California provides several legal pathways for parents to educate their children at home. This comprehensive overview explains the legal homeschooling options, required notifications and filings, curriculum and subject requirements by grade level, parent qualifications, testing and evaluation rules, recordkeeping and attendance obligations, how oversight and enforcement work, important legal protections and common pitfalls, and available support organizations and resources. The information is based on California law (Education Code) and guidance from the California Department of Education (CDE) and homeschool advocacy groups.

Required Notifications and Filings

California homeschoolers must fulfill specific notification requirements based on their chosen legal option. Understanding what to file, when to file it, and with whom is essential for legal compliance.

Importance of Proper Filing

Failing to file required documentation means your child will not be legally exempt from compulsory public school attendance. This could potentially lead to truancy issues. Each legal homeschooling option has different filing requirements, so be sure to follow the guidelines for your chosen path.

Private School Affidavit (PSA) Requirements

If homeschooling via a home-based private school, California law requires filing an annual PSA with the Superintendent of Public Instruction as mandated by Education Code §33190. This is a registration document—not a license or approval process—submitted under penalty of perjury stating you're operating a private school.

When to File

  • File between October 1-15 each school year
  • Covers the current school year
  • New schools formed after October 15 should file as soon as they begin homeschooling
  • The CDE's online system is open from August 1 to June 30
  • For mid-year starts (e.g., January), file immediately
  • For summer starts (July), wait until October for the new school year
  • Must be filed annually

What to File

The PSA form requests:

  • School name
  • Address
  • Contact information
  • Enrollment by grade
  • Number of teachers
  • Affirmation that your school will offer required instruction

The form is filed electronically on the CDE website, and a confirmation is provided. There is no fee to file.

Local District Notification

  • You do not need permission or approval from your local school district
  • Filing the PSA with the state is sufficient
  • Parents are not required to notify the local school district when starting a home-based private school
  • If your child is currently enrolled in public school, you should formally withdraw them in writing
  • Send a brief letter stating the child will be attending a private school
  • This prevents the child from being marked truant

Note: The PSA is a public record. Private schools with 6 or more students are listed in a public directory; home schools with fewer students are not publicly listed, but the filing is still required by law.

Public School Program Requirements

If you enroll your child in a public independent study program or charter homeschool program:

  • You do not file a PSA – the student is counted as a public school student
  • You will sign an independent study agreement or enrollment contract with the school
  • All required notifications are handled by the school
  • Follow the program's enrollment procedures
  • Ensure you withdraw from any previous school
  • Understand the program's attendance and reporting requirements upon enrollment

The school will handle all state reporting requirements, but you'll need to comply with the program's internal reporting procedures.

Private Tutor Option Requirements

If using the tutor exemption under Education Code §48224:

  • No affidavit is filed since the child is not enrolled in a private school
  • The tutor/teacher should maintain proof of their valid California teaching credential
  • Be prepared to show credential documentation if asked
  • Parents who switch to the tutor method should formally withdraw their child from any prior school
  • Send a letter stating the child will now be instructed privately pursuant to Ed Code §48224
  • There is no ongoing state paperwork beyond possible credential verification

While there are fewer filing requirements, the credential qualification is more stringent than other options.

Consequences of Not Filing

Failing to file a required PSA for a child who is otherwise not in school means:

  • The CDE has no record that the child is enrolled in a private school
  • The student will not be exempt from compulsory public school attendance
  • Your child could be technically considered truant
  • You may face inquiries from your local school district about your child's educational status

Timely filing and proper notification are critical compliance steps. Fortunately, the PSA process is straightforward, and homeschool advocacy groups provide guidance to help families file correctly each year.

Filing Tips

  • Set calendar reminders for the October 1-15 filing window
  • Save digital copies of your filing confirmation
  • Keep a copy of any school withdrawal letters
  • Many California homeschool support groups offer workshops or guidance on PSA filing
  • The CDE website has detailed instructions for completing the affidavit

Curriculum and Subject Requirements by Grade Level

Homeschooling families in California have significant freedom to choose their own curriculum and teaching methods. The state does not mandate specific textbooks or programs for private schools.

Curriculum Freedom with Subject Guidelines

While California law requires certain subjects be taught as part of a "full-time" educational program, parents are completely free to select the specific materials, teaching approaches, and schedules that work best for their children. Education Code §48222 states that children educated in a private full-time day school must be taught in the English language and "in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools" of California.

Elementary School (Grades 1-6) Required Subjects

According to Education Code §51210, the course of study for grades 1-6 must include instruction in the following areas:

English/Language Arts

Reading, writing, literature, speaking, listening skills, spelling, handwriting, and composition

Mathematics

Basic arithmetic, concepts, and problem-solving appropriate to each grade level

Social Sciences

History, geography, civics, and other social studies topics, providing a foundation in U.S. and California history, government, and cultural understanding

Science

Biological and physical sciences, with an emphasis on observation and the scientific inquiry process

Visual and Performing Arts

Art, music, dance, and theater, aimed at developing creativity and appreciation of the arts

Health

Principles of personal, family, and community health and safety

Physical Education

Physical activities that develop motor skills and fitness (public schools are required to provide 200 minutes every 10 school days, but home educators have flexibility in implementation)

Middle and High School (Grades 7-12) Required Subjects

For grades 7-12, Education Code §51220 outlines a broader set of required course offerings:

English Language Arts

Continued development of literature analysis, composition, and communication skills

Social Sciences

U.S. and world history, geography, political science, economics, including civics and an understanding of government and legal systems

Foreign Language

Instruction in at least one foreign language (to begin by 7th grade) to develop communication skills in that language

Physical Education

Ongoing PE with emphasis on health and fitness

Science

Courses in physical and biological sciences, focusing on fundamental concepts, theories, and scientific investigation (e.g., life science, Earth science, chemistry, physics)

Mathematics

Courses from basic math through advanced topics (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, etc.), aimed at developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving

Visual and Performing Arts

Continued instruction in arts (art, music, drama, etc.) to foster creative expression

Applied Arts

Practical arts such as industrial arts, technology, home economics, or agricultural/vocational education

Career Technical Education

Courses preparing students for vocations or careers, aligned with community workforce needs (e.g., technical or trade courses)

Driver Education

Knowledge of vehicle operation and safety, including traffic laws and responsible driving habits (typically offered in high school)

Note: Not every private homeschool will cover all of these high school areas in depth (for example, driver's ed or certain vocational courses might be skipped), but the law's intent is that a secondary education be well-rounded. Families often prioritize core academics but have flexibility in electives.

High School and Graduation

Private schools in California set their own graduation requirements, since there is no state-imposed credit requirement for private high schools.

  • As a homeschooling parent, you decide what courses your high school student must complete
  • You can issue a diploma from your home private school
  • Colleges or employers might evaluate the transcript you create
  • Following a college-prep plan is wise if your teen intends to attend university
  • Consider including 4 years of English, 3–4 years of math, lab sciences, etc.
  • Private school diplomas are unregulated, so research how post-secondary institutions recognize homeschool coursework
  • Alternative options like the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or GED are available as equivalency credentials if needed

Planning your curriculum with the future in mind (college, trades, etc.) is recommended, even though you have legal flexibility.

Curriculum Choice

Within the broad subject requirements, private homeschoolers have complete freedom in choosing curriculum and defining specific course content.

  • You can use purchased curricula, online programs, design your own unit studies, or employ any teaching style
  • Montessori, classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, project-based learning, etc. are all valid approaches
  • The State Board of Education's content standards and frameworks are available as optional guides, but are not mandatory for private schools
  • If your child is academically advanced or needs remediation, you can freely adjust the curriculum level
  • Instruction must be given in English (though you can certainly teach other languages in addition)
  • Many families educate bilingually; just ensure core subjects include English instruction as required by law

This flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of homeschooling in California.

Curriculum Implementation Tips

  • Keep documentation of the subjects you cover to demonstrate compliance with the "several branches of study" requirement
  • You don't need to teach all subjects every day—many homeschoolers use block scheduling, unit studies, or integrated approaches
  • For high school courses, consider creating detailed course descriptions and a transcript system from the beginning
  • Join homeschool support groups where families share curriculum recommendations that work well for California homeschoolers
  • You can supplement your homeschool curriculum with community college classes (especially for high school students)

Parent Qualifications and Teacher Credentials

One of the advantages of homeschooling in California is that parents do not need any special certification to teach their own children when operating as a private school.

Good News for Parents

Unlike some states that require a minimum level of education for homeschooling parents, California law only specifies that teachers in a private school be "persons capable of teaching". There is no requirement for a California teaching credential or college degree for the parent-teacher in a home-based private school.

Private School Option (PSA)

For parents homeschooling through the Private School Affidavit method:

  • No teaching credential required
  • No college degree required
  • No state-mandated education level
  • Parents must be "capable of teaching" the required subjects
  • The California Department of Education confirms that private school instructors are not mandated to hold state credentials
  • The parent determines their own capability to provide an adequate education
  • The state does not vet or evaluate your qualifications under this option

This freedom was affirmed in court case Jonathan L. v. Superior Court (2008), which upheld that homeschooling through the private school affidavit is permissible without requiring teacher certification.

Private Tutor Option

This is the only homeschool option that requires credentials:

  • Under Education Code §48224, the tutor must have a valid California teaching credential for the grade(s) being taught
  • This could be the parent (if they happen to be a credentialed teacher) or a hired tutor
  • The credential must be for the specific grade level being taught
  • Instruction must be full-time (3 hours per day, 175 days per year)
  • Instruction must be in the core subjects
  • Instruction must be in English
  • Most homeschooling families avoid this requirement by using the private school affidavit method instead

This option is essentially like hiring a private teacher who meets the same credential standards as a public school teacher.

Public School Independent Study Programs

For families using public charter or district independent study programs:

  • No credential is required of the parent because the program assigns a credentialed teacher to oversee the student's education
  • The parent serves more as a "learning coach" rather than the teacher of record
  • The credentialed teacher provided by the program is responsible for supervising progress and ensuring state education standards are met
  • Parents must cooperate with the assigned credentialed teacher and follow program guidelines
  • The parent's own education level is not regulated or relevant to program participation

This option blends the benefits of homeschooling flexibility with the support of a credentialed educator.

What Does "Capable of Teaching" Mean?

The law's phrase "capable of teaching" is intentionally broad. In practice, it means:

  • You are committed to educating your child and willing to learn along with them
  • You can provide or facilitate instruction in the required subject areas
  • You have a plan or curriculum for meeting educational needs
  • You are willing to seek outside resources or assistance when needed
  • If there were ever a legal question, demonstrating that you have a plan and are providing consistent instruction would show you are "capable"

In summary, any parent or guardian can homeschool their child in California under the private school option, regardless of educational background, as long as they are willing to take responsibility for their child's education.

Standardized Testing and Evaluation Requirements

California does not require homeschool students in private schools to participate in standardized testing or submit to annual evaluations. This is a significant freedom that sets California apart from many other states.

No State Testing Mandate

The California Department of Education explicitly notes that "state testing is not required of private schools," which includes home-based private schools. There is no mandate to take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) or submit to any official academic evaluation.

Private Homeschool Testing Freedom

If you are homeschooling via PSA (home-based private school) or PSP:

  • You will not be automatically scheduled for state testing
  • You do not need to report any test scores to the state
  • Your child is outside the state's accountability system
  • Academic Performance Index (API) scores and California School Dashboard requirements do not apply to private schools
  • The CDE does not monitor your child's progress or results
  • Parents are solely accountable for their students' educational progress in a private homeschool setting

This independence is one of the key benefits of homeschooling through the private school option in California.

Public Program Exception

If your child is enrolled in a public charter ISP or district independent study program:

  • They are considered a public school student and will be required to take the same state tests as other public school students
  • Students in tested grades (3-8 and 11 for CAASPP, 5 and 8 for science, etc.) must participate in state testing
  • These programs may have their own periodic assessments or work sample requirements
  • The supervising teacher will typically outline testing expectations
  • This is an important distinction from private homeschooling

Joining a public program provides resources and support but brings back the testing and assessment requirements typical of public schools.

Optional Assessment Approaches

While not required, families may choose to do testing or assessments for their own purposes:

  • Use commercially available standardized tests (ITBS, Stanford, etc.)
  • Purchase practice tests or online assessment tools
  • Arrange (with permission) to join a local school's testing if desired
  • Use curriculum-based assessments included in your chosen materials
  • Create portfolios of student work to track progress
  • Keep records of completed assignments and grades
  • Conduct informal assessments through discussions and projects

Many homeschooling parents gauge progress through regular quizzes in their curriculum or informal assessments rather than standardized tests.

No Required Documentation

California homeschoolers have minimal reporting requirements:

  • No portfolio submissions required
  • No home visits by educators
  • No yearly certification or evaluation needed to continue homeschooling
  • No progress reports to submit to the state

Note about returning to public school: If a homeschooled student returns to public school, the school may give placement tests or assess transcripts to decide on grade level or credit transfer. Each district can evaluate incoming students per their policies.

If you plan to re-enroll your child in public school later, be prepared for the school to test or otherwise assess them to determine appropriate placement.

Assessment Tips for Homeschoolers

  • Consider using informal assessments throughout the year rather than just annual testing
  • Look into homeschool groups that offer group testing if you prefer standardized measures
  • Some colleges may request standardized test scores from homeschoolers, so consider SAT/ACT preparation for high school students
  • Keep samples of work from the beginning, middle, and end of your school year to document progress
  • Take photos of projects, experiments, and field trips as evidence of learning experiences
  • Remember that assessment is meant to guide instruction, not just measure achievement

Recordkeeping and Attendance Rules

When operating a home-based private school, you take on the recordkeeping duties of a private school administrator. California law requires private schools to maintain certain records to demonstrate that you are providing a legitimate educational program.

Required Records

According to the California Department of Education, private schools must maintain certain records at the school site. These records help establish your compliance with homeschooling laws and can be important if questions ever arise regarding your child's education.

Attendance Records

Required by law for all private schools:

  • Keep an attendance register (roll book) recording each student's attendance
  • Every absence of a half-day or more should be marked
  • Education Code §48222 implies that private schools should operate full-time
  • While no specific number of days is defined for private schools, the tutor exemption uses 175 days as a guideline
  • Most homeschoolers simply mark a calendar or keep a log of instruction days
  • This record helps prove your child was not truant if questions arise

Attendance records are one of the most important documents to maintain as they directly relate to compulsory education compliance.

Courses of Study

Required by law for all private schools:

  • Maintain a list or outline of the curriculum/courses offered by your school
  • Can be as simple as a document listing subjects for each child
  • Example: "John – 4th grade: Math (Saxon 5/4), Language Arts, History (Ancient Rome unit), Science (Biology), Art, PE"
  • Education Code §33190 expects private schools to have a written educational program
  • This document doesn't need to be submitted to anyone but should be kept in your files
  • Many families create a simple yearly plan or curriculum list for each student

This record demonstrates that you are covering the required subject areas and have an educational plan in place.

Faculty Qualifications

Required by law for all private schools:

  • Maintain a record of the names, addresses, and qualifications of all teachers at your school
  • For a single-family homeschool, the "faculty" is usually just the parent(s)
  • List your name, address, and a brief note of your "educational qualifications"
  • Could include your highest level of education or any relevant experience
  • There is no minimum qualification required (as covered in the Parent Qualifications section)
  • This record simply fulfills the technical requirement of the law

Remember that California law only requires private school teachers to be "persons capable of teaching" with no specific credential requirements.

PSA Filings & Student Records

Highly recommended but not explicitly required:

  • Private School Affidavit copies - Keep confirmation of each year's filed PSA
  • Student records similar to what traditional schools maintain:
    • Personal information (full name, birthdate, etc.)
    • Progress reports or report cards
    • Samples of work or portfolios
    • Standardized test scores (if any)
  • Immunization records - California requires schools to keep immunization or exemption records, but students in home-based private schools or independent study with no classroom-based instruction are exempt from mandatory vaccination requirements

These additional records can be valuable if your child transfers to another school or if you need to demonstrate the quality of your homeschool program.

Public Program Considerations

If you are using a public charter independent study program:

  • Recordkeeping is somewhat shared between parents and the school
  • The charter will require you to submit attendance (often monthly learning logs or work samples)
  • The charter school handles cumulative files and immunization records as any public school
  • Always follow the charter's specific instructions on recordkeeping
  • Failing to submit required documentation can result in being dropped from the program
  • This would put you out of compliance until you enroll elsewhere or file a PSA

Public charter homeschool programs typically have more stringent recordkeeping requirements than independent private homeschools.

Private Tutor Considerations

For those using the tutor exemption:

  • The law doesn't specify recordkeeping requirements for this option
  • However, it's wise to maintain similar records as with private schools
  • Keep an attendance log demonstrating the 3-hour/175-day requirement was met
  • Maintain a list of subjects taught to show required subjects were covered
  • Since no affidavit is filed, your proof of compliance includes:
    • Your credential (or your hired tutor's credential)
    • Records showing the instruction took place

While there are fewer explicit recordkeeping requirements for the tutor option, maintaining good records is still important for demonstrating compliance.

Practical Recordkeeping Tips

  • Create a simple binder or digital folder for your homeschool records
  • Use a basic attendance calendar where you can mark school days
  • Keep records organized by school year
  • Store your annual PSA confirmation with your other important documents
  • Take occasional photos of projects and activities as documentation
  • Consider keeping a simple monthly or quarterly summary of topics covered
  • Records don't need to be elaborate - simple, consistent documentation is sufficient
  • Keep records for at least 3 years (longer for high school transcripts)
  • If a local education agency (LEA) ever needs to verify your child's enrollment/exemption, these records will establish that your homeschool is meeting requirements

Oversight and Enforcement

One of the hallmarks of homeschooling in California is the relative lack of active oversight from education authorities, as long as you comply with the basic legal requirements.

Private School Independence

Private schools operate outside the direct jurisdiction of the California Department of Education and most state regulations. There is no routine monitoring or evaluation of home-based private schools by the CDE or local school districts.

Limited Government Intervention

Parents who file the PSA and keep required records experience:

  • No inspectors visiting your home
  • No requirement to submit standardized test results
  • No curriculum approval process
  • No evaluations or assessments to continue homeschooling
  • No formal observation of your teaching methods
  • Parents are entrusted with educating their children
  • Accountability comes mainly through the parents' own sense of responsibility

This educational freedom is a significant benefit of homeschooling in California compared to many other states.

Verification of Enrollment

If your child is of school age and not attending public school:

  • The local school district may seek to verify that the child is legally exempt from public school attendance
  • This usually happens if a previously enrolled student leaves without a transfer record
  • Parents can prove enrollment in a private school by:
    • Citing their PSA filing
    • Providing the school name and address
    • Showing a copy of the PSA confirmation if requested
  • Districts must verify a child's exemption from compulsory education by confirming that a PSA has been filed
  • Some districts have a specific form for this process; others accept a simple letter

Keeping your PSA confirmation handy can help resolve any questions quickly and efficiently.

Truancy Intervention

Enforcement typically only occurs if a family fails to comply with compulsory education law:

  • If a child is not enrolled in any known school and no affidavit is on file, the district will consider the child truant
  • Truancy is defined as a student missing school without a valid exemption or excuse
  • Three full days of unexcused absence typically triggers a truancy classification
  • Once truant, parents are notified and the district attempts interventions
  • Habitual truancy can escalate to a School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
  • Extreme cases may be referred to the county or district attorney
  • Parents can face fines or infractions for violating compulsory education law

Important: Families who have filed the PSA or enrolled in an ISP are NOT deemed truant since their children are attending a legally recognized educational program.

No Academic Oversight

If you are homeschooling legally (filed PSA, etc.), the state does not supervise your academic program:

  • The CDE does not evaluate or rate private schools
  • The state does not accredit or certify the quality of any private school
  • Filing the affidavit does not imply any approval by the state
  • The responsibility for providing a good education lies entirely with the parents
  • There is no routine checkpoint on a homeschooler's academics as long as the paperwork is in order
  • Educational neglect concerns would be handled through child welfare laws in extreme cases

This academic freedom allows you to tailor education to your child's needs without state interference.

District Policies

School district interactions with homeschoolers vary:

  • Some districts issue letters to known homeschoolers as a reminder to file the PSA
  • Some ask for confirmation of enrollment
  • Legally, you are only obliged to file with the state, not respond to district questionnaires
  • Many parents courteously inform the district after filing, especially if contacted
  • CDE has provided guidance to districts on private school disenrollment verification
  • Generally, districts should not harass or excessively monitor compliant families
  • If encountering misinformed officials, homeschool organizations can provide legal clarity

Being polite but firm about your legal rights usually prevents problems with districts.

Public Program Oversight

For families in public charter programs, oversight is built into the system:

  • You will have a credentialed teacher meeting with you (usually monthly)
  • The teacher will collect work samples and ensure the student is progressing
  • If you don't meet program guidelines, the charter can enforce its rules
  • Non-compliance could potentially result in dis-enrollment
  • This oversight is administrative (within the school's authority) rather than governmental
  • It's designed to satisfy the charter's legal obligation to deliver education
  • It also accounts for the public funds being used for your student

Charter program oversight is the trade-off for receiving public resources and support for homeschooling.

Practical Enforcement Summary

  • California enforces homeschooling law primarily through the truancy framework
  • If you follow one of the legal options, you are exempt from truancy concerns
  • There is no "homeschooling police" checking your lessons or curriculum
  • The system operates largely on an honor basis backed by the affidavit and record requirements
  • As long as you fulfill the filing and recordkeeping rules and genuinely educate your child, you should not face interference
  • Keep proof of your compliance (PSA confirmation, records) as your protection
  • If questioned, you can show that your child is attending a private school of which you are the administrator
  • Homeschool advocates often advise keeping a low profile while being prepared with documentation if asked

Support Organizations and Resources

Homeschooling can be challenging without support, and fortunately California has a wealth of statewide organizations, local groups, co-ops, and online resources to assist families in their homeschooling journey.

Building Your Support Network

These groups provide information on legal compliance, curriculum ideas, networking with other homeschoolers, and general encouragement. By tapping into these networks, you can stay informed about legal requirements and gain insights into best practices. Whether you need legal help, curriculum ideas, or just friends for your kids to play with, there's a resource available to support your homeschooling journey.

Statewide Organizations

California Department of Education Resources

The CDE's own website provides useful information on legal requirements:

  • Their Schooling at Home FAQ addresses common questions and links to homeschool organizations
  • Official information straight from the state about compliance requirements
  • Content standards and frameworks that can be used as optional academic guides
  • Links to other homeschooling resources and organizations

Visit the CDE Homeschooling Page

California Homeschool Network (CHN)

A statewide, inclusive (secular) advocacy organization run by experienced homeschoolers:

  • Up-to-date information on legal options and compliance
  • Annual family expo with workshops and networking
  • Step-by-step guides for filing the PSA, recordkeeping, and curriculum choices
  • Maintains a list of local support groups throughout California
  • Volunteers available to answer questions from new homeschoolers

Visit California Homeschool Network

Homeschool Association of California (HSC)

Another major statewide organization inclusive of all homeschooling styles:

  • Legal information, resource directories, and community forums
  • Annual conference with workshops and activities
  • Legislative updates and a legal team that monitors homeschooling rights
  • Articles on specialized topics like homeschooling high school or special needs
  • Special needs advisors to assist families with unique learning challenges

Visit Homeschool Association of California

Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA)

A statewide Christian homeschool organization:

  • Support and events primarily for Christian homeschooling families
  • Advice on operating private Christian home-based schools
  • Works alongside Family Protection Ministries on legislative issues
  • Large annual convention with curriculum vendors and workshops
  • Regional groups throughout California
  • Resources on technical aspects of homeschooling that can be helpful for all families

Visit Christian Home Educators Association

Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

A national organization that defends the rights of homeschooling families:

  • Attorneys knowledgeable about California law
  • Membership includes legal advice and representation for homeschooling issues
  • Easy-to-understand summaries of California homeschool laws
  • Template letters (e.g., for withdrawing from school)
  • Special guidance for situations like homeschooling a child with special needs
  • Many families find peace of mind with HSLDA membership as "legal insurance"

Visit Homeschool Legal Defense Association

Local Support and Co-ops

Across California's counties and cities, there are numerous local support groups:

  • Informal "park day" groups where homeschoolers meet for play and socialization
  • Organized co-ops where families join together for group classes or activities
  • Co-ops can range from a few families trading teaching duties to large groups that meet weekly
  • Many offer academic classes, sports, music, art, and field trips
  • Groups exist for various philosophies (secular, faith-based, unschooling, classical education, etc.)

How to Find Local Groups:

  • Use resources from CHN or HSC (they maintain regional contacts lists)
  • Search on Facebook or Meetup (e.g., "Homeschool group [Your City]")
  • Check The Homeschool Mom website which lists support groups by region
  • Ask at local libraries, which often host homeschool groups

Joining a local group provides encouragement, social opportunities for kids, and a chance for parents to share tips and curriculum.

Online Communities & Resources

Online Homeschool Communities:

  • Facebook groups specific to California homeschoolers
  • Reddit (r/homeschool) with active California members
  • HSLDA online forums and social media groups
  • CHN and HSC online discussion boards
  • Valuable for quick questions about PSA filing, curriculum recommendations, etc.
  • Note: Always verify legal advice against official sources

Educational Resources:

  • California-specific curriculum materials (state history, etc.)
  • The CDE's Content Standards as optional academic guides
  • Museums, zoos, and community programs with homeschool days/discounts
  • California's rich array of field trip destinations (Science Centers, missions, etc.)
  • Local libraries with homeschool support programs
  • Online learning platforms, MOOCs, and educational YouTube channels

Online resources can be especially valuable for families in rural areas or those unable to attend in-person groups regularly.

Special Needs Support

If you are homeschooling a child with special needs, additional resources are available:

  • HSC's Special Needs Advisors - Experienced homeschoolers offering guidance
  • HSLDA Special Needs Consultants - Nationwide advocates with expertise
  • Public school districts must offer assessment for disabilities even for private school students
  • Districts may provide limited services to homeschooled students with identified needs
  • Special Needs Homeschooling California - Facebook groups and forums
  • Some parents choose to enroll in a charter to access full special education services
  • Specialized curriculum providers with adaptable materials
  • Local therapy providers who work with homeschooled students

This is a complex area where support groups can be very helpful in guiding families through both educational and legal considerations.

You Are Not Alone

While homeschooling means taking full responsibility for your child's education, you are not alone. California's homeschool community is large and diverse:

  • Statewide organizations like CHN and HSC have decades of experience
  • Thousands of families across California are on the same journey
  • Community support can make your homeschooling experience successful and enjoyable
  • Veteran homeschoolers are often eager to help newcomers navigate the early challenges
  • Most families find that connecting with other homeschoolers is key to long-term success

Homeschooling in California is a well-worn path with extensive support networks available to help you succeed.

Learning Corner's Tools for California Homeschoolers

Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist California homeschoolers:

Curriculum Planning
Subject Explorer

Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping California homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.

Assessment Tools
Quiz Creator

Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of California's required subject areas.

Daily Teaching Aids
Worksheets

Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required California subject areas.

Organization
Lesson Planner

Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for California homeschoolers.

Last Updated: April 24, 2025