If you want information on how to sign up for homeschooling in California, you landed on the right page. The number of parents in California homeschooling their children is on the rise. It affords families a certain level of freedom and flexibility. But before jumping in, be sure you understand the legal steps.
I’m very familiar with the process, and I know that it can be confusing at first. Therefore, I’m here to help you on your journey to sign your children up for homeschooling in California, which isn’t hard when you know the steps. In California, there are three options for homeschooling: Private School Affidavit, private school satellite programs, or charter schools. I’ll present the most simple way to sign up for homeschooling in California, step-by-step.
How to Sign Up for Homeschooling in California: A Simple Guide
1. Know the Law First
Homeschooling is legal in California. The law grants parents the right to educate their children at home. A good education from home should involve lots of parameters; follow the law. Whatever, getting a fair understanding of how to sign up for homeschooling in California might help you.
2. Choose Your Homeschooling Option
In California, there exist three legal ways to homeschool:
- Private School Affidavit (PSA)
- Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
- Public Charter School or Independent Study Program (ISP)
Let us discuss them in detail.
File a Private School Affidavit (PSA)
This remains the most popular among many homeschooled families. You are opening a private school from home. The steps are as follows for how to sign up for homeschooling in California with the PSA:
- The PSA needs to be submitted to the California Department of Education first.
- The form is to be filed online between October 1 and October 15 of each year.
- On the form, you will indicate your school name, address, and number of students.
- Keep records such as attendance, courses of study, and student work samples.
The PSA gives you complete control over your child’s education and is simple and free to submit.
Enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
PSPs are private schools that help families who are trying to homeschool. The school keeps records and provides support. You are not required to submit the PSA on your own in this instance.
Here is how to sign up for homeschooling in California through a PSP:
- Find a PSP for your needs.
- Enroll your child in the PSP.
- Follow the PSP’s rules and requirements.
This is another option for you if you would like to have help with the paperwork and guidance.
Use a Public Charter School or Independent Study Program (ISP)
Some public charter schools provide homeschool options and give you a teacher as your guide. They additionally provide free learning materials.
To go down this route, here’s how to sign up for homeschooling in California in a public program:
- Search for a local charter school or ISP that has a homeschool program.
- Apply and enroll your child.
- Meet with your assigned teacher and adhere to the school learning plan.
This is good if you’re interested in free support and resources.
3. Get Started Now
If you’re going to get started fast, here’s the easiest step-by-step process on how to sign up for homeschooling in California.
- Determine which one of three legal options suits you best: PSA, PSP, or Charter School.
- File your application or enroll: File the PSA application online, or enroll in a PSP or charter school.
- Withdraw the Student from Current School: A withdrawal letter for your child from their previous school should suffice for withdrawal.
- Create a Learning Plan: Select Subjects, purchase Materials, or pursue Online Programs.
- Start Teaching: Initiate Lessons, and keep some records on how your child is progressing.
It’s that simple. You can also increase your idea about how you get paid to homeschool in California.
Why Parents Choose Homeschooling
Parents choose homeschooling for a variety of reasons:
- Flexible Schedule
- Safe Learning Space
- One-to-One Teaching
- Better Concentration
- Personal Beliefs
All these factors are making people curious about how to homeschool in California. Now, most parents study homeschooling vs public schooling and unveil the psychological effects of homeschooling for their kids.
Subjects Required
Of course, whichever option you go for, you must teach:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Health
- Fine Arts
- Physical Education
These are part of how to sign up for homeschooling in California legally.
Homeschooling Curriculum
You can select any curriculum you prefer. Some of them are:
- Time4Learning
- Easy Peasy
- Abeka
- Khan Academy
- Oak Meadow
Every program can assist you in signing up for homeschooling in California using simple lessons and materials. Therefore, the best homeschool program in Alaska and the top Anchorage homeschool programs can assist you in selecting the homeschooling curriculum.
What Records Do You Need?
If you homeschool under the PSA, you will need to keep records. CA law requires the following:
- Attendance records
- Courses of study
- Names of instructors
- Immunization or exemption records
- Copies of qualifications (“capable of teaching” requirement)
These records should be maintained intact. The state requires that some records should be available in their inspection.
- Do You Need a Teaching License?
No. You do not need a teaching license. The law says parents must be “capable of teaching.” That means you should be able to guide your child’s learning. Most parents meet this requirement.
- What About Testing?
Homeschoolers in California are exempt from taking the state exam. You might find some public charter schools or PSPs that require testing; however, testing will give you a way to measure how your student is progressing throughout their schooling experience.
- Can Homeschool Kids Take Part in Other Activities?
Sure! Homeschoolers can participate in sports, music, and lots more. Many community groups have events for homeschoolers, while some charter schools have enrichment classes available. So really, your child can be both social and active even with you as their teacher.
- Helpful Resources
Haven’t quite got it on how to sign up for homeschooling in California? These sites can help:
- California Department of Education (CDE): Use this site to file your PSA.
- HSLDA: For help with legal issues, plus homeschooling tips.
- California Homeschool Network: Find support groups, as well as events.
Final Thoughts
California has legalized homeschool education and made it possible. There are, however, rules to follow. This is the simple way how to sign up for homeschooling in California. It does not matter if you choose the PSA or a PSP or a charter school; your child can receive a great education at home.
Take time, research, and ask about other homeschoolers. Lots of families are content with their decision concerning home school. You can be one of them.
I know that doing something new often feels tough, but signing up for homeschooling in California is easy. I did it all: filed a private school affidavit and kept records; I taught required subjects. If I did it, so can you! Now I am enjoying the learning fun and freedom at home. Just take that first step, trust yourself, and learn how to become part of a home school in California today is easier than you think!
Related articles:
How to Start Homeschooling in North Carolina?
Best Homeschool Programs in Ohio.
How to Start Homeschooling in Ohio?
FAQs on How to Sign Up for Homeschooling in California
1. How do I enroll my child in homeschool in California?
To enroll your child in homeschool in California, file a Private School Affidavit, create lesson plans, keep records, and teach required subjects. You don’t need teacher credentials.
2. What are the requirements to homeschool in California?
Homeschool in California by filing a Private School Affidavit, teaching required subjects, keeping attendance and records, and making sure instructors are capable. You can also enroll in a charter school or private school that has homeschool programs.
3. How much does it cost to homeschool in California?
California’s costs for homeschooling average between $500 and $2,500 per child each year. The costs depend on materials and activities. Parents might spend more on tutors or classes. Many families save by using free online resources and libraries.
4. How do I change my kid to homeschool in California?
File a Private School Affidavit, teach required subjects, maintain attendance and records, and then abide by the law on vaccination to homeschool in California. Approval is not required; just inform the state and start educating your child at home.
5. Does California pay for homeschooling?
Yes, California has public homeschool programs that maintain free resources. Parents can access funds through charter schools for curriculum, supplies, and classes. Independent homeschooling is not funded; families have to pay all costs for this type of scheme.
6. What is the best homeschooling program?
The best homeschooling program for your child is the one that best suits his or her needs. Some of the most common ones are Time4Learning, Khan Academy, and Abeka. The choice will therefore depend on your child’s learning style, your teaching goals, and the prospects of your schedule.
7. How do I get money for homeschooling in California?
In California, homeschooling may be financed through charter schools, educational funding programs, grants, and tax credits. Some programs provide stipends for curriculum and materials. Check with your local districts for specifics on opportunities.
8. How much do homeschool teachers get paid in California?
In California, the range for incomes of homeschool teachers is from $51,000 to $75,000, with an average of about $62,670. The top-paying cities in this regard are San Jose, Santa Clara, and Fremont.
I am a professional SEO content writer, editor, copywriter, blogger, and an English educator with a master’s level education in English Language and Literature from a reputed university. Therefore, I have achieved DPEd and MEd as my professional degrees.