State law requires that children age six through eighteen attend a public day school. If you have a child who is 6 years old or older by September 1st. and not yet 18 years old and you are establishing your own Private School in your home, you will need to file a PSA this year. Kindergarten is NOT required. The compulsory age for school in CA is 6 years old. California Department of Education (CDE) Kindergarten FAQ
California State Homeschool Laws:
Schooling at Home
There are a variety of ways to homeschool legally. This post will explain how to establish a home-based private school in California. Establishing Your Own Private School
FIRST STEP:
Go to the California Department of Education and get familiar with the PSA(Private School Affidavit.) This is the link for the blank form since this is your first time filing your PSA. Private School Affidavit Form
*Take a look at all the questions they want you to answer. The Private School Affidavit may be filed online at the California Department of Education website from October 1st to October 15th of every year. Schools that are created after the filing period should file at the time the school is established. The CDE does not accept affidavits during the months of August and September, even if your school begins during these months. The current PSA is only for the current school year. You need to file annually if you continue to homeschool after the current school year.
Filing the Private School Affidavit
SECOND STEP:
This is a wonderful resource available from California Homeschool Network and The Homeschool Association Of California with line by line instructions on how to file your PSA.
THIRD STEP:
You are required to name you private school. Here is a homeschool name generator that might be fun! Get the kids involved and see what you come up with!
Homeschool Name Generator
*You will also need to choose a CURRICULUM.
A successful homeschool curriculum program helps homeschooling parents build interesting and exciting days by combining interactive, animated activities, lessons and experiences. A quick Google search for 'homeschool curriculum' will give you more options.
FOURTH STEP: Get all the necessary forms ready to withdraw your child from public school. You can withdraw your child from school mid-year and start homeschooling.
(This step should be taken before you file your PSA. You do not want the child enrolled in two schools at once.)
*Once your child has been successfully withdrawn from public school you can now send these two forms:
Under the withdrawal letter is the ~Enrollment Confirmation (From New School to Old School)~ form. This one I would recommend sending by certified mail from your new private school not you the parent.
*Next you will see the Request for Records (From New School to Old School). You will also want to send this by certified mail. You can send both forms together in the same envelope.
FIFTH STEP:
Once your child has been withdrawn from public school, it's time to file your PSA. Here Are the links You will need:
Things to consider before filing the PSA....
A). You have enough ink available in your printer.
B). If you are having issues submitting the PSA: Try switching to another browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Print your answers out on the PSA before submitting electronically, and then print your field version as well.
SIXTH STEP:
The most important step!
~Records to be Kept on File by Private Schools~
School records are considered confidential information and should never be relinquished unless a child transfers to another school. Although private schools are not required to submit records to the state, they are required to keep certain records in their files, as outlined in the California Education Code.
*Free Printable Homeschool Record Keeping Forms:
Bill Text - SB-277
Public health: vaccinations.
(f) This section does not apply to a pupil in a home-based private school or a pupil who is enrolled in an independent study program pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 51745) of Chapter 5 of Part 28 of the Education Code and does not receive classroom-based instruction.
Tips if a truant officer,social worker(CPS),police officer or other official question your home education program.
This is where a membership with The HomeSchool Association of California
may come in handy as they will most likely not take your case if an official questions you without being a member already. It's a reasonable price for a 1 year membership. You will also receive discounts on homeschooling supplies with your membership.
*Contacted by Child Protective Services/Truancy Officer Tips:
No matter how prepared you think you are just know that you will forget something. (Trust me they forget things in public schools too!) There is also a good probability that at least one of the things you plan to do will flop royally (and that’s okay!) Some days you may not get a shower in, run the dishwasher, or feel like the perfect parent. That’s okay too. You will also probably run into a neighbor, family member, acquaintance, or nosy fellow grocery shopper that may question your schedule or choice. The choice to homeschool is not for everyone so try to be as gracious as you can, remind yourself why you chose to homeschool, and tell your hubby to prepare the ice cream for some debriefing that night.
We hope this information has helped. If you have any questions feel free to message our page and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Be sure to check out our pinned post for more homeschool information and resources.
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