How To Homeschool

Ready to Take the Leap? Your Guide to Homeschooling in California

As parents, we all want what’s best for our children’s education. For some, that path leads to homeschooling, a journey filled with flexibility, personalized learning, and the opportunity to nurture your child’s unique talents and interests. If you’re in California and considering this exciting alternative, you’re in the right place! At STEAM Academy, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

California offers a surprisingly straightforward path to homeschooling, often considered one of the most flexible states for home education. While it might seem daunting at first, understanding the options and requirements will set you up for success.

Steps to Take to Start Homeschooling in California

California provides several legal avenues for homeschooling. The most common and flexible options are:

1. Filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA): This is the most popular choice for independent homeschoolers. By filing a PSA with the California Department of Education (CDE), you are essentially establishing your home as a private school.
   • How to do it: The PSA is filed online between October 1st and 15th each year for established schools. If you are starting mid-year, you can file it immediately after withdrawing your child from their current school (the form is generally available from August 1st to June 30th).
   • Withdrawal: Before filing your PSA, officially withdraw your child from their current public or private school. A written or email notification is usually sufficient, and it’s wise to request confirmation of their receipt.
2. Enrolling in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP): PSPs are existing private schools that offer administrative support and guidance to homeschooling families. They file the PSA on your behalf and may offer services like record-keeping, curriculum suggestions, and even community events. This can be a great option if you desire more structure or support.

3. Enrolling in a Public Charter School for Homeschoolers/Independent Study Programs: Some public charter schools are specifically designed to support homeschooling families. These programs often provide curriculum, resources, and even funding (stipends) for educational materials. The trade-off is often more oversight, including regular check-ins with a credentialed teacher and potentially some standardized testing or work sample submissions.

4. Hiring a Credentialed Private Tutor: You can also homeschool your child by hiring a private tutor who holds a valid California teaching credential. This option requires the tutor to provide instruction for a minimum of three hours a day for 175 days a year. A parent with a valid California teaching credential can also act as the private tutor.

Important Note: It’s generally recommended that even if you use a tutor or teacher, families who wish for their child to eventually graduate from a school and receive a diploma should consider filing a PSA or operating under a PSP.

Requirements and Record Keeping

Regardless of the option you choose, certain requirements and record-keeping practices are essential in California:

• Age of Compulsory Education: Children aged 6 to 18 must be enrolled in a full-time educational program.
• Instruction in English: All instruction must be delivered in English.
• Required Subjects: Your curriculum should cover the same general academic areas taught in public schools. For grades 1-6, this includes English, math, social sciences, science, fine arts, health, and P.E. For grades 7-12, this expands to include foreign language, applied arts, vocational education, and driver’s education. The specifics of how you teach these subjects are largely up to you.
• Attendance Records: If you file a PSA, you are required to keep attendance records, indicating any absences.
• Course of Study: Maintain a record of the courses your child is taking for each grade level.
• Faculty Qualifications: You (as the homeschooling parent) simply self-certify that you are capable of teaching.
• Immunization Records: Keep immunization records or a personal beliefs exemption on file (if applicable).
• No Mandatory Standardized Testing (for PSA/PSP): California does not mandate standardized testing for privately homeschooled students (those under a PSA or PSP). You have the discretion to use assessments as you see fit.
• No Submission of Records: You are generally not required to submit your records to the state unless specifically requested by an official.

Best Practices for Successful Homeschooling

• Don’t Replicate Public School at Home: Homeschooling offers incredible freedom. Embrace the flexibility! Learning can happen anywhere – through real-life experiences, field trips, community involvement, and interest-led projects.
• Embrace Flexibility: Your schedule doesn’t have to mirror a traditional school day. Find what works best for your family’s rhythm and your child’s learning style.
• Facilitator, Not Just a Teacher: Your role is to guide and facilitate your child’s learning journey. Encourage curiosity and independent exploration.
• Deschooling: If your child is transitioning from a traditional school, consider a “deschooling” period. This allows time to decompress from the structured environment and rediscover a love for learning.
• Connect with Community: Homeschooling doesn’t mean isolation. Seek out local homeschool groups, co-ops, and online communities for support, advice, and social opportunities for both you and your children.
• Curriculum is a Tool, Not a Master: There’s a vast array of curriculum options available. Research and choose what aligns with your child’s learning style and your family’s educational philosophy. Don’t be afraid to mix and match or create your own.
• Record Everything (But Don’t Stress): While California has minimal record-keeping requirements for PSA homeschoolers, it’s a good practice to keep a portfolio of your child’s work, a list of resources used, and a log of their learning experiences. This can be invaluable for future applications (college, etc.) or simply to track progress.

Valuable Resources for California Homeschool Parents

• California Department of Education (CDE) – Private Schools and Schooling at Home: The official source for legal requirements and filing the Private School Affidavit. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/homeschool.asp
• Homeschool Association of California (HSC): A fantastic inclusive, secular, all-volunteer organization providing comprehensive information, resources, and community support for California homeschoolers. They offer a “Quick Start Guide” and a toll-free hotline. https://www.hsc.org/
• California Homeschool Network (CHN): Another statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting homeschooling rights and providing information and support. https://californiahomeschool.net/
• Local Homeschool Support Groups and Co-ops: STEAM Academy and similar local homeschooling groups are excellent resources for connecting with other families, arranging field trips, and even providing co-op classes. You can locate groups in your vicinity by searching online or through statewide homeschooling organizations.
• Online Homeschool Forums and Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook and Reddit have active homeschooling communities where you can ask questions and share experiences.

Starting your homeschooling journey in California is a significant decision, but with the right information and support, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for your family. At STEAM Academy, we believe in empowering parents to make the best educational choices for their children. Embrace the adventure, and enjoy the unique learning opportunities that homeschooling in the Golden State provides!