Interactive checker
California homeschool law checker
Answer the remaining questions to see start steps, ongoing obligations, records, and verification links.
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California checker result
California families commonly compare private school, private tutor, and public program options. The checker keeps those pathways separate because filings and records differ.
6 to 16
Currently enrolled in public or private school
Compare likely lawful routes
Informational only. Verify current rules before acting.
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Notice or filing
Based on sources reviewed on 2026-04-17, California families should verify whether a notice, private school affidavit, or local filing is required before starting.
Because state pathways and local filing practice can vary, verify the exact route and filing step with the linked authority before acting.
Based on sources reviewed on 2026-04-17, California families should verify whether a notice, private school affidavit, or local filing is required before starting.
Because state pathways and local filing practice can vary, verify the exact route and filing step with the linked authority before acting.
Based on sources reviewed on 2026-04-17, California families should verify whether a notice, private school affidavit, or local filing is required before starting.
Because state pathways and local filing practice can vary, verify the exact route and filing step with the linked authority before acting.
Withdrawal from current school
If the student is already enrolled, confirm the local withdrawal process before the first homeschool day so attendance records do not show an unexplained absence.
If the student is already enrolled, confirm the local withdrawal process before the first homeschool day so attendance records do not show an unexplained absence.
If the student is already enrolled, confirm the local withdrawal process before the first homeschool day so attendance records do not show an unexplained absence.
Ongoing obligations
Parent or instructor qualifications
Confirm whether the selected pathway has parent, tutor, umbrella school, or instructor qualification conditions.
Confirm whether the selected pathway has parent, tutor, umbrella school, or instructor qualification conditions.
Confirm whether the selected pathway has parent, tutor, umbrella school, or instructor qualification conditions.
Subjects or instruction areas
Check the current state pathway for required subjects or equivalent instruction expectations before finalizing the school plan.
Check the current state pathway for required subjects or equivalent instruction expectations before finalizing the school plan.
Check the current state pathway for required subjects or equivalent instruction expectations before finalizing the school plan.
Instructional time
Some pathways use days, hours, or attendance records. Verify whether instructional time documentation applies to this pathway.
Some pathways use days, hours, or attendance records. Verify whether instructional time documentation applies to this pathway.
Some pathways use days, hours, or attendance records. Verify whether instructional time documentation applies to this pathway.
Testing, evaluation, or portfolio
Review whether annual testing, evaluation, portfolio review, or progress evidence is required for the selected route.
Review whether annual testing, evaluation, portfolio review, or progress evidence is required for the selected route.
Review whether annual testing, evaluation, portfolio review, or progress evidence is required for the selected route.
Records to keep
Records to keep
Keep copies of filings, withdrawal confirmations, attendance notes, samples of work, and source pages used for verification.
Keep copies of filings, withdrawal confirmations, attendance notes, samples of work, and source pages used for verification.
Keep copies of filings, withdrawal confirmations, attendance notes, samples of work, and source pages used for verification.
Verification links and local nuance
Local verification
District practice and forms can vary. Use official state sources first, then confirm district-specific steps where the state delegates administration.
Use this tool as a planning summary, not as a substitute for legal advice.
District practice and forms can vary. Use official state sources first, then confirm district-specific steps where the state delegates administration.
Use this tool as a planning summary, not as a substitute for legal advice.
District practice and forms can vary. Use official state sources first, then confirm district-specific steps where the state delegates administration.
Use this tool as a planning summary, not as a substitute for legal advice.
Compare likely pathways
Private school affidavit
Private school affidavit in California has its own source-linked planning record. Confirm current details with the listed authority before acting.
Private tutor route
Private tutor route in California has its own source-linked planning record. Confirm current details with the listed authority before acting.
Public independent study or charter program
Public independent study or charter program in California has its own source-linked planning record. Confirm current details with the listed authority before acting.