Homeschooling in California
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in California. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around California. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in California.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in California
Ages and exceptions
You can educate your child at home by establishing a private school or using a credentialed tutor.
Register or give notice
If you homeschool by establishing your own private school, you must file the Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education each year. The statutory filing window is October 1 to 15; the online system is open August 1 to June 30 to accommodate new schools and homeschools. You are not required to report to your school district.
You are not required to report to your school district.
Plan instruction
You must select and provide all necessary curriculum, instructional materials and other materials when privately homeschooling.
You must provide private school instruction in English and offer the branches of study required in California public schools unless exempt.
Keep records
You must keep attendance records for your private home school showing every absence of half a day or more.
You must keep records of your private home school's courses, faculty names and addresses, and faculty educational qualifications.
You are strongly encouraged to keep copies of your private school affidavits and individual pupil records.(recommended)
Official resources
- Schooling at Home - California Department of Education
California Department of Education
- California Department of Education: private schools and the Private School Affidavit
California Department of Education
Sources checked November 3, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.