Homeschooling in California: Option 1
*Before I begin this article regarding homeschooling options for California, I want to begin by stating that it is your responsibility to research the law for yourself. I am relaying the available and current information that is subject to change. I have provided many links that will enable you to view the current laws online and to help put you in touch with local area and organizational support groups. *
There are four different options for legal homeschooling in California. This article will focus on Option 1, but I will give a brief overview of all four options.
· Option 1- The Home School qualifies and operates as a private school by filling out an annual private school affidavit.
· Option 2- The Home School has instruction provided by a certified private tutor
· Option 3- The child is enrolled in an independent study program at home and used public school curriculum- the child is considered enrolled in public school and must follow public school rules and guidelines
· Option 4- The Home School is enrolled in a private school satellite program and takes independent study. The Independent Study program must comply with California Education Code 48222. Option 4 Private Satellite schools have grown and include several hundred families across the state of California.
Option 1
If the homeschool qualifies as a private school there are no attendance rules to follow by law, however you will be required to maintain an attendance register. The subjects provided will be the same, as public school curriculum and it must be provided in English, not Spanish or any other foreign language. To qualify as a private school, the teacher must be “capable of teaching”. A yearly affidavit must be filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction between October 1st and the 15th of each year.
The yearly affidavit will include the following information:
· Names of all children and parents involved with the private school
· Address of the private school
· Course of study being offered
For more information visit the California Homeschool Network
Here is specific instruction regarding establishing your Private School: California Homeschool
Home School Legal Defense: California