by Rita Onyx
This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.
There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.
Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in California. Know the California homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
There are 3 ways to homeschool:
- Home-based private school (your own established private school)
- Private school satellite program (PSP)
- Private tutor
Requirements:
- Children between 6-18 of age must be in school
- You must notify your local school district of your intentions to homeschool
- There are NO teacher qualifications UNLESS you are homeschooling with a private tutor
- There ARE state mandated subjects
- There are NO required assessments or testing
- There are NO immunization requirements
How to Homeschool with a Home-Based Private School (your own established private school)
- File an annual private school affidavit between October 1-15 each school year.
- Maintain a record of attendance
- English must be used for instruction
- Instructors must be capable of teaching
- Include subjects that are commonly taught in public schools (consult your local public school curriculum)
- Maintain Immunization records or exemption from immunizations
- Keep a list of all subjects taught
- List all of the names, addresses, and qualifications of those that will be doing the teaching
How to Homeschool with a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
*Requirements are the same as above but done through an already existing private school.*
- File an annual private school affidavit between October 1-15 each school year.
- Maintain a record of attendance
- English must be used for instruction
- Instructors must be capable of teaching
- Include subjects that are commonly taught in public schools (consult your local public school curriculum)
- Maintain Immunization records or exemption from immunizations
- Keep a list of all subjects taught
- List all of the names, addresses, and qualifications of those that will be doing the teaching
How to Homeschool with a Private Tutor
- Private tutor must be a California-certified teacher and speak English (may be a parent as long as they are credentialed to teach in California)
- Must have at least 3 hours a day and 175 days a year of instruction
- Hours of instruction must be between 8:00am-4:00pm
- Subjects must be the same subjects taught in public schools
- You do NOT need to file a private school affidavit or report any other information to the state
Helpful links:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/homeschool.asp
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/california.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- California Department of Education
1430 N St.
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901
Phone: 916-319-0800
Fax: 916-319-0100
Private Schools: 916-445-7331
Private Schools Email: privateschools@cde.ca.gov
Email: superintendent@cde.ca.gov
Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/
- U.S. Department of Education, California