California is moderately regulated: most independent homeschoolers file an annual Private School Affidavit and keep attendance records, but there is no state testing or curriculum approval for private homeschools.
Homeschooling is legal in California, though the state never uses the word homeschool in its law — families homeschool by operating under one of four established options. Once you pick your lane, the ongoing requirements are lighter than California's reputation suggests: no testing and no curriculum approval for private-route families.
The four routes are: file your own Private School Affidavit (PSA) and operate as a small home-based private school; enroll in a private school satellite program (PSP) that files for you; use a credentialed tutor; or enroll in a public charter or independent study program, which brings funding but also public school rules.
Most independent families choose the PSA. It is filed online each fall during the state's filing window, and after that your main duties are keeping an attendance register and teaching in English the subjects commonly taught in public schools.
PSA: you run a private school in your home — maximum freedom, modest paperwork. PSP: an umbrella private school files the affidavit and keeps records; you pay a fee and follow its policies. Credentialed tutor: instruction by someone holding a California teaching credential for the grades taught. Public charter or independent study: free curriculum funds and teacher support, but your child is a public school student subject to state testing and program oversight.
PSA filers submit the affidavit online each year during the fall filing window (traditionally in October — confirm the current window when you file). The affidavit is a registration, not an application; the state does not approve or reject your school.
Private schools must offer instruction in English in the several branches of study commonly taught in California public schools — in practice: language arts, math, science, social studies, and health/PE-type coursework. You choose the curriculum.
Keep an attendance register, a list of your courses of study, and faculty qualifications (for a home PSA that is simply you). Nothing is routinely submitted, but these records should exist.
Choose your route: independent PSA, umbrella PSP, credentialed tutor, or a charter/independent study program.
If going independent, file the Private School Affidavit online during the state's fall filing window (families starting mid-year should confirm current guidance on off-cycle filing).
Withdraw your child from their current school in writing after your legal coverage is in place.
Create your required records: attendance register and a written course of study per child.
Select a curriculum that covers the subjects commonly taught in California public schools and keeps attendance and progress records for you automatically.
Whatever California asks for — attendance, subject coverage, progress evidence, transcripts — Cullinan Academy tracks it automatically as your kids learn: verified mastery records, time-on-task, printable transcripts with GPA, and state report templates. No spreadsheet required.
Not for private-route families (PSA, PSP, or tutor). Students in public charter or independent study programs take state tests as public school students.
No, unless you use the private tutor option. Parents filing a PSA or enrolled in a PSP do not need credentials.
During the state's annual fall filing window, traditionally in October, then again each year. Confirm the exact current window on the California Department of Education site when you file.
Yes, through public charter or independent study programs, which provide instructional funds — in exchange, your child is a public school student and follows program requirements including testing.
Your home private school issues its own diploma. California homeschool graduates routinely enter community colleges, CSU, and UC — keep detailed course descriptions and a transcript for admissions.
Yes. Enroll in a PSP or charter any time, or file a PSA per current mid-year guidance, before withdrawing your child.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool law changes, and districts sometimes apply it differently. Verify current requirements with your state's department of education or a local homeschool association before filing anything. Content last reviewed 2026-07.