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California

Moderate

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: CA

Overview

Instruction days
175 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
California Department of Education (CDE) — PSA system maintained by CDE; local school district has no direct oversight of PSA homeschools
Official website
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/homeschool.asp

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
PSA pathway: file between October 1–15 annually (system opens August 1). New schools filing outside Oct window should file as soon as possible. Credentialed tutor: no affidavit required.
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
No — assessment is optional

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
English (instruction must be in English)MathematicsSocial SciencesScienceVisual and Performing ArtsHealthPhysical EducationOther branches of study required in public schools (CA Ed Code 48222)
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

California has no explicit homeschool statute — families use one of three legal pathways rooted in private school law. PSA (Pathway 1) is most common: file annually Oct 1–15 with CDE, maintain attendance records and a course of study, teach required subjects in English. No testing, no state oversight visits. Pathway 2 requires a credentialed tutor. Pathway 3 uses existing private/charter school enrollment. No Tim Tebow sports law. No public school dual enrollment. PSP (umbrella school) enrollment is widely available and simplifies compliance.

Tips for Homeschooling in California

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "PSA pathway: file between October 1–15 annually (system opens August 1). New schools filing outside Oct window should file as soon as possible. Credentialed tutor: no affidavit required.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    No formal assessment is required in California. Consider voluntary portfolio tracking to document your child's progress for college applications.

  3. 3

    Join a local California homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open California Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with California Department of Education (CDE) — PSA system maintained by CDE; local school district has no direct oversight of PSA homeschools or a qualified education attorney.