How to File a PSA in California: 4 Secrets You Need to Know

If you’re wondering how to file a PSA in California so you can start homeschooling, you’re in the right place. I remember staring at the screen my first time, thinking, This is it? It looked more official than it felt—but once I got through it, I realized it wasn’t hard at all. Filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) lets the state know you’re running your private school at home. It sounds formal, but really, it’s just paperwork to make your homeschool legal in California. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, from understanding the PSA homeschool California laws to navigating the actual California homeschool affidavit instructions. If you’re new to this, take a breath—you’ve got this. Let’s break it down together, step by step.

Table of Contents

I. What Is a PSA (Private School Affidavit)?

Let’s start with the big question: What even is a PSA?

A PSA—short for Private School Affidavit—is a form you file with the California Department of Education to let them know you’re running a small, private school… in your home. Yep, it sounds fancier than it is. You’re not opening up a campus or hiring a staff. You’re simply making it official that you’re educating your child at home, independently.

When I first looked into the PSA homeschool California laws, I was a little nervous. I kept thinking, Am I qualified for this? What if I mess it up? But the more I read, the more I realized—this isn’t about jumping through hoops. It’s about giving your child a legal path to learn at home without enrolling in a public charter or private ISP (Independent Study Program). And you don’t need to be a certified teacher to do it.

PSA vs. Homeschool Charter: What’s the Difference?

This part confused me at first, so let me clear it up.

If you join a homeschool charter, you’re technically still part of the public school system. You’ll get access to a free curriculum, maybe some funds for supplies, but you’ll also have assigned teachers and regular check-ins. Some families love that structure.

Filing a PSA in California means you’re going fully independent. You choose the curriculum, set the schedule, and report to no one but yourself (and the law, of course). It’s more freedom—and yes, more responsibility.

Why Does Filing a PSA Matter?

Filing a PSA turns your home into a small private school in the eyes of the state. This is important for meeting psa school requirements and making sure you’re homeschooling legally in California.

It might sound intimidating, but I promise—it’s just a few clicks and some basic info. Later, I’ll walk you through the California homeschool affidavit instructions step by step so you don’t miss anything.

Once I got through the PSA California process the first time, I actually felt empowered. I was doing this on my own terms—and you can, too.

II. Who Needs to File a PSA?

So, who needs to file a PSA in California? Great question—and one that confused me at first, too.

When I pulled my oldest out of public school, I thought I had to file a PSA no matter what. But it turns out, not everyone does. Filing a PSA is only required if you’re homeschooling independently, meaning you’re not using a public charter school or a private homeschool program (also called an ISP).

If you’re going the fully independent route (just you, your child, and your curriculum), then yes, you need to file a PSA with the state. This is how you legally establish your home as a private school under California law.

Who Can File a PSA in California?

In California, any parent or guardian can file a PSA—no teaching credential required. That was a huge relief for me. I remember thinking, I’m not a teacher… can I do this? But California law doesn’t ask for a degree in education. What matters is that you’re taking responsibility for your child’s learning.

You’ll need to file a PSA for each school year if:

Your child is between the ages of 6 and 18, and
You’re not enrolled in a homeschool charter or private ISP.

If your child is under 6, you’re off the hook for now. But once that 6th birthday rolls around, you’ll need to meet PSA school requirements to stay in line with state law.

PSA vs. Other Homeschool Options

Let’s break this down even more:

Charter School Homeschooling: No PSA needed. You’re part of the public school system, and the charter handles the legal stuff.
Private ISP: Still no PSA needed. The ISP handles it on your behalf.
Independent Homeschooling: You file the PSA yourself, set up your private school, and follow all PSA school requirements.

So, if you’re wondering how to file a PSA in California because you’re planning to go fully independent, you’re on the right path. That’s exactly who this process is for.

I like to think of it this way: filing a PSA is like getting the keys to your own educational house. You’re not just visiting someone else’s school—you’re building your own. And yes, it’s doable.

Read also to learn How to Start Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers

III. When to File the PSA

One of the first things I wondered when I decided to homeschool was, Okay, but when do I need to file this thing? The good news? There’s a simple answer—once you know the rhythm of how it works in California.

The official filing window for the PSA is October 1st through October 15th each year. That’s when the California Department of Education opens up the form and expects families who are homeschooling independently to submit their affidavit. So, if you’re planning, just mark your calendar for early October and get it done during that window.

But here’s the part I didn’t know at first—and it would’ve saved me a lot of Googling.

If you’re pulling your child out of a public or private school mid-year, you don’t have to wait until October to start homeschooling. You can file the Private School Affidavit (PSA) any time after you withdraw. That’s right—if you decide in January, or even May, to take the homeschooling leap, you just file the PSA as soon as you’re ready. No need to sit around waiting for fall.

I filed my first PSA in November, a few weeks after pulling my son out of second grade. I panicked for a second, thinking I’d missed some kind of secret deadline—but it turns out, for first-time homeschoolers, you’re allowed to file as needed. That flexibility gave me peace of mind during a season of big change.

Now, if you’re continuing to homeschool year after year as an independent homeschooler, you’ll need to renew your PSA each October. It’s kind of like renewing your driver’s license—just a yearly formality to keep your “school” in good legal standing.

So to recap:

Returning homeschoolers file each year between October 1–15.
New homeschoolers can file at any time after withdrawing from a school.
You’ll renew every year you’re homeschooling independently.

Once you get used to the rhythm, it becomes just another part of your homeschool routine. And don’t worry—I’ll go over the California homeschool affidavit instructions step-by-step next, so you’ll know exactly what to do.

Whether you’re filing in the fall or jumping in mid-year, knowing how to file a PSA in California is your first step to making your homeschool official, and it’s a lot easier than it sounds.

IV. California Homeschool Affidavit Instructions: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get to the part that feels the scariest—but isn’t. I remember the first time I sat down to file my PSA. I had my coffee, my laptop, and about ten browser tabs open… and five minutes later, I was done. Yep. That’s it.

So if you’re feeling nervous about how to file a PSA in California, take a deep breath. I promise, it’s mostly clicking buttons and filling in blanks. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Go to the California Department of Education Website

You’ll file your Private School Affidavit (PSA) online through the California Department of Education (CDE). Just head to their site and look for the PSA filing section. It usually opens up every year on October 1st.

You can Google “CDE PSA filing” or go directly to the CDE Affidavit page. That’s the official spot for all things PSA California.

Step 2: Fill Out the Private School Affidavit Form

Once you’re on the site, click through to the affidavit form. It’s all online—no printing, mailing, or faxing. (Yes, it’s finally the 21st century.)

You’ll be asked for some basic info about your “school.” Don’t overthink it. You’re not being tested here—just giving the state the facts.

What Information You’ll Need:

Name of your private school – You can get creative here or just go with something simple like “Smith Family School.”
School address – This will usually be your home address.
Administrator name – That’s you!
Student name(s) and grade level(s)
School calendar – A basic idea of your start/end dates and how many days you’ll teach.
Hours of instruction – California law requires a minimum of 3 hours per day, 175 days per year. You don’t have to stick to a rigid 8–3 public school schedule.

I remember stressing over the “hours” part. I thought, What if we finish math in 20 minutes and go play outside? But that’s okay. As long as you meet the general time requirement and your child is learning, you’re golden.

Step 3: Submit the Form Online

Once everything’s filled in, review your form to make sure it’s accurate. Then hit submit. That’s it—you’ve filed your California homeschool affidavit!

You won’t get an approval email or anything fancy. There’s no follow-up call. The state doesn’t need to “approve” your homeschool. This is just a notice that you’re taking charge of your child’s education.

Step 4: Save and Print Your Confirmation

This part is important: After submitting, save and print your confirmation page. That’s your proof that you filed your PSA California form.

I keep a digital copy on my computer, a printout in my homeschool binder, and (because I’m me) a photo of it on my phone. You probably won’t need it often, but if you ever have to show proof to a doctor, DMV, or another official, you’ll want it handy.

Remember: You’re Creating a Private School

When you file a PSA, you’re not just filling out a form—you’re officially creating a private school under California law. That means you’ll need to follow PSA school requirements, like:

Keeping attendance records
Listing your subjects of study
Maintaining basic student records, including immunization or exemption info

Don’t worry—we’ll dive into those responsibilities in the next section. Just know that once you file, you’re in charge now. You’re the principal, the teacher, and the admin. It’s empowering and a little scary… but mostly empowering.

Filing the PSA homeschool California form is just the first step. Once you’ve got it done, you’ve opened the door to so much freedom and flexibility. You’re no longer locked into someone else’s schedule—you’re building an education that fits your child, your values, and your lifestyle.

So, if you’ve been sitting there wondering how to file a PSA in California, now you know: it’s quick, doable, and totally within your reach. You don’t need a legal team or a fancy degree. Just a bit of courage, a few clicks, and maybe a cup of coffee.

Ready for what comes next? Let’s talk about what to do after you file.

V. After Filing: What Are Your Responsibilities?

Okay, so you’ve filed your PSA—woohoo! That’s a huge step. But now what? What happens after you hit “submit” and print out that confirmation page?

I remember feeling both proud and slightly panicked. Like… am I missing something? Filing the PSA makes your homeschool legal in California, but it also means you’re now the head of your very own private school. And with that comes a few responsibilities—nothing scary, I promise.

Think of It Like Running a Tiny School From Home

Don’t worry, there’s no staff meeting or bell schedule involved. But the state does expect you to keep a few basic records. These fall under what’s called PSA school requirements—just the essentials to show that your “school” is legit.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

Keep an Attendance Record

Yep, even though your student might be doing math in pajamas, you still need to track attendance. It doesn’t have to be fancy. I used a simple calendar with checkmarks for each school day. You can even find printable templates online or use a planner—whatever works for you.

Create a Basic Course List

Think of this as your curriculum plan. The state wants to know that your child is learning the core subjects: English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health, and PE. You don’t need a syllabus or detailed lesson plans. A short list of what you’re covering is enough.

When I first started, I wrote down something like:

Math – Teaching Textbooks, Grade 3
English – Reading aloud, journaling, spelling workbook
Science – Backyard nature walks, library books on animals
That’s it! No need to overthink it.

Who’s Teaching?

As part of your records, you’ll list the teachers, which is usually you (or a co-parent). There’s no credential required. Just jot down your name and keep it on file. Under psa homeschool California rules, this helps define who’s responsible for instruction.

Immunization Records or Exemption Form

This one surprised me a bit. Even though your child isn’t attending a public school, the state still wants you to keep immunization records or a personal beliefs exemption form. You don’t submit them anywhere—they just need to be on file in case it’s ever requested.

Samples of Student Work (Optional but Helpful)

This isn’t a strict rule, but I highly recommend it. Keeping a few samples of your child’s work, like a journal entry, a drawing, or a math worksheet, can be helpful if you ever need to show what your student has been doing. Plus, it’s fun to look back and see the progress!

All these responsibilities tie back into the California homeschool affidavit instructions you followed when you filed. The state treats your home like a private school now, so your job is to keep your little school in good standing.

The good news? None of this has to be complicated. I keep all our records in a binder labeled “School Stuff.” Some families go digital with spreadsheets and scanned documents. You get to choose what works for you.

Just remember: filing the PSA is just the beginning. Knowing how to file a PSA in California sets everything in motion—but what you do afterward helps keep your homeschool smooth, legal, and low-stress.

And honestly? These small steps gave me confidence. They reminded me that I am capable of this. You are too.

VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid about How to File a PSA in California

Let me tell you—when I filed my first PSA, I made more than one “oops.” Luckily, none of them were deal-breakers, but I learned a few lessons the hard way. If you’re figuring out how to file a PSA in California, here are the most common mistakes I’ve seen (and made) so you can skip the stress and do it right the first time.

1. Missing the Filing Window (Or Forgetting to Renew)

This one almost got me my second year. The PSA filing window runs from October 1st to 15th, and if you’re already homeschooling independently, this is your annual reminder to stay legal. Set a reminder on your phone. Stick a post-it on your fridge. Whatever works. Because forgetting to renew could mean falling out of compliance with psa school requirements—and that’s not something you want to deal with mid-year.

If it’s your first time homeschooling, though, breathe easy. New homeschoolers can file anytime after withdrawing from school. You don’t have to wait for October. Just file when you’re ready to start. That flexibility is a gift—use it!

2. Filing When You Don’t Need To

I hear this one a lot, especially in Facebook homeschool groups. A parent joins a homeschool charter, then files a PSA “just to be safe.” But here’s the deal: you don’t need to file a PSA if you’re in a charter school or private ISP. In those cases, the charter or program handles the legal stuff for you.

Filing anyway can be confusing—it’s like registering your home as a private school when it’s already listed under another umbrella. If you’re unsure, double-check your schooling path. If you’re not homeschooling fully independently, skip the PSA.

3. Not Keeping Records (Even Basic Ones)

Look, I know recordkeeping doesn’t sound fun. But part of meeting psa school requirements is keeping certain documents on hand. That means attendance records, course outlines, maybe even samples of your child’s work.

You don’t need fancy spreadsheets or teacher binders (unless that’s your thing). I keep a simple folder on my laptop with attendance logs and a one-pager on what we’re studying. I also toss in a few writing samples and project photos just in case.

You likely won’t be asked for them, but if anyone ever does (like a district official or court), you’ll be glad you have them ready.

4. Forgetting to Save the PSA Confirmation

After you go through the California homeschool affidavit instructions and submit your PSA online, you’ll get a confirmation page. Save it immediately. Screenshot it. Print it. Email it to yourself. Just don’t lose it.

That confirmation is your proof that your home is now recognized as a private school under PSA California law. I’ve had friends get letters from their old school districts asking for proof of enrollment. That PSA confirmation? It’s your golden ticket.

5. Overthinking the Process

Okay, this one’s a little more emotional—but still important.

When I was first figuring out how to file a PSA in California, I made it way scarier in my head than it needed to be. I thought it had to be perfect. I stressed over every line. I double-checked everything like five times.

But here’s the truth: The PSA homeschool California form is straightforward. The state isn’t trying to trip you up. You’re just giving them the basic info they need to know you’re handling your child’s education independently. Don’t let perfectionism slow you down.

Bottom line? Filing a PSA is manageable when you know what to expect. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be off to a confident start. You’ve already done the brave thing—choosing to homeschool. The rest is just learning the ropes, one step at a time.

VII. FAQs on How to File a PSA in California

Q1: Can I file a PSA for just one child in California?

A: Yes, you can file a PSA for one child. California lets you start a private school at home for any number of students, even just one.

Q2: Is there a fee to file a PSA in California?

A: No, there is no cost to file a PSA. The form is free and filed online through the California Department of Education.

Q3: When should I file the PSA each year?

A: You should file the PSA between October 1 and October 15 each year. If starting mid-year, you can file after leaving your current school.

Q4: What if I start homeschooling after October 15?

A: You can still file a PSA after October 15 if your child is newly withdrawn. The deadline is for ongoing schools, not first-time homeschoolers.

Q5: Do I need to file a PSA if I’m with a charter school?

A: No, you do not need to file a PSA if you’re enrolled in a homeschool charter or private ISP. They handle all legal paperwork.

Q6: What are the age requirements for filing a PSA in California?

A: You must file a PSA if your child is between the ages 6 and 18 and not enrolled in another school option like a charter or private ISP.

Q7: Can I file the PSA if we move to California mid-year?

A: Yes, you can file the PSA anytime after moving. Once you’re in California, you’re allowed to open your private school at home.

Q8: What happens if I forget to save my PSA confirmation?

A: It’s best to save and print the PSA confirmation. If lost, you may need to refile or contact the California Department of Education.

Q9: What records do I need to keep after filing the PSA?

A: You must keep attendance, course lists, and immunization or exemption records to meet PSA school requirements in California.

Q10: Can I refile my PSA each year, even if nothing changes?

A: Yes, you must file a new PSA each school year. Even if your info stays the same, you need to renew the form annually.

VIII. Final Thoughts on How to File a PSA in California

If you’re still wondering how to file a PSA in California, I hope this guide has made things feel a lot less overwhelming. I remember filing my first PSA late at night, coffee in hand, double-checking every line. I was nervous, but once I hit submit, I felt proud. I’d taken the first real step into independent homeschooling.

Yes, it’s paperwork. But it’s also freedom. Filing the PSA California requires isn’t just about meeting psa school requirements—it’s about building something just for your family. You get to shape your child’s learning, day by day.

So breathe. You’re not alone. Thousands of parents follow the California homeschool affidavit instructions every year—and so can you.

You’ve got this. And if you ever need to, come back to this guide—we’re in it together.

Disclaimer:

“This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschooling laws may change, so always consult the California Department of Education or a legal professional to ensure you’re meeting current requirements for filing a PSA.”

Rafi

I am a content writer and English educator with over 10 years of professional experience. With a master’s degree in English Language and Literature, I specialize in creating educational content that is clear, practical, and easy to understand. As the founder of TakeEasily.com, I’m dedicated to helping students, parents, and teachers with valuable learning resources and insightful guides.