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Homeschool laws · California

How to homeschool in California

Many families start with a home-based private school and file the affidavit each October.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for California. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

California requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A private school affidavit filed online with the state every year between October 1 and 15 (home-based private school and PSPs). The tutor option files nothing.

Minimum school time

None set for a home-based private school. A credentialed tutor teaches 3 hours a day for 175 days.

Required subjects

The courses commonly taught in public schools, such as language arts, math, science, social studies and health.

Parent qualifications

Instructors must be capable of teaching. The tutor option requires a California teaching credential.

Testing or evaluation

None required.

Records to keep

An attendance register, the courses of study, and a list of instructors with their qualifications.

Compulsory school ages

6–18

Legal ways to homeschool in California

  • Home-based private school (affidavit)
  • Private school satellite program (PSP)
  • Private tutor with a teaching credential

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A private school affidavit filed online with the state every year between October 1 and 15 (home-based private school and PSPs). The tutor option files nothing.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    None set for a home-based private school. A credentialed tutor teaches 3 hours a day for 175 days. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records California asks for: an attendance register, the courses of study, and a list of instructors with their qualifications. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

California homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in California?

A private school affidavit filed online with the state every year between October 1 and 15 (home-based private school and PSPs). The tutor option files nothing.

How many days do you have to homeschool in California?

None set for a home-based private school. A credentialed tutor teaches 3 hours a day for 175 days.

What subjects are required in California?

The courses commonly taught in public schools, such as language arts, math, science, social studies and health.

Does California require testing for homeschoolers?

None required.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in California?

Instructors must be capable of teaching. The tutor option requires a California teaching credential.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for California and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states