Homeschooling in California is actually super easy, legally speaking. There’s two different options that parents can choose: Enrolling with a homeschool charter or filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA). This article will break down the differences between the two and help you figure out which option fits your lifestyle better. 

The information in this article is specifically for homeschooling in California. Additionally, many of the recommendations will be in Central or Southern California, as that’s the area that I am most familiar with.

For anyone who is in another state or potentially interested in moving and homeschooling in another state, here is a link to a site where you can check the specific regulations for homeschooling in every state: 

Homeschool Laws by State

Here are the two options for homeschooling in California: 

Option 1: File a Private School Affidavit (PSA)

This option is for you if you would like to homeschool your children as a completely private entity. In order to do this, you file a letter with the state basically saying that you are the private school that your children are enrolled in. This letter needs to be filed before your child is six-years-old in September. You can learn more about this and file here: 

Private School Affidavit (PSA) Information

Option 2: Enroll with a Charter School

This option is for you if you would like homeschooling assistance from a teacher. As long as it is a public charter school, you can also receive funding from the state of CA that can be used on curriculum, classes, supplies, tutoring, etc (this is the same funding that they send public schools for each child enrolled. Instead of the state sending it to the public school, they send it directly to you through the charter school). All charter schools are a little different, so if this option is interesting to you, I recommend browsing the websites of the options in your area, talking with other homeschoolers at these charters, and getting a feel of the school by talking with an admissions representative. 

List of Charter Schools in California

In my opinion, the most ideal way to homeschool with a charter school is if the teacher you are assigned to is flexible with whatever your homeschool choices are. Again, all charter schools are different, but most schools will require work samples, meeting with your teacher, and working with curriculum from their approved list (note: if you want to use religious curriculum, most likely that won’t be on their approved list. Check with your specific charter school about this.)

I hope this article helped clarify the two options for homeschooling in California. If you’re interested in more information about homeschooling, be sure to drop your email in the box below to be notified when I publish more homeschooling articles! 

xx,

Kaleigh