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Homeschooling in California? Here’s How to Stay Legal Without Losing Your Mind

Author

Ark
September 22, 2025

Homeschooling gives families the freedom to design an education that fits their children—but in California, the paperwork and legal requirements can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? Once you know your options and have the right tools, staying compliant is simple and stress-free.

The Four Legal Options for Homeschooling in California

California law recognizes several ways to legally homeschool:

  1. File a Private School Affidavit (PSA)

    1. Parents operate their home as a private school.

    2. Must file annually with the California Department of Education (CDE).

    3. Requires keeping records such as attendance, course of study, and student work.

  2. Enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

    1. Parents join an existing private school that has filed a PSA.

    2. The school handles administrative requirements; parents do the teaching.

  3. Public School Independent Study/Charter Program

    1. Families work with a public charter or district-based independent study.

    2. Accountability and curriculum vary by program.

  4. Private Tutor Option

    1. Instruction by a credentialed California teacher.

    2. Must provide equivalent instruction for 175 days.

What Records Do You Need to Keep?

If you file your own PSA, California law expects you to maintain:

  • Attendance register (track instructional hours and absences)

  • Course of study (subjects and textbooks used)

  • Samples of student work (portfolio-style evidence)

  • PSA confirmation (keep a printed copy every year)

These records aren’t usually submitted to the state but must be available if ever requested.

How a Homeschool Compliance Binder Helps

Instead of juggling random forms and logs, a homeschool compliance binder puts everything in one organized place.

For example, the California Homeschool Legal & Compliance Binder (Printable PDF) includes:

  • A PSA filing checklist so you never miss a step.

  • Printable monthly attendance & hours trackers.

  • Weekly lesson planners in both portrait and landscape layouts.

  • Portfolio checklist for required records.

  • Sample withdrawal and records request letters for smooth transitions.

  • BONUS pages: transcript templates, semester report cards, and pacing calendars for popular curricula (Abeka, Sonlight, and Oak Meadow).

Parents use it as

  • A daily lesson planner (keep learning on track).

  • A legal compliance log (attendance and hours all documented).

  • A portfolio organizer (easy to show progress if needed).

  • A high school record system (track credits, build transcripts).

Final Thoughts

California homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right binder in hand, you can focus less on compliance stress and more on creating a joyful, customized learning experience for your kids.

Ready to simplify your homeschool journey?

Grab the

here: