California Homeschooling: Rules & Advice

What are the Homeschool laws in California?

In California, homeschooling is regulated by the California Department of Education. Parents who wish to homeschool their children must file a Private School Affidavit with the Department of Education. This affidavit must be filed each year and must include the names and ages of the children being homeschooled, the name and address of the school, and the names and qualifications of the teachers. Parents must also provide evidence that their children are receiving instruction in the basic educational areas, such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and health. Additionally, homeschooled children must take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8, and 1
0. Finally, parents must keep attendance records and maintain a portfolio of the student’s work

The three options to homeschool in Califorina are:


1. Private School Satellite Program (PSP):
This option allows parents to enroll their children in a private school and receive instruction from the school. The school provides curriculum and instruction, and the parents are responsible for providing the learning environment.

Private School Satellite Programs (PSP) are an excellent option for parents who wish to homeschool their children in California. PSPs provide a structured learning environment with a curriculum and instruction that is tailored to the individual needs of the student. This type of homeschooling allows parents to have more control over the education of their children while still providing the support of an accredited school.

The main benefit of a PSP is that it provides a more structured learning environment than other homeschooling options. The curriculum and instruction are provided by the school, and the parents are responsible for providing the learning environment. This allows parents to have more control over the educational experience of their children and ensures that the instruction is tailored to the individual needs of the student.


2. Independent Study Program (ISP):
This option is similar to the PSP, but the instruction is provided directly by the school district. The district provides curriculum and instruction, and the parents are responsible for providing the learning environment.

Independent Study Programs (ISPs) are an excellent option for parents who wish to homeschool their children in California. ISPs provide a structured learning environment with a curriculum and instruction that is tailored to the individual needs of the student. This type of homeschooling allows parents to have more control over the education of their children while still providing the support of an accredited school.

The main benefit of an ISP is that it provides a more structured learning environment than other homeschooling options. The curriculum and instruction are provided by the school district, and the parents are responsible for providing the learning environment. This allows parents to have more control over the educational experience of their children and ensures that the instruction is tailored to the individual needs of the student.


3. Home-Based Private School (HBPS):
This option allows parents to establish their own private school and provide instruction to their children. The parents are responsible for providing all curriculum and instruction, and the school must meet the requirements of the California

Home-Based Private School (HBPS) in California is a great option for parents who want to provide their children with a quality education in the comfort of their own home. HBPS allows parents to customize their child’s education to meet their individual needs and interests. With HBPS, parents have the flexibility to choose the curriculum, the teaching methods, and the pace of learning.

HBPS in California is regulated by the California Department of Education, which sets the standards for curriculum, instruction, and assessments. Parents must register their school with the state and submit a plan for instruction, which must include a description of the curriculum and the assessment methods used. Parents must also provide evidence of their qualifications to teach, such as a teaching certificate or college degree.

HBPS in California is an ideal option for parents who want to provide their children with a quality education without having to send them to a traditional school. The flexibility of HBPS allows parents to tailor their child’s education to their individual needs and interests. Parents can choose the curriculum, the teaching methods, and the pace of learning. This allows parents to create an educational environment that is tailored to their child’s individual needs.

HBPS in California is a great option for parents who want to provide their children with a quality education in the comfort of their own home. With HBPS, parents have the flexibility to choose the curriculum, the teaching methods, and the pace of learning. This allows parents to create an educational environment that is tailored to their child’s individual needs.

How to homeschool in California?


1. File an affidavit with your local school district.


2. Choose a curriculum and teaching methods that meet the state's educational requirements.


3. Keep records of your child's educational progress.


4. Ensure that your child is immunized, unless you have a valid medical or personal belief exemption.


5. Make sure to meet all other legal requirements, such as filing taxes and registering your child for standardized tests.

Is California homeschool friendly?

Yes, California is considered to be a homeschool friendly state. The state does not regulate or monitor homeschooling, so parents are free to choose their own curriculum and teaching methods. Additionally, the state does not require parents to have any special qualifications or certifications in order to homeschool their children.

Attendance Requirements

In California, parents must comply with the state's compulsory education laws, which require all children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school. Parents must also keep records of their child's educational progress, including attendance records, test scores, and other evidence of educational progress. These records must be kept for at least three years.

Required subjects

California does not require parents to teach any specific subjects when homeschooling their children. However, parents must ensure that their child is receiving an education that is equivalent to what they would receive in a public or private school.

How much do you get paid to homeschool in California?

In California, parents are not paid to homeschool their children. However, some parents may be eligible for certain tax credits or deductions for homeschooling expenses. Additionally, parents may be able to receive financial assistance from local organizations or charities.