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California · low regulation

How to Homeschool in California

Most families file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) online Oct 1–15 each year. No testing or subject filing on the PSA route; keep an attendance register and course records.

Is homeschooling legal in California?

Yes — homeschooling is legal in every U.S. state. California is a low-regulation state, meaning you file a one-time notice or declaration, with no ongoing testing or reporting. Children roughly ages 6–18 must be enrolled in school or a legal homeschool.

How to get started

In California, you register through CDE Private School Affidavit. File the PSA online at the CDE between Oct 1 and Oct 15. You name your home school and report enrollment by grade. Primer generates a prefill sheet to copy into the affidavit.

Official filing resource: CDE Private School Affidavit

What California asks of homeschooling families

Specific deadlines and details can change year to year and vary by district — always confirm the current rules with your district or state.

Primer keeps California homeschooling simple

Primer tracks every California deadline for you, helps generate the paperwork (notice of intent, attendance and hours logs, and more), and gives your whole family one shared weekly planner — on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and the web.

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A quick, important note. This guide is general information to help you get oriented — it isn't legal advice. Homeschool requirements change and can vary by local school district. Always confirm the current rules with your school district or your state's Department of Education before you file. Last reviewed 2026-06-10.