Homeschooling in California

A practical starting point for California families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

Low Regulation

File an annual Private School Affidavit with the CDE. Maintain attendance records and teach required subjects.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

No statewide ESA. Public charter homeschool programs offer per-student instructional funds to enrolled families.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

California homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for California families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

California homeschool funding

California's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in California

A high-level checklist tailored to California’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Understand California's private-school homeschool pathway
California homeschoolers operate as private schools by filing an annual Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the Department of Education. Maintain attendance records and teach required subjects. There is no separate notice-of-intent or umbrella-school pathway.
2
File your Private School Affidavit
File an annual Private School Affidavit (PSA) online with the California Department of Education. The standard window is October 1–15; new schools may file August 1 through June 30.
3
Maintain attendance and subjects
Keep an attendance register and provide instruction in required subjects. California does not require state testing or curriculum approval for PSA homeschools.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in California?

Yes — but the requirement is light. Most families file a one-page notice or affidavit each year with the state or local district.

Does California require homeschool standardized testing?

Standardized testing is generally not required at the state level, though some districts or umbrella schools may ask for it.

Can homeschool families in California access ESA or scholarship funding?

No statewide ESA. Public charter homeschool programs offer per-student instructional funds to enrolled families.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in California?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.