Homeschooling in California
A practical starting point for California families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.
At a glance
File a private school affidavit, enroll in a PSP, or use a public charter. Records of instruction required.
No statewide ESA. Public charter homeschool programs offer per-student instructional funds to enrolled families.
In-depth guides
California homeschool laws
Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for California families.
Read the guide
California homeschool funding
California's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.
Read the guide
Getting started in California
A high-level checklist tailored to California’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.
- 1
Decide your homeschooling approach
Pick the structure that fits your family — independent homeschool, an umbrella school or co-op, or a public charter that supports home-based learning. Your choice affects which rules apply to you.
- 2
File the required notice
Submit the state's notice of intent (or affidavit / private-school registration, depending on the state) with your local district or department of education. This is usually a one-page form filed annually.
- 3
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.
Frequently asked
Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in California?
Yes — but the requirement is light. Most families file a one-page notice or affidavit each year with the state or local district.
Does California require homeschool standardized testing?
Standardized testing is generally not required at the state level, though some districts or umbrella schools may ask for it.
Can homeschool families in California access ESA or scholarship funding?
No statewide ESA. Public charter homeschool programs offer per-student instructional funds to enrolled families.
How do I withdraw my child from public school in California?
Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.
Related states
Other states with similar regulation and a comparable funding posture.
Numa keeps California compliance on autopilot.
- Pre-filled forms for your state's notice and reporting
- Attendance, portfolio, and assessment tracking by grade
- Curriculum planning that matches state requirements