How to homeschool in California
The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.
✓ Checked against California law on Oct 30, 2026 · See what changed
What changed
Nothing since we began checking California’s own pages every week in October 2026.
The usual way: As your own private school. A private school at home: the affidavit each October.
- Ages
- 6 to 18
- Notice
- Each year
- Tests
- None
- Set time
- None
What to do
- Private school affidavit, online with the California Department of EducationBetween Oct 1 and Oct 15California’s form or page for it
- Teach the subjects belowYou can teach if you’re capable of teaching (no credential needed). No set days or hours.
- Keep attendance; courses of study; teachers’ names, addresses and qualificationsWhat California asks you to keep.
Subjects to teach
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Health
Other legal ways
With a private school satellite program
Enroll in a PSP; it files for you and keeps your records.
You can teach as your school asks. Your PSP files its own affidavit in October and keeps the attendance and records.
- Enroll with your PSP (Before you start, then each year)
With a credentialed tutor
Taught by a tutor with a California teaching credential.
Taught by someone with a California teaching credential for the grades taught. Three hours a day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nothing to file.
Source: cde.ca.gov
This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Arkansas, Colorado, or all 50 states + DC.