Your state guide · 2026
California homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
California has no separate homeschool law.
At a glance
- Most families file a private school affidavit
- Affidavit due October 1-15 every year
- No reporting to the school district
- Compulsory ages 6 to 18
- Five legal ways to homeschool
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 6–18 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | Every year between October 1 and October 15. |
| Required subjects | The branches of study required in public schools (Education Code §51210 for grades 1-6 and §51220 for grades 7-12), taught in English |
| Instruction time | Not specified for a home-based private school. A credentialed tutor must teach at least 3 hours a day for 175 days a year, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. |
| Parent qualifications | A home-based private school must be taught by persons capable of teaching, and must keep the names, addresses and educational qualifications of its faculty on record. A private tutor must hold a valid California teaching credential for the grade taught. |
| Tests & assessments | State law sets no testing requirement for a home-based private school, and parents do not report to their school district. The district only verifies that the affidavit was filed. |
| Records to keep | Keep an attendance register noting every absence of half a day or more, a record of the courses of study offered, and the names, addresses and educational qualifications of faculty. |
| Immunizations | The school immunization requirement in Health and Safety Code section 120335 does not apply to pupils in a home-based private school. |
How to start homeschooling in California
Families most often homeschool by running a home-based private school, which files a private school affidavit each year, teaches in English the subjects required in public schools, and keeps an attendance register. Other routes are a public charter school, a public independent study program, an existing private school's independent study program, or a credentialed tutor.
Choose your homeschooling option
Home-based private school. The parent sets up a private school at home, files the annual private school affidavit and meets private school rules.
Existing private school with independent study. The child enrolls in a private school that offers online or independent study at home; that school files the affidavit.
Public charter school. The child enrolls in a public charter school that offers home-based study.
Public school independent study. The child enrolls in a public school district's independent study program.
Credentialed tutor. The child is taught by a tutor holding a California teaching credential.
Prepare your notice
A private school affidavit filed with the California Department of Education.
Open the official notice resource ↗Check when and where to file
When: Every year between October 1 and October 15.
Where: California Department of Education. Parents do not report to their school district.
Subjects to teach
- The branches of study required in public schools (Education Code §51210 for grades 1-6 and §51220 for grades 7-12), taught in English
Official forms & law
California Department of Education ↗
Forms & guidance
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in California?
A private school affidavit filed with the California Department of Education.
When do I file in California?
Every year between October 1 and October 15.
What assessments are required in California?
State law sets no testing requirement for a home-based private school, and parents do not report to their school district. The district only verifies that the affidavit was filed.
Check the original
Sources
- Homeschooling ↗California Department of Education
- Education Code 48200, Compulsory attendance ↗California Legislature
- Education Code 48222, Private school exemption ↗California Legislature
- Education Code 48224, Tutor exemption ↗California Legislature
- Education Code 33190, Private school affidavit ↗California Legislature
- Health and Safety Code 120335 ↗California Legislature
Last verified .