Low regulation

Homeschool Laws in California

California gives you several legal options to homeschool, with the private school affidavit (PSA) being the most popular and lightest.

Yes, homeschooling is legal in California, though the state doesn't explicitly recognize "homeschooling" as a category. Four main paths: (1) File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) — most common, treats your homeschool as a private school, filed annually with the state DOE online between Oct 1-15; (2) Enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP, an umbrella) that files the PSA for you; (3) Hire a credentialed private tutor; (4) Public school independent study. Most CA families use PSA or PSP. No state testing, no curriculum approval.

Last verified: May 19, 2026·Re-checked quarterly · Information, not legal advice

Key dates

Private School Affidavit (PSA)
Oct 1-15 annually (online)

Where this comes from

What you need to do

  • Four options: PSA (most popular), PSP (umbrella), Private Tutor, or Public Independent Study
  • PSA: file annually with CA DOE online between Oct 1-15
  • PSP: umbrella school files PSA for you (more support, light fee)
  • Cover the same general subjects as public schools
  • No standardized testing, no curriculum approval, no state oversight beyond PSA

We handle the paperwork

CA's PSA online filing takes 10 minutes. We pre-fill it from your family info. PSPs (umbrella schools) offer extra support if you want it.

Homeschool Factory tracks every deadline, generates every form, and prepares your year-end portfolio — for California and every other state. 3-day free trial, cancel anytime.

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Where California ranks

26states share California's regulation level

Across the 50 states + DC, the homeschool-regulation breakdown is:

Low regulation26 states
Moderate regulation18 states
High regulation7 states
Compare all states
Last verified May 19, 2026. We re-check sources quarterly. This page is information, not legal advice — confirm specifics with your local district or a homeschool attorney before filing.
See all 50 states + DC