CALIFORNIA HOMESCHOOL LAW

Compulsory School Age: 6 - 18

California state law offers four legal homeschooling options: 1) qualify as a private school, 2) use a private tutor, 3) enroll in a private school satellite program and take independent study, or 4) enroll in an independent study program through the public school.

1. The first option is to qualify as a private school.  Under this option an affidavit must be filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction between October 1 and 15 each school year.  The child is required to learn the same subjects taught in the public schools and in the English language by an instructor "capable of teaching."  An attendance register must be maintained.  There are no requirements regarding attendance or testing.

2. The second option is to use a private tutor.  The tutor must have teacher certification and must teach the same subjects as offered in the public schools and in the English language.  The child is required to attend instruction 3 hours per day for 175 days each school year.  California home school statutes do not require notification to the school board, recordkeeping, or testing under the private tutor option.

3. Thirdly, a student may enroll in a private school satellite program and take independent study.  Attendance policies, course material, recordkeeping, and testing requirements are established by the private school.  The instructor must be capable of teaching.  There is no requirement regarding school board notification for this option.

4. The fourth and final option is enrollment in an independent study program offered through the public school.  Under this option, the child is actually enrolled in a public school, and is therefore considered a public school student and uses public school curriculum, but he/she does not physically attend the public school.  Because the student is enrolled in the public school, he/she must abide by all school rules and policies, including attendance, subjects, recordkeeping, and testing.  Click here for more information on the public school independent study option.

Find a homeschool group in California.

View these websites for more information about California homeschool laws:

• Home School Legal Defense Association

• National Home Education Network

• California Education Code for Homeschooling

• California State Board of Education

Please note: This is a brief summary of California homeschool law and is presented for informative purposes only and not as legal advice.