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California classifies most homeschools as private schools under the Private School Affidavit (PSA) exemption. You file with the state — never your local school district — and once filed, you have broad freedom over curriculum, schedule, and teaching style.
California Homeschool Requirements (2026)
📋 What California Does NOT Require
- No teaching credential required for parents filing a PSA
- No mandatory standardized testing at any grade level
- No curriculum approval by the state or district
- No minimum required hours of daily instruction specified by law
- No contact with or approval from your local school district
📚 What California DOES Require
- File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) annually between October 1–15 each year, on the CDE website
- Maintain attendance records, a course of study, and records of teacher qualifications
- Instruction must be in English and cover the required subjects (see below)
- Keep your PSA information current if anything changes during the year
📚 Required Subjects in California
- English (reading, writing, spelling)
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Physical education
- Additional subjects as required by California Education Code §51210
California Education Code §51210 outlines the subjects required for elementary instruction. You choose the curriculum and materials; the state does not approve them.
📁 Record-Keeping in California
- California does not mandate portfolio reviews or standardized testing, but you must maintain attendance records, a course of study, and teacher qualification records under your PSA
- Keep these records for at least the duration required by your district in case of a later re-enrollment or audit
- Attendance and progress records help if your child later applies to California community colleges via dual enrollment
- The PSA itself becomes part of the public CDE database once filed — no separate submission to your district is needed or wanted
⚠️ Always verify current requirements with your state department of education or the Home School Legal Defense Association (hslda.org). Laws can change and this page is for general reference only.
Getting Started / Withdrawing from Public School in California
If your child is currently enrolled in a California public school, formally withdraw them by notifying the school in writing, then file your Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education between October 1–15 (or immediately if starting outside that window — the CDE allows early filing from August 1). Do not contact your local school district about your homeschool plans; the PSA is a state-level filing only, and reaching out to the district is one of the most common — and unnecessary — points of confusion for new California homeschool families.
How Lumi Helps California Homeschool Families
Lumi handles curriculum planning, grading, and progress tracking automatically, so California families can focus on their kids instead of paperwork — while staying comfortably aligned with state requirements.
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Covers Required Subjects
Lumi covers the core subjects California expects, plus additional subjects including Coding, Art, Music, and more — all in one flat-price app.
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Attendance Tracker
Built-in attendance logging helps you document instructional time and subject coverage automatically, useful for meeting record-keeping expectations.
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Printable Report Cards
Generate formal report cards automatically — useful for evaluations, re-enrollment in public school, or any situation requiring proof of academic progress.
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Printable Workbooks
Six standards-aligned workbooks covering every grade level — great for portfolio documentation and supplemental practice.
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Flat Family Price
$39.99/month covers up to 8 kids — no per-child fees as your family grows.
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Voice-Guided Lessons
Every lesson is narrated aloud by Lumi, so kids can work independently while parents focus on the bigger picture.
California Homeschool Resources
- California Department of Education (CDE) — Private School Affidavit — cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/affidavit.asp — The official PSA filing portal and instructions. This is the only state-level filing required.
- California Homeschool Network (CHN) — californiahomeschool.net — Statewide advocacy and support organization with PSA filing guides and local group directories.
- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) — hslda.org — National legal advocacy organization with California-specific guidance and membership legal protection.
- HSLDA California Filing Instructions — hslda.org — Step-by-step walkthrough specifically for filing the PSA correctly and on time.
Frequently Asked Questions — Homeschooling in California
Do I need to notify my school district to homeschool in California?
No — and you generally shouldn't. California's homeschool exemption (the Private School Affidavit) is filed directly with the California Department of Education at the state level, not with your local school district. Contacting your district about homeschooling is one of the most common mistakes new California homeschool families make, since districts have no role in the PSA process.
When do I have to file the Private School Affidavit?
The official filing window is October 1–15 each year, though the CDE opens early filing starting August 1 for families who want to file sooner. If you're starting homeschooling outside that window (mid-year), you can file immediately — you aren't required to wait until the official window.
Does California require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
No. California does not mandate standardized testing for students homeschooled under a Private School Affidavit. Some families choose to test voluntarily to track progress, but there is no state requirement to do so.
Do I need a teaching credential to homeschool in California?
No. Filing a Private School Affidavit does not require any teaching credential, degree, or certification. You're establishing your home as a private school under California law, which does not require credentialed instructors.
What is the best homeschool curriculum app for California families?
Lumi Academy covers all the core subjects required under California Education Code §51210 — English, Math, Social Studies, and Science — plus additional subjects, through voice-guided, self-paced lessons for Pre-K through 8th grade, at one flat family price covering up to 8 kids.
What happens if I don't file the PSA on time?
Filing late doesn't retroactively invalidate your homeschooling, but it's best practice to file as close to the window as possible. If you're starting mid-year, file immediately rather than waiting for the next October window — there's no rule requiring you to wait.
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