In the state of California, it is legal to home school children, provided the children receive state-approved curriculum instruction, are taught by qualified instructors, and the school (even if it is run out of a private home) follows the requirements of the California Education Code. A student can also be considered home schooled if he attends a private school on a "satellite" basis, primarily learning from home via individualized instruction and independent study, but occasionally attending classes at the school.
Parents and legal guardians of children in California have several options when it comes to making sure their children aged six to 18 receive a state- and federal-approved education at home. Options include: filing an annual private school affidavit and meeting the home school requirements; enrolling their child in a private school-sponsored "satellite" learning program; paying for in-home private instruction from a certified tutor; enrolling their child in an independent study program based on public school curriculum and the attendance rules and other policies of the school.
Home schools in California must have instructors who are capable of teaching the required curriculum. Instructors who teach at private schools and who home school are not required to hold teaching credentials in the state of California. All instruction must be in English. The required state school curriculum guidelines must be followed, and the home school has to adhere to the California Education Code requirements
Private schools in California must adhere to the requirements set forth in the California Education Code. Home-based schools are considered to be private schools under California home school law and are required to keep the following records and to certify, under penalty of perjury, that they exist: a current, signed private school affidavit; a detailed description of the courses and curriculum being taught; immunization records for each child; documents explaining the qualifications for each faculty member, even if the "faculty" consists of the child's or children's parents; immunization records or personal belief exemption waivers; attendance records.
When deciding whether or not home schooling is an option for your child, be sure to take all of the home schooling options available nto account. Sometimes, a combination of home instruction and traditional classroom instruction may be an option as well. Many families find that a home-based educational environment is best for them and for their children.