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United States · Homeschool rules

Homeschooling in California

What the law asks of you, in plain language, with links to the official sources so you can check every line.

Low requirements Notice required Last verified May 19, 2026

At a glance

Notice

Required

Curriculum

See details

Testing

Not required

Teacher

No qualifications

Overview

Homeschooling in California is governed primarily through the Private School Affidavit process under California Education Code § 48222. Families register their home as a private school by filing annually with the California Department of Education. This is the most common and straightforward approach for California homeschool families. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/psaffedcode.asp

Telling the authorities

Notice is required

Who: California Department of Education — file as a private school

When: By October 15 each year

How to do it

File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) annually with the California Department of Education between October 1 and 15 each year at https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/psa.asp. This registers your home as a private school.

Requirements

Curriculum
Must offer instruction in English, mathematics, social sciences, science, visual and performing arts, health, and physical education.
Testing
No standardised testing required by state law.
Record keeping
Must maintain attendance records and keep immunisation records.
Teacher
No qualifications required when filing as a private school via PSA.

Recent changes

California families most commonly homeschool by filing a Private School Affidavit annually. This approach requires no teacher qualifications and no standardised testing. Requirements have been stable for several years.

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General information, not legal advice. Always confirm with your school district or education department.