Yes, homeschooling is legal in California under multiple statutory pathways, including filing a private school affidavit with the California Department of Education (CDE) or enrolling in a public independent study program. The state permits homeschooling as a form of private education, provided families comply with annual filing requirements and instructional hour mandates. Local county offices of education may audit compliance, and recent 2026 legislative shifts emphasize stricter oversight of instructional minutes and record retention.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in California
- Private School Affidavit (PSA) Filing: Parents must submit a PSA to the CDE annually by October 15, certifying compliance with California’s private school regulations, including teacher qualifications and curriculum standards. Failure to file risks loss of legal status.
- Instructional Hour Requirements: Homeschools must provide 175 days of instruction per year, with a minimum of 3 hours daily for grades 1–8 and 4 hours for grades 9–12. Local education agencies (LEAs) may verify compliance through audits or site visits.
- Curriculum Alignment: Instruction must cover the same subjects as public schools, including mathematics, science, history, and English. The CDE’s Course of Study guidelines apply, and portfolios or standardized testing may be required upon request.