California Homeschooling Legal Requirements
See the Full list of Homeschooling Requirements by State
Below is a quick reference guide on the homeschooling requirements for the state of California. For more information on the legal requirements visit the HSLDA California page. This site is not a source of legal counsel or advice.
Californians have three different options for homeschooling per the HSLDA:
1. Homeschooling as a home-based private school. To do this you must:
1. File an annual private school affidavit
2. Maintain an attendance register.
3. Instruction must be in English.
4. Instructors must be capable of teaching.
5. Provide instruction in the courses commonly taught in the public schools (e.g., language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and driver training).
6. Maintain immunization records or personal beliefs exemption.
7. Maintain a list of courses of study.
8. Maintain a list of instructors with their addresses and qualifications.2. Homeschooling with a private school satellite program (PSP):
A private school satellite program is one in which the majority of the instruction is provided at home. The PSP must meet all the requirements for operating a private school, which are listed under “Homeschooling as a home-based private school” above.
3. Homeschooling via instruction by a private tutor:
A child who is being instructed by someone with a California teaching credential for the grade level taught is considered exempt from public school attendance. The child must be taught for at least three hours a day, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., for 175 days each school year in the several branches of study required to be taught by the public schools and in the English language. The instructor may be the parent, as long as he or she has the required California teaching credential. Families homeschooling under this option are not required to file private school affidavits or report any other information to the state.
Visit the HSLDA California page for more information on homeschooling in California.
Be sure to join our How to Homeschool for Free Facebook Support Group for daily help, freebies, encouragement, and more to support you in your homeschooling journey!
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