Homeschooling parents may set up their own private school to be in compliance with California state educational law, which requires that the maintenance of school records such as an attendance register, teacher information (i.e., names, addresses, qualifications), and a course of study with classes and learning objectives. Teacher information may be minimal if the parent is acting in that role. Homeschooling parents are not required to hold a teaching credential. After all records have been established, parents are legally obligated to withdraw children from their public or private school via phone call or written directive. A withdrawal is not needed for students who aren't enrolled in a public or private scholastic program. After withdrawing the child from school, parents must file an affidavit with the Superintendent of Public Instruction each year between October 1 and 15 to maintain private school status with the California Department of Education using electronic form PSA.
Parents not wishing to establish a private school may enroll their children in a public school independent study program (ISP) under the California Education Code. Using an ISP option for schooling means that students and parents are obligated to follow all policies and regulations set forth by the public institution offering the services. Curriculum, grades and record-keeping measures may all fall under the jurisdiction of the ISP school. State law dictates that parents must formally withdraw students from their public or private school via phone or written directive prior to enrolling them in an ISP.
California state educational laws permit students to by schooled at home by a credential teacher or tutor. This includes parents who are credentialed teachers and hired credentialed tutors. Homeschooling administered under the credentialed teacher/tutor option requires at least three hours of daily instruction (Monday through Friday). Instruction must occur between the weekday hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for no less than 175 days each academic year.
California law allows parents to homeschool children via enrollment in a private school independent study program (ISP). Private school ISP record-keeping and enrollment measures are similar to those for public ISPs. Unlike the public option, parents choosing a private school ISP may be obligated to pay a fee to the academic institution.
The California Education Code requires private schools, including private homeschools, to adhere to specific curriculum guidelines. Children in first through sixth grade must complete course work in English, social sciences, mathematics, physical education, science, and fine arts. Students in seventh through twelfth grades must complete courses in the same subjects as elementary-aged children as well as in applied arts, foreign language, driver's education, and vocational education.