Everything You Need to
Homeschool in California
A plain-English guide to California homeschool laws — the four legal pathways, PSA filing, charter funding, records, associations, and free music education for every California family.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
California has a reputation for heavy regulation — but once you choose the right pathway and file correctly, families enjoy broad autonomy. With an estimated 280,000+ students homeschooling across PSA, PSP, and charter pathways combined, California has one of the largest home education communities in the country. No state standardized testing for PSA or PSP families. No curriculum approval. No teaching credential required for parents. California is more procedural than hostile. The annual PSA filing is a submission, not an application for permission.
📌 Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws change. Always verify current requirements with the California Department of Education (CDE) and HSLDA California before filing.
How to Start Homeschooling in California
Whether you are just starting out or switching from public school, these six steps cover everything a new California homeschool family needs to do.
Choose your legal pathway
California offers four legal options — PSA, PSP, public charter/independent study, or credentialed private tutor. Most families choose the PSA for maximum independence or a charter program for funding. Read Section 2 below before deciding. This is the most important decision you will make.
Withdraw your child in writing
Notify your child’s current school by email or letter that you are transferring them to a private school. Request written confirmation. Always withdraw in writing first — pulling a child without written notice can trigger truancy inquiries. Keep a copy of the withdrawal letter and the school’s response.
File the PSA (PSA route only)
File your Private School Affidavit at the CDE PSA portal during the October 1–15 window. New schools starting mid-year should file immediately upon withdrawing. The online system is open August 1 through June 30 to accommodate families starting outside the October window. Filing the PSA is a submission — not an application for permission.
Set up your records
Create your attendance register, course-of-study list, and faculty qualifications file from day one. These records are never submitted to the state but must be kept on file. Setting them up early makes annual compliance effortless. See Section 5 for the complete records checklist.
Choose your curriculum
California does not approve or provide curriculum for PSA homeschoolers. You select all materials yourself. There is no pre-approval process. PSP families get curriculum support from their umbrella school. Charter families access funds through their program’s online portal for approved secular materials.
File your PSA every year
The PSA must be re-filed every year between October 1 and 15. This is the single most common compliance mistake California homeschool families make — forgetting to refile. Set a calendar reminder for September 1 each year to prepare your annual filing.
- Forgetting to refile annually. The PSA is required every year — skipping the October window creates avoidable compliance questions.
- Not withdrawing in writing first. Always withdraw from public school in writing before starting home education.
- Over-disclosing on the PSA. Only the items required under Education Code §33190 are needed — do not volunteer extra information.
- Skipping records. Even though records are never submitted, you must keep attendance, course-of-study, and faculty records on file at all times.
The Four Legal Pathways to Homeschool in California
California regulates homeschooling through its private-school statute (Education Code §33190) and compulsory-attendance exemption (§48222) — not a dedicated homeschool law. Four practical options give families meaningful choice.
Most Popular
Private School Affidavit (PSA)
You file a PSA with the CDE to establish your home as a private school. Maximum independence — you choose all curriculum, schedule, and methods. No testing, no credential required, no curriculum approval. File annually October 1–15.
- Annual PSA filing — CDE portal, Oct 1–15
- No teaching credential required
- No standardized testing required
- No curriculum approval
- No state funding
- Keep records on file (never submitted)
With Support
Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
A PSP is a private school that enrolls your family and files the affidavit on your behalf. The PSP handles administrative support, record-keeping, and often community events and co-ops. More structure, less paperwork for the parent.
- PSP files the affidavit for your family
- Administrative and community support
- No teaching credential required
- No standardized testing required
- No state funding
- 2026 update — check PSP’s Safe Learning Environments Act compliance
With Funding
Charter / Independent Study Program
Enroll in a publicly funded charter school’s independent study program. Your child is technically a public school student. A credentialed teacher oversees the program. Funding available for approved secular educational materials.
- $2,200–$3,800/year in instructional funds
- Credentialed teacher assigned to your family
- Mandatory standardized testing applies
- Secular curriculum only — public funds
- Regular oversight and work sample submissions
- Public school immunization rules apply
Least Common
Private Credentialed Tutor
A child is exempt from public school attendance when instructed by a person holding a valid California teaching credential for the grade level taught. The parent may be the tutor if they hold the credential.
- Valid CA teaching credential required
- Minimum 3 hours/day, 175 days/year
- Between 8am and 4pm
- Instruction in English
- No PSA required — tutor families don’t file
- No state funding
| Factor | PSA | PSP | Charter/ISP | Tutor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | ✓ Parent files | ✓ PSP files | — | — |
| Credential required | No | No | No (teacher assigned) | Yes |
| State testing | No | No | Yes | No |
| Curriculum freedom | Full | Full | Secular only | Full |
| State funding | None | None | $2,200–$3,800/yr | None |
| Oversight level | Low | Low-Medium | High | Low |
Charter School Funding — The Full Picture
Charter and independent study programs are the only way to access state funding for homeschooling in California. Here is exactly how it works — and what the tradeoffs are.
2025–26 Funding Amounts
- Elementary (TK–5th): ~$2,200–$2,800/year
- Middle School (6th–8th): ~$2,600–$3,200/year
- High School (9th–12th): ~$2,800–$3,800/year
- Funds sit in an online portal — not paid in cash
- Recent budget cuts reduced amounts by ~$1,000 from prior years
- Amounts vary by charter — verify with your specific program
What Charter Funds Cover
- Curriculum and textbooks — most commonly approved
- Educational software and online subscriptions
- Classes and tutoring — varies by charter
- Music lessons — may qualify as enrichment (secular only, check with your charter)
- Science kits and educational supplies
- Must be secular — no religious curriculum or instruction
- Must be standards-aligned — program approves all purchases
This is the central decision every California homeschool family faces. Charter funding ($2,200–$3,800/year) comes with mandatory testing, a credentialed teacher of record, regular oversight, secular-only curriculum, and work sample submissions. PSA/PSP families have full curriculum freedom, zero testing, and zero oversight — but pay for everything themselves. Many California families choose PSA freedom over charter funding, preferring to pay for curriculum independently rather than accept program requirements. There is no right answer — it depends entirely on your family’s priorities.
Can charter funds pay for music lessons?
Possibly — but it varies by charter. Music lessons may qualify as enrichment or fine arts instruction at some programs. Requirements: the instruction must be secular, standards-aligned, and approved by your program before purchase. Some charters are strict; others are flexible. Always confirm with your specific charter before enrolling in any music program expecting to use charter funds.
Well-known California charter programs
Inspire Charter Schools, Valley View Charter, iLEAD Exploration, Connections Academy California, and Brightwood Academy are among the well-known statewide charter programs. Each has different funding amounts, approved vendor lists, and oversight models. Research several programs before enrolling — funding amounts and approved expense categories differ meaningfully between programs.
Future ESA legislation — AB 19
AB 19 (Education Choice and Parental Empowerment Act of 2025) was proposed to establish Education Savings Accounts within a State Treasury trust. Income-based eligibility 2027–28 through 2030–31, then universal eligibility from 2031–32. AB 19 has not yet become law. California currently has no ESA program. Monitor California Legislature for updates.
California Homeschool Requirements
What California actually requires — and what it does not. Many families are surprised by how limited the legal requirements are for PSA homeschoolers.
Annual PSA Filing
File your Private School Affidavit at the CDE portal each year between October 1 and 15. New schools starting mid-year file immediately. The online system stays open August 1 through June 30. Filing is a submission — not an application for approval.
Required Subjects
Instruction must cover the branches of study taught in California public schools under Education Code §51210 (grades 1–6) and §51220 (grades 7–12). These include English, math, science, social studies, health, fine arts, and physical education. No specific curriculum is mandated.
Instruction in English
Instruction must be provided in English. California does not mandate an English-only curriculum — additional languages may be included — but the primary language of instruction must be English.
Ages 6–18
Children ages 6–18 are subject to California’s compulsory education law. Homeschooling through a PSA, PSP, charter, or credentialed tutor satisfies the compulsory attendance requirement under Education Code §48222.
No Testing Required (PSA/PSP)
California does not require standardized testing for PSA or PSP homeschoolers. Testing requirements apply only to charter/ISP families who are enrolled as public school students.
CPP — California Proficiency Program
The original CHSPE was permanently discontinued in 2023 and replaced by the California Proficiency Program (CPP). The CPP uses subtests from the HiSET or GED exams. Eligibility remains the same — age 16 or enrolled in 10th grade — and the certificate carries similar legal weight. Families with high schoolers looking to test out early should search for the CPP, not the CHSPE.
Required Records — What to Keep
Under Education Code §33190, California home-based private schools must keep three categories of records on file. These records are never submitted to the state — but they must be maintained.
| Record | What to Keep | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance register | A log showing every absence of a half day or more | Required under Ed Code §33190 — must be available if ever requested |
| Courses of study | The list of courses offered at each grade level | Demonstrates compliance with branch-of-study requirements |
| Faculty information | Names, addresses, and educational qualifications of instructors | Required on the PSA — keep supporting documentation on file |
| Filed PSA copies | Copy of each year’s filed Private School Affidavit | CDE recommends keeping copies — proof of annual compliance |
| Immunization records | PSA/PSP families follow private school rules; charter/ISP families follow public school rules | Requirements differ by pathway — verify with CDE or CDPH |
Legal compliance requires the three records above. College applications require much more. For high school students planning to apply to UC, CSU, or other universities, maintain: a running credit hour log (120–150 hours per credit), course descriptions for every subject, work samples per semester, a cumulative transcript updated each year, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and an extracurricular activities log. Start in 9th grade — not 12th. See Section 7 for California college admissions details.
California Homeschool Associations & Support
California has one of the largest and most organized homeschool communities in the country. Here are the key organizations every California family should know.
CHEA of California
Christian Home Educators Association of California — serving CA homeschool families since 1982. Promotes private Christian home education. Maintains the most comprehensive statewide homeschool directory organized by county and group type. Annual Parenting & Homeschool Convention (July 2026, Downey, CA).
California Homeschool Network (CHN)
A statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of parents to educate their children. Secular and inclusive — welcomes all homeschooling families regardless of faith tradition. Strong legal advocacy and community support.
HSLDA California
Home School Legal Defense Association — legal support, compliance guidance, and advocacy for California homeschool families. Maintains current California law summaries and legislative updates. Essential resource for any family with legal questions about homeschooling.
Homeschool California (HSC)
One of California’s largest inclusive homeschool organizations. Hosts an annual conference, maintains resources for secular and faith-based families alike, and provides legal and practical guidance for PSA families statewide.
Family Protection Ministries (FPM)
California-based organization focused on protecting parental rights and homeschool freedom in the legislature. Monitors California education legislation and provides alerts to homeschool families when new laws may affect home education.
California Department of Education (CDE)
The official state authority for PSA filing, compulsory education requirements, and private school regulations. The CDE PSA portal is where you file your annual affidavit. Always verify current requirements directly with the CDE.
California Homeschoolers & College Admissions
California’s public university systems have specific policies for homeschool applicants. Here is what UC, CSU, and community colleges expect — and how to prepare from 9th grade.
UC System (University of California)
UC campuses review homeschool applicants holistically. A detailed transcript with course names, grades, and credits is essential. Course descriptions explaining what was studied and how are strongly encouraged. UC’s A-G subject requirements serve as a voluntary planning framework for homeschoolers — aligning your course of study with A-G subjects strengthens your application significantly.
CSU System (California State University)
CSU campuses generally require a homeschool transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and may request additional documentation. Each campus has its own homeschool admissions policy — contact the admissions office of every CSU you are considering and ask specifically about their homeschool applicant requirements.
California Community Colleges
Community colleges are the most accessible pathway for California homeschool graduates. Most accept homeschool students with a parent-issued diploma or GED. Dual enrollment during high school generates official community college transcripts that strengthen university applications significantly. Contact your local community college for dual enrollment options.
CPP as a College Pathway
The California Proficiency Program (CPP) — which replaced the discontinued CHSPE in 2023 — provides a state-recognized high school equivalency for students at age 16 or after 10th grade. The CPP uses HiSET or GED subtests. Some homeschool families use the CPP to begin community college enrollment early. It does not replace a full high school transcript for UC/CSU admissions — but it opens many educational doors. Search for “CPP” at the CDE website for current details.
Start your transcript in 9th grade
Build your transcript as you go — not at graduation. One hour per semester to update courses, grades, and credit totals is all it takes. By 12th grade your transcript is nearly complete. Write course descriptions for every subject starting in 9th grade — these are the most important college admissions document a California homeschool family produces.
Music Education for California Homeschool Families
Fine arts — including music — is a required branch of study under California Education Code. Here is how PSA and charter families can approach music education, and how Practicing Musician supports every California family.
PSA Families — Full Freedom
PSA families have complete curriculum freedom for music. No approval needed, no secular requirement, no oversight. Use any combination of online lessons, private instruction, co-op fine arts classes, or community music programs.
- Practicing Musician free platform — 3,500+ lessons, 15 instruments
- Private lessons $90/month — pay out of pocket
- Log hours for fine arts credit — 120–150 hrs = 1 credit
- Screenshot completed lessons as work samples
- Include in your course-of-study list as Fine Arts
- Write a course description for college applications
Charter Families — Check First
Charter families may be able to use instructional funds for music lessons as enrichment or fine arts. All charter purchases must be secular and standards-aligned. Policies vary significantly between programs.
- Confirm with your charter before purchasing any music program
- Must be secular — no religious music curriculum
- Must be approved by your Educational Specialist
- Practicing Musician free platform — secular, available to all
- Private lessons — check if your charter approves tutoring
- Document all music instruction for portfolio submissions
California Homeschool by Region
California’s homeschool community spans one of the most geographically and culturally diverse states in the country. Here’s a brief overview by region.
Los Angeles & Southern California
The largest metro in California has a massive and diverse homeschool community. CHEA’s annual convention is held in the LA area. Hundreds of co-ops, PSPs, and charter programs serve the region. LA Philharmonic education programs, the Getty, LACMA, and countless music venues provide extraordinary fine arts field trip opportunities.
San Diego
A large, active homeschool community with a strong military family presence. San Diego Unified and surrounding districts have well-established independent study programs. The San Diego Symphony, Balboa Park museums, and Birch Aquarium offer outstanding educational programming for homeschool families.
San Francisco Bay Area
Tech-forward families, diverse educational philosophies, and a strong secular homeschool community characterize the Bay Area. The East Bay has particularly active inclusive and secular co-op networks. San Francisco Symphony, SFMOMA, and the Berkeley schools provide rich cultural programming.
Sacramento & Central Valley
Sacramento is a CHEA hub with strong faith-based homeschool community. The Central Valley has a large and growing homeschool population — with fewer local co-op options than urban areas, making online platforms like Practicing Musician especially valuable for daily structured music education.
Orange County & Inland Empire
Orange County has one of the highest concentrations of homeschool families in California — a large, well-organized conservative and Christian homeschool community with extensive co-op and PSP options. The Inland Empire is fast-growing and increasingly underserved by online homeschool content.
Rural California
Families in rural Northern California, the Sierra Nevada, and remote Central Valley communities often have fewer local co-op options. Practicing Musician’s free online platform provides the same structured music curriculum as urban families — 3,500+ lessons, 15 instruments, available anywhere in California with an internet connection.
California Homeschool FAQ
The questions California homeschool families ask most — answered directly and sourced from California Education Code and HSLDA guidance.
Is homeschooling legal in California?▼
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in California for children ages 6–18. California regulates homeschooling through its private-school statute (Education Code §33190) and compulsory-attendance exemption (§48222) rather than a dedicated homeschool law. Families may homeschool through a PSA, PSP, charter/independent study program, or credentialed private tutor.
Do I need to file a PSA every year?▼
Yes. The Private School Affidavit must be filed every year between October 1 and 15 at the CDE PSA portal. New schools starting mid-year file immediately upon withdrawing the child from their previous school. The online system is open from August 1 through June 30 to accommodate families starting outside the October window. Missing the annual filing is the most common California homeschool compliance mistake.
Does California pay families to homeschool?▼
Not directly. California has no ESA, voucher, or tax credit for independent homeschoolers. The only state funding available is through charter school independent study programs — $2,200 to $3,800 per year depending on grade level and charter program. Charter funding comes with significant tradeoffs including mandatory testing, secular-only curriculum, and regular oversight. PSA and PSP families receive no state funding. California currently has no ESA program — AB 19 was proposed but has not become law.
What subjects are required for California homeschoolers?▼
Instruction must cover the branches of study taught in California public schools under Education Code §51210 (grades 1–6) and §51220 (grades 7–12). These include English, mathematics, science, social studies, health, fine arts, and physical education. No specific curriculum is mandated — you choose how to cover these subjects. Fine arts is explicitly included as a required branch of study, making music instruction both legally supported and educationally documented.
Can charter funds pay for music lessons in California?▼
Possibly — but it varies by charter program. Music lessons may qualify as enrichment or fine arts instruction at some programs. All charter purchases must be secular and approved by your Educational Specialist before purchase. Some charters are flexible about music; others are strict. Always confirm with your specific charter before enrolling in any music program expecting to use charter funds. PSA families can use any music curriculum or lessons they choose with no approval needed.
Does California have a Tim Tebow law?▼
No. California does not have a Tim Tebow law or equivalent legislation. California homeschool students do not have a statutory right to participate in public school extracurricular activities including sports, band, orchestra, or choir. Some individual districts may accommodate homeschool students at their own discretion — contact your local district directly if interested.
What do UC and CSU expect from homeschool applicants?▼
UC and CSU campuses generally expect a detailed homeschool transcript with course names, grades, and credit hours; course descriptions for each subject; SAT or ACT scores; and letters of recommendation. Aligning your high school course of study with UC’s A-G subject requirements strengthens UC applications. Requirements vary by campus — always contact each university’s admissions office directly for their current homeschool applicant requirements.
Is Practicing Musician free for California homeschool families?▼
Yes. Practicing Musician’s full online platform is completely free for every California homeschool family regardless of pathway — PSA, PSP, charter, or tutor. No credit card, no subscription, no co-op membership required. 3,500+ structured video lessons across 15 band and orchestra instruments. Private lesson feedback sessions are available for $90/month for families who want live instructor guidance alongside the free curriculum.
Free music education — for every California homeschool family
Whether you file a PSA, use a PSP, or enroll in a charter program — Practicing Musician gives every California homeschool family free structured music lessons across 15 instruments. Fine arts is required in California. We make it easy.
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Private Lessons — $90/month
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