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How to Homeschool
Benefits of Homeschooling
Choosing Curriculum
Legal Homeschooling Options
California is one of the few states that really has no homeschooling laws. Consequently, those that desire to teach their children at home have the following alternatives. They can create their own private school, they can enroll is an independent study program from a private or public school, they can hire a private tutor or if credentialed become their child's private tutor or they can enroll in a public charter school that offers independent study.
If you choose the "make yourself a private school" route, you fill out an online affidavit once a year. There are minimum requirements such as keeping basic records and teaching required subjects, although there is nothing to turn in to anyone. An excellent overview can be found here. There is no fee to pay but you are responsible for your own curriculum. This is the easiest and most flexible homeschooling option.
If you choose a private ISP, requirements depend on the program. They usually charge a fee, but most of the time the fee is small. Some are run by established private schools, others are run by individuals who establish private schools in behalf of groups. If you feel like you need some hand holding for a while, this might be appealing to you.
If you are a credentialed teacher in California, you can choose the tutor option, but it's only good for the area in which your credential covers so it is rarely used. You can also hire a private tutor but of course this is an expensive option. I have never known anyone that used this option.
If you choose the California charter school option, your children are legally in public school. This means the government pays for your curriculum. As with all government entitlements, money is not handed out freely: there are strings attached. You have more control over the curriculum than if your child went to a brick and mortar school, but you must show work samples and meet with the school on a regular basis. Most, if not all charters require yearly testing. The law states that parents can opt out of testing, but because of funding, most charters make you agree to test when you sign up. Many homeschoolers start out with a charter school but quickly get tired of jumping through hoops.
Charter schools only accept students in specific counties, so if you plan on
moving, you would most likely not be able to stay in the same charter school
unless you moved a relatively short distance.
Recommendations
More Information
Brief Overview of California regulations from NHEN
What legal option should I choose?
Ways to homeschool in California
Legal requirements in California
"Just the Facts" from CHN
Example letter requesting records
How to Establish Your Private School from CHN
Withdrawing your child from Public or Private School
Homeschooling is Legal
The Truth about the Legality of Homeschooling
Raymond Moore's "White Paper" on HSLDA
Private School Affidavit
How to Establish your private school
How to file the PSA
Example PSA
How to request school records
What records do I need to keep?
Recordkeeping and Transcripts by Cafi Cohen
Sample letter to school requesting records
Admissions for Homeschoolers to UC Riverside
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