Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in California: Requirements, Records & How to Get Started
Everything California families need to homeschool with confidence — the Private School Affidavit and your options in plain English, plus the records to keep it simple.
California homeschool law, summarized
California families homeschool as a private school
What California actually requires
Most California families homeschool by establishing their home as a private school. Each year between October 1 and 15 you file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the state, which registers your home school. Alternatives include enrolling in a private school satellite program (PSP), hiring a credentialed tutor, or using a public-school independent study program.
California does not require standardized testing or a specific curriculum, but as a private school you keep the same basic records a school keeps: an attendance register, the courses of study you offer, and a list of instructors and their qualifications. Keeping those tidy is the whole job — and it is exactly what protects your family if enrollment is ever questioned.
Official California resources
Always confirm current rules directly with the state. These are the authoritative sources:
California Dept. of Education — Private School Affidavit cde.ca.gov ↗HSLDA — California Homeschool Laws hslda.org ↗
The records smart California families keep
As a California private school you keep attendance, courses of study, and instructor records — Homeschool Reports makes each one effortless.
Generate California-ready records without the busywork
Enter your students once and produce attendance registers, report cards, and transcripts whenever California asks — no spreadsheets, no formatting headaches.
Choosing a California homeschool curriculum
California lets you choose any curriculum, since your home school sets its own courses of study. Keeping a simple record of the subjects you offer keeps your private-school paperwork complete.
Common questions about homeschooling in California
How do I start homeschooling in California?
The most common way is to file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the state between October 1 and 15, establishing your home as a private school. You can also enroll in a PSP or use a credentialed tutor.
Does California require testing?
No. Private-school homeschoolers in California are not required to administer standardized tests or submit assessments to the state.
What records do I keep as a California home school?
As a private school you keep an attendance register, your courses of study, and a list of instructors with their qualifications. These are your core compliance records.
Can my homeschooled student get a transcript and diploma in California?
Yes. As the private-school administrator you issue your own transcript and diploma. Homeschool Reports generates professional versions of both.
Start homeschooling California with confidence
Keep private-school-ready attendance and records without the busywork — starting free, no credit card required.