Homeschooling in California, planned for you
Start with a clear view of California's notice, subject, attendance, assessment, and recordkeeping rules—then turn them into a homeschool year that works for your family.
Last reviewed August 5, 2026. This guide is informational, not legal advice; verify requirements with California and your local district before acting.
California requirements at a glance
This is the parent-led route most families use. If you enroll through an umbrella, private school, tutor, or public program, that option may have different rules.
- Most independent families establish a home-based private school and file the annual Private School Affidavit; private-school satellite and credentialed-tutor options also exist.
- Private schools must teach the branches of study required in public schools, in English, with required high-school courses where applicable.
- Instruction must be offered full time and generally track the public-school calendar, but the code does not give home-based private schools a single hourly total.
- No statewide test or portfolio review is required for the home-based private-school option.
- Private-school teachers must be capable of teaching; a California credential is not required for a parent operating a private school.
Filing dates to put on your calendar
- File the Private School Affidavit each year between October 1 and October 15; a school starting later should file promptly.
Governing authority: California Education Code §§ 33190, 48222, and 51210. Local procedures and alternative legal options can add detail.
How Kuraplan helps you meet them
Turn the rules into a workable week, keep the evidence you need, and spend less Sunday night building materials from scratch.
Plans aligned to your state
Build lessons around your child's grade, subject, and the requirements your state expects you to cover.
Print-ready worksheets
Make practice sheets and answer keys for the exact skill each child is working on, ready to print or reuse.
Records from completed work
Keep digital worksheet responses together so progress reports, portfolios, and end-of-year reviews are easier to prepare.
One lesson. All your kids.
$49/yr flat — no per-child fees
Start with one family lesson, then adjust the reading level, practice, and response format for each child without rebuilding the whole day.
California homeschool FAQ
The short version of the questions parents ask before filing, choosing subjects, and setting the school calendar.
Is homeschooling legal in California?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in California when a family follows the applicable compulsory-education rules. Most independent families establish a home-based private school and file the annual Private School Affidavit; private-school satellite and credentialed-tutor options also exist. Requirements can change, so verify your plan with the relevant state agency or local district before you begin.
Do I need to notify the state or district to homeschool in California?
Most independent families establish a home-based private school and file the annual Private School Affidavit; private-school satellite and credentialed-tutor options also exist.
What subjects are required for homeschoolers in California?
Private schools must teach the branches of study required in public schools, in English, with required high-school courses where applicable.
How many homeschool days or hours are required in California?
Instruction must be offered full time and generally track the public-school calendar, but the code does not give home-based private schools a single hourly total.
Does California require homeschool testing or a portfolio?
No statewide test or portfolio review is required for the home-based private-school option.
Informational, not legal advice. Laws, agency forms, and local procedures can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant California agency and your local district.
Your California homeschool year, in one place
Plan lessons, make printables, and keep each child's completed work organized for the records your family chooses—or needs—to keep.
Plan with Kuraplan