What You Need to Know

California is home to one of the largest homeschooling communities in the country. Whether you're exploring home education for the first time or are looking for resources to enhance your current journey, this guide will walk you through the basics of legally homeschooling in California and how to get started with confidence.

California Homeschool Laws and Requirements

California offers several legal pathways to homeschool, allowing flexibility for families with different needs. The three main ways to legally homeschool in California include:

Private School Affidavit (PSA) – File an affidavit to establish your own private school in your home. You act as both administrator and teacher.

Private School Satellite Program (PSP) – Enroll in a private school that supports homeschoolers. They often handle recordkeeping and compliance.

Charter School or Independent Study Program (ISP) – Enroll in a public charter that supports homeschooling. They typically provide funding and oversight, but may have curriculum and reporting requirements.

California does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers using a PSA or PSP, and curriculum is parent-chosen. If using a charter or ISP, additional oversight and curriculum approvals may apply.

Helpful Link: California Department of Education – Home Schooling Overview

How to Start Homeschooling in California

To begin homeschooling in California, you'll first need to decide which legal option works best for your family. The PSA and PSP paths offer the most independence, while charter/ISP options provide funding but come with more oversight.

Here are the basic steps to start:

1. Choose your legal homeschooling method (PSA, PSP, or Charter/ISP)

2. If using the PSA, file the affidavit between October 1–15 each school year

3. Select your homeschool curriculum (California does not mandate what you teach under PSA/PSP)

4. Keep basic records: attendance, and course materials

5. Join a homeschool group or co-op for support and community

Helpful Link: HSC – California Homeschool Legal Guide

California Homeschool Groups

Homeschooling in California is vibrant and well-connected. Across the state, you'll find homeschool co-ops, support groups, field trip networks, and enrichment programs. These communities help families find connection, encouragement, and shared learning opportunities.

Helpful Link: CHEA – Christian Home Educators Association of California

California Homeschool Funding Through Charter Schools

Many California families homeschool through public charter schools or Independent Study Programs (ISPs). These programs provide educational funds to cover curriculum, classes, and other resources—but they typically require you to work with a credentialed teacher and submit student work samples.

If you choose this route, note that:

Funds are typically distributed to vendors, not directly to parents

You may be limited to curriculum packages that are secular or have had religious content removed

You’ll have to follow your charter’s calendar and reporting schedule

Beautiful Feet Books is an approved vendor for many California charter schools. If you’d like to order through your charter, please contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.

Homeschool Curriculum Options for California Families

California allows families the freedom to choose their own homeschool curriculum when using a PSA or PSP, making it easy to tailor your child’s education to their learning style and interests.

At Beautiful Feet Books, we specialize in literature-rich, story-driven curriculum that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a love of learning. Our history, literature, science, and geography programs are ideal for California families looking for a flexible, meaningful approach to homeschooling.

Explore Our K–12 Homeschool Curriculum