California homeschool laws
Requirements summary
In California, parents most commonly homeschool by establishing a home-based private school and filing an annual Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education during the October 1-15 filing window.
Expect a one-time or yearly notice. Some states in this group also ask for testing or records; see below.
Notice and filing deadlines
October 1: Private School Affidavit (PSA) annual filing period begins
Statutory filing period is October 1-15 each year. The CDE online system is open August 1 through June 30, so new home schools should file when they start (schools established in July wait until August).
October 15: Private School Affidavit filing deadline
Required subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Social sciences
- Science
- Visual and performing arts
- Health
- Physical education
- World language
- Applied arts
- Career technical education
- Automobile driver education
Hours and days of instruction
Our summary does not list a specific hour or day count for California.
Testing and evaluation
Our summary does not list a testing or evaluation requirement for California.
Recordkeeping
- An attendance register recording any absence of a half day or more.
- A list of the courses of study offered.
- The names, addresses and educational qualifications of its teachers (the parent, for most homeschools).
- Recommended: copies of filed affidavits and each pupil's records.
Pre-filled filing draft
Yes. HomeStudyPath can pre-fill a draft of these filings from your family's records:
- Private School Affidavit (PSA) annual filing period begins
- Private School Affidavit filing deadline
Official sources
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official sources above.
Homeschooling in California?
HomeStudyPath puts your filing dates on your calendar and keeps the attendance, hours, and records your state asks for.
Track your state's deadlines automatically