Homeschooling in California

Legal Framework

California does not have a specific "homeschool statute." Instead, families operate under the state's private school law. The most common approach is filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) under Education Code Section 33190, which essentially declares your home a private school. Under Ed. Code §48222, children instructed in a private full-time day school must be taught in English and offered the courses of study required in public schools.

Three Legal Options for Homeschooling

You have three main paths to homeschool legally in California:

• Option 1: File Your Own Private School Affidavit (PSA) -- This is the most popular choice. You file the PSA annually between October 1-15 (the system opens August 1) through the California Department of Education website. No teacher credentials required. You are the principal, teacher, and administrator of your own private school.
• Option 2: Enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) -- Also called an umbrella school. A credentialed private school supervises your homeschool. The school files the PSA on your behalf. This is a good choice if you want more structure and support.
• Option 3: Use a Credentialed Tutor -- Under Ed. Code §48224, a child can be taught by a private tutor or other person who holds a valid California teaching credential for the grade being taught. Instruction must cover the required subjects for at least three hours a day, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., for 175 days per year.

How to File the Private School Affidavit

Here is the step-by-step process for Option 1:

1. Choose a school name. Pick something you like -- it is your private school, after all.
2. Go to the CDE website at cde.ca.gov/psa during the filing window (August 1 through June 30, with the statutory period being October 1-15).
3. Complete the affidavit. You will provide your school name, address, enrollment by grade, faculty names, and criminal record summary information.
4. Maintain attendance records. Under Ed. Code §48222, you must keep a register that indicates every absence of a half day or more.
5. Offer the required courses of study. Note: you must offer them, but your children are not required to study every one.

Required Subjects

California Education Code §51210 (grades 1-6) and §51220 (grades 7-12) outline the required courses of study. For elementary grades, these include English (reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, composition), mathematics, social sciences, science, visual and performing arts, health, and physical education. For grades 7-12, the list expands to include foreign language, applied arts, career technical education, and automobile safety. As a PSA filer, you must offer these subjects and keep documentation that they are part of your curriculum, but you have full discretion over how and when you teach them.

Record-Keeping

Keep an attendance register, samples of student work, and a list of the courses you offer. While California does not mandate portfolio reviews, having organized records protects you if questions ever arise. Store these records at the address listed on your PSA.

State Funding and Financial Resources

California does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or state-level tax credit specifically for homeschooling families. California is one of only a handful of western states without a school choice program.

Charter School Funding

One indirect way to access public funding is to enroll in a public charter school's homeschool program. Charter schools in California receive per-pupil funding from the state, and many pass a portion to families as instructional funds -- typically $2,500 to $4,500 per year -- to spend on approved curriculum, tutoring, classes, and educational supplies. The trade-off is that you are a public school student, so you must follow the charter school's requirements and may be subject to state testing.

Federal 529 Plan Expansion (2026)

Starting in 2026, families can withdraw up to $20,000 per student per year (up from $10,000) from 529 education savings accounts for qualified K-12 expenses. This now includes homeschool curriculum programs, test fees, tutoring, and educational therapies. Check whether California conforms to the expanded federal definitions before claiming state tax benefits on these withdrawals.

Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit

The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, signed into law in 2025, allows taxpayers to receive a credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs distribute scholarships to K-12 students, including homeschoolers, to cover expenses like tutoring, technology, and curriculum. Contributions begin January 1, 2027. As of February 2026, California has not opted into this program.

Proposed State ESA Ballot Initiative

A ballot initiative is being considered for November 2026 that would create Education Savings Accounts for California students. If approved, beginning in the 2027-28 school year, eligible children age four or older could receive $17,000 per year in a state-administered ESA. This measure has not yet been voted on.