- Filed with: the California Department of Education — not your local school district
- Fee: No filing fee.
Required subjects, testing & assessment in California
Instruction must be offered in English. Required subjects are set by EC §51210 (grades 1–6) and §51220 (grades 7–12).
Required subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Visual and performing arts
- Health
- Physical education
Not required
- Teaching credential
- State-mandated standardized testing
- Curriculum approval or state review
- Home inspections or portfolio/quarterly evaluations
Recordkeeping in California
Good records protect your family: they demonstrate compliance if you’re ever asked, and they become the raw material for transcripts later. In California you must keep:
- Attendance records
- Courses of study offered
- Names and qualifications of instructors
Retain pupil records per California Code of Regulations, Title 5, §§430–437.
A public school district may verify your child's exemption by confirming the PSA filing (EC §48222); you are not otherwise required to report to the district. For a repeatable system, see our homeschool recordkeeping guide.
How your child becomes exempt from public school in California
When you file a Private School Affidavit, your home becomes a private school of record and your child is exempt from compulsory public school attendance under Education Code §48222. That exemption is the legal mechanism that lets your child leave the public system.
Transcripts & graduation in California
California private schools — including home-based private schools operating under a Private School Affidavit — issue their own transcripts and diplomas. The state does not grant them.
Homeloom’s transcript generator builds one automatically from the work you track.
California homeschool FAQ
Is homeschooling legal in California?
Yes. California families homeschool legally under the state's private school exemption, most commonly by filing a Private School Affidavit that establishes the home as a private school.
Do I need a teaching credential to homeschool in California?
No — not under the Private School Affidavit, Private School Satellite Program, or charter pathways. A credential is required only if you use the private tutor exemption.
When do I file the Private School Affidavit?
Between October 1 and October 15 each year, filed online directly with the California Department of Education. New home schools starting mid-year can file when the system is open (August 1–June 30).
Does California require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
No. Under the PSA pathway there is no mandated standardized testing, no curriculum approval, and no home inspections.
What subjects must I teach?
English, mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, health, and physical education, taught in English (EC §51210 / §51220).
What records do I need to keep?
Attendance records, the courses of study offered, and instructor names and qualifications. These support your child's exemption if the district requests verification.
Stay compliant in California without the paperwork stress
Homeloom tracks attendance and subjects, drafts your compliance paperwork, and builds transcripts from the work you’ve already logged.