Guide to California Homeschooling Laws
This page provides a comprehensive overview of California homeschool law, outlining the legal requirements and steps parents must take to begin homeschooling. It covers essential topics such as filing the Private School Affidavit (PSA), understanding the required school enrollment age, and navigating immunization laws. The page also addresses common legal concerns, exemptions, and offers guidance for homeschooling families to remain in compliance with state regulations while protecting their rights.
Additionally, the page offers valuable resources for new homeschooling parents, including links to relevant forms, articles, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re withdrawing your child from school, learning about immunization requirements, or seeking answers about homeschooling laws, this page serves as a trusted guide to help ensure that your homeschooling journey is both legal and successful in California.
New to Homeschooling?
Legal Options and Requirements
Starting homeschooling can indeed feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basic steps and requirements, it becomes more manageable. Explore the four legal options for homeschooling in California, understand the requirements for each, and access helpful resources to get started with confidence.
Withdrawing Your Child From School
Steps for Withdrawing Your Child
Withdrawing your child from school to begin homeschooling involves several key steps to ensure you comply with legal requirements and smoothly transition to homeschooling.
Required School Enrollment Age
California’s Compulsory Education Law
Learn about California’s legal enrollment age and the requirements for privately homeschooling your child under state law.
Filing the P.S.A.
Filing the Private School Affidavit
Filing a private school affidavit (P.S.A.) with the California Department of Education (CDE) is necessary if you’re homeschooling in California under the private school exemption. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Private vs. Public Education
Understand the Legal Differences
There are distinct differences between private and public education systems, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, charters and ISP’s have their own characteristics.
Charter Schools
Why Charters Differ from Private Homeschooling
Learn about key differences between charter & private homeschooling, what the Education Code says, & why Christians should avoid charters due to potential conflicts with faith-based education & values.
Immunizations
Understanding Immunizations and Homeschool Law
Deciding whether to vaccinate your child is an important decision that involves many factors and is different for every family. This information will show you what’s required when homeschooling and other helpful information.
Response to Criticism
Answering Attacks on Homeschool Freedom
The topic of homeschool regulation has sparked debates and discussions among educators, policymakers, and others. One Harvard professor called for an outright ban on homeschooling in a 2019 article. These are our responses to some of them.
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