Homeschooling in California
Homeschooling in California is legal and relatively easy to get started with. Here are the steps to follow:
- Familiarize yourself with California’s homeschooling laws: California requires that all children aged 6-18 receive a formal education, but there are several legal options for meeting this requirement, including attending public or private schools, enrolling in a homeschooling program or getting a tutor. To homeschool in California, you can either enroll in a Charter Homeschool Program, join an in district independent studies program, join a Private School Satellite Program (like Pacific Sands Academy), or you file a private school affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education (CDE) each year by October 1st, or within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. Here is a blog post with more specifics.
- Curriculum: You have the flexibility to choose the curriculum that best suits your child’s learning style and interests. You can use pre-packaged curricula or create your own from a variety of resources such as textbooks, online classes, educational games, and local educational programs. You can even follow no curriculum.
- Join a homeschooling group: This can be formal or informal. Park days are wonderful for homeschooling families to connect! Search out local homeschooling groups on your social media platforms. Joining a group can help you connect with other homeschooling families, participate in group activities, and share ideas and experiences.
Homeschooling can be a wonderfully rewarding experience for both you and your child, and time, consciousness and community most certainly help!
Pacific Sands Academy provides a personalized, alternative homeschool program for kids, teens, and families. Check out our Independent Studies High School Program, Middle School Program, and Elementary School Program.
