The first path to home schooling in California is classifying your home as a private school, by filing a private school affidavit with the Superintendent of Public Instruction every year between October 1st and October 15th. Enrolling in a private school satellite program (PSP), the second option, means an administrator files the annual affidavit and your home is considered a satellite location of a recognized private school. PSPs vary in the services offered to families, ranging from providing a full curriculum to only giving administrative support.
The third home schooling option is having your child taught by a certified private tutor, in your home or elsewhere. Under the final option, the child enrolls in an independent study program and becomes a documented public school student, even if no in-person classes are attended. This option can include charter schools that provide materials, curriculum and access to activities such as field trips, on-site classes and graduation ceremonies for enrolled students.
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 by December 2nd must be enrolled in school or home schooling; kindergarten is not legally required for students in California. English is a required subject for students of all ages, but first- to sixth-grade students must be taught health, physical education, science, social science, mathematics and fine arts.
If the home schooling parent registers as a private school, or enrolls the child in a private school satellite program, the instructor only needs to be capable of teaching and does not need any additional education. However, if the home schooling is to take place under a private tutor, the instructor will need a valid California teaching credential appropriate for the level of the student being taught. This process includes having a background check, an interview, standards screening, and reference verification. The instructor also has to keep attendance records, but standardized tests are not required.