California

Overview

Notice Requirements

Assessment Requirements

Curriculum & Qualifications

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.