Getting Started
So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling in California...
Perhaps the idea of homeschooling has started to sound interesting. Or, maybe you've found yourself leaning that way due to uncontrollable circumstances. Either way, choosing to step away from the form of education we're familiar with (schooling) can be scary. No one enters into this adventure without serious thought and prayer.
No doubt, you have A LOT of questions!
For a quick legal overview: Check out California Homeschool Laws
(Note: Laws and requirements vary from state to state).
For downloadable sample letters, teaching records, and student recordkeeping forms: Check out CHEA's Downloadable Homeschool Forms
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions...
Q: What homeschool options do we have in California?
A: Here are the ways you can legally homeschool...
1) Homeschool as a home-based private school by filing the Private School Affidavit (PSA)
2) Homeschool under the umbrella of a larger Private Satellite Program (PSP); you enroll in a private homeschool program and they file the PSA.
3) Homeschool under the instruction of a credentialed teacher or private tutor; families hire a teacher who will meet the requirements detailed HERE.
4) Homeschool as part of a public school Independent Study Program (ISP) or charter school.
Note: As a Christian support community, most of the information on this site target the needs of private homeschoolers filing the Private School Affidavit (PSA). However, there are also plenty of links and resources that benefit homeschoolers across the board.
Q: Do I have to have a degree or teaching credential to teach my own kids?
A: No. You need to be capable of teaching and studies have shown that a parent's educational history is not prohibitive to a child's homeschool success.
Q: When do I begin teaching my child?
A: As a private homeschooler you can begin and end your school year on any date you wish and schedule vacations any time.
The compulsory age for children is age 6 through 18. If you are privately homeschooling a 5 year old in Kindergarten, you are free to do so but do NOT file the Private School Affidavit (PSA) until the school year when your child turns 6. For details about compulsory ages, click HERE. See the section below for details on filing the PSA.
Q: What do I have to teach?
A: The required standard core subjects at the 1-6th grade level are: English, Math, Social Studies (History), Science, the Arts, Health, and Physical Education.
Required subjects for the 7-12th grade level are: English, Social Sciences, Foreign Language, Science, Math, Physical Education, Fine Arts (Art, Music, or Drama), and Health.
California Code states that "Other studies may be applied by the governing board." That's YOU - the parent. These studies may include but are not limited to: Applied Arts (Home Ec, Industrial Arts, General Business, and General Agriculture), Vocational Education, and Driver Education.
As a private homeschooler, how you choose to approach and schedule these subjects depends on what works for you and your family. You may choose online or DVD courses for a subject you don't feel confident teaching, or you can even collaborate in a small group co-op with other homeschoolers.
Q: Do I have to submit lesson plans or sample work to another authority like the local school district? And, is standardized testing required?
A: No. If you're a private homeschooler filing your own affidavit, YOU are the authority. You do not submit any plans or materials to the school district or an outside teacher. If you are part of a larger PSP, you will have to comply with their policies which may include submission of extra documents, reports, or records. Standardized testing is available to those who want it through various sources, however testing is not required of private schools in the state of California (and private homeschools are their own private school).
Q: What records am I required to keep?
A: The list in California is mercifully short...
1) A copy of your PSA (IF you are privately homeschooling and filing for yourself)
2) Your attendance record
3) A list of faculty and their qualifications - This is YOU. It's basically a resume listing your education background such as any high school or college, GED, and any continuing education (conferences, workshops, etc.) that's related to what you're teaching. Don't worry, if the list is not long. You will be adding to it over the years.
4) A list of your courses of study for that year - This is a basic list of general topics you plan to study in the required subject areas (Find downloadable forms for a proposed course of study HERE)
5) Immunization Records
6) Health Examination or signed waiver (within 90 days of entry into 1st grade).
For more detailed information on immunization guidelines, click HERE.
Q: What if my child has special education needs?
A: There are no additional laws or filing requirements for families where there are special education needs. Some limited services may be available to homeschoolers through the school district and special grants for services are available through HSLDA. There are testing resources online as well. The flexibility and familiarity of a home-based learning environment with the parents who know their children best might just be the best educational situation.
Q: Will my homeschooled kids have access to public school sports or classes?
A: California does not have any laws making public school sports or enrichment classes available to homeschoolers. The individual districts set their own policies in this matter so it varies throughout the state. You would have to inquire at your local school or school district office. Some private schools have allowed homeschoolers to participate in their programs as well. But, generally speaking, participation in public or private school sports and classes requires some level of enrollment in their education programs. However, most sports and enrichment needs can be met through club teams, Parks and Recreation offerings, and homeschool co-ops.
So, You've Decided to Homeschool...Now What?
*Note: If you are enrolling your children in a Private Satellite Program (PSP), you will need to contact them directly for instructions on how to get started.
Those who are privately homeschooling can follow these easy steps to get started...
1) Optional but highly recommended - Join an organization like Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) before you begin the process. For a reasonable annual fee, peace of mind and homeschool-related legal assistance/representation is just a phone call away, should it be needed. Even if the need never arises, organizations like HSLDA are constantly working on behalf of homeschooling families around the world, advocating for and protecting the right to educate children at home. For information, click HERE.
2) If your child was already attending a public or private school, officially withdraw your child from their current school and request copies of their records. Here's what to do in California:
As the parent, send a formal Letter of Withdrawl a week or two before the school year starts like the sample letter found HERE (This letter is for those filing their own PSA and includes a request for records)
NOTE: It's advised that you send a request for records letter that is SEPARATE from the withdrawl letter (edit the sample letter accordingly). Be sure to address it to the principal of the school and send it Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested.
Send a second letter as the administrator of your private school. For this, it helps to have chosen a name for your homeschool to list as the recipient of those records. Again, be sure to address it to the principal and send it Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested. It's important to create a paper trail.
If you are joining a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) you can write a Letter of Withdrawl based on this sample HERE. However, contact your PSP first to make sure they don't have their own recommended form or process.
3) File your Private School Affidavit (PSA). But, WAIT! The annual filing window is October 1-15 - do not file the PSA for the current school year prior to that date (even if you are starting the year in August). You may begin your homeschool year at anytime, but October is when ALL private schools - large and small - file the online form. That is because you are not asking permission to homeschool but notifying the Dept. of Education that you are operating a private school.
There will be line-by-line instructions posted on sites like HSLDA (so, don't worry - it's easy).
**If you are withdrawing your child mid-year AFTER the October window, you will still need to file the PSA for that year. Links and instructions will still remain posted on the HSLDA website.
4) Plug into a support community in your area. If you're in the Santa Maria area, consider joining Hearthstone (inquire through our contact page).
We also recommend joining Christian Home Education Association (CHEA) of California, our state's Christian-based resource. You can find local support groups listed in their online directory, and member benefits include a discount to their annual convention. CHEA's Directory can be found HERE.
5) Visit Hearthstone's Resources Page HERE! Discover different approaches to homeschooling, ideas for connection and socialization, sources for curriculum and materials, recordkeeping printables, AND MORE!
LET YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN!
Explore, Discover, and Learn With Your Kids!
