California is a state that encourages and supports homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschooling in California is a growing trend in the state, with more parents considering it for their children’s education.
High School of America offers an exceptional education that equips students to succeed in college and beyond. Our online high school diploma courses are customized to cater to the individual needs of each student, while our homeschool curriculum is in line with the most recent standards set by the California Department of Education.
The faculty comprises highly qualified teachers who are committed to providing students with an outstanding educational experience.
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Homeschooling Laws in California
In order to homeschool in California, you must first decide how to establish your homeschooling status in the state. There are several paths to do so in the state of California. They include:
- Filing an annual private school affidavit, which basically establishes your own private school at your home and registers your student in that school.
- Registering in a private school satellite program (PSP).
- Hiring a certified teacher to educate your teen. You can also be eligible to be a homeschool tutor if you have the required California training qualifications.
- Using a public school independent learning option.
- Enrolling in a public charter school for homeschooling families.
Irrespective of the method you select, there are other homeschooling requirements that you are supposed to meet in order to homeschool in California State.
- If you opt to file the private school affidavit, you will be required to offer the curriculum and necessary materials.
- Children aged between 6 and 18 are supposed to be in school.
- Homeschoolers, under the instruction of private teachers, must be taught for at least 3 hours a day, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., for 175 days for each academic year.
Required Courses
Grades 9-12
The homeschool laws in California stipulate that learners must get instruction in the following core courses:
- Math (2 credits)
- Language Arts (3 credits)
- Social Studies (3 credits)
- Science (2 credits)
It’s crucial to choose a high-quality curriculum so as to keep track of the progress of your students in these core subjects.
High School of America’s online homeschooling curriculum is perfect for families that want to follow California homeschool laws.
Attendance Requirements
The California homeschooling law requires students to receive at least 3 hours of instruction across the major courses for at least 175 days per school year.
Quarterly Reports
In California, there are no quarterly reporting requirements regarding the grades or curriculum of your homeschooling students.
Annual Assessment
California’s homeschool requirements don’t stipulate annual assessments or standardized tests. This is great for parents who want to have autonomy over their teen’s curriculum.
Probation
There is no requirement for probation for homeschoolers who do not meet California homeschooling requirements.
Necessary Records
It is important to keep your homeschooling records in California to keep you in a good position in California and for your post-high school aspirations as a student. According to California homeschool laws, you’re required to keep the following records:
- Any correspondence with schools
- Attendance records
- Private School Affidavit
- Schoolwork samples
- Test results and portfolios
- Up-to-date immunization records and waivers
- Workbook and textbook titles and information
Transcript Requirements for Homeschoolers in California
The California homeschooling law doesn’t have transcript requirements. However, most parents opt to create their own. Those who choose to enroll in a PSP for homeschooling might need copies of their children from the program.
High school transcripts do not have a single format. Parents can create portfolios to show the work of their students, or they can create formal records.
Homeschool transcripts can be utilized for university and college applications, including other post-high school quests; hence, although they aren’t legal requirements, it’s good to create them for your homeschooled student.
The key elements of a homeschool transcript are:
- Student and school information (learner’s name and birthday, and school’s name and address)
- Your signature
- High school courses taken by your student
- The grade earned for every subject
- GPA
- Credits earned
- The date of graduation
Graduation Requirements in California Homeschool Laws
In California, parents have the autonomy to decide when their homeschooled students will graduate. The state doesn’t have testing requirements to complete high school, but parents can create their transcripts for college applications.
What’s Required of Homeschooling Online in California
Homeschooling online in California requires adherence to specific legal requirements, which include submitting an affidavit to the state establishing the private school in which the student will be enrolled, providing instruction in the subjects required by law, maintaining records of attendance and student progress, and ensuring that the parent or legal guardian providing education meets the state’s minimum educational requirements.
In addition, families may choose to enroll in a public online charter school or purchase a private online curriculum, which may have additional requirements and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Homeschooling Online
Is it legal to homeschool in California?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in California. According to the state’s Education Code, parents have the right to provide home-based instruction for their children.
What are the requirements for homeschooling in California?
In order to homeschool in California, students must be taught science, social students, reading, and math. They must also be taught for at least 3 hours a day for 175 days per academic year.
Does California pay for homeschooling?
Yes, the state funds homeschoolers using public charter schools.
How many days are required for homeschooling in California?
Homeschooled students taught by private tutors must receive at least three hours of instruction per day, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., for 175 days each school year. Families using a home-based private school to homeschool their children do not have a specific time or day requirement but must maintain attendance records.
Who is eligible for homeschooling in California?
Any parent in California who is capable of teaching may choose to homeschool their children between the ages of 6-18, provided they follow the law.
Is certification required to homeschool in California?
California law states that private school instructors must be “capable of teaching” and have their educational background and work experience documented, but parents do not need to be certified to homeschool their children through a charter school or as a home-based private school.
What are the benefits of homeschooling in California?
Homeschooling in California allows families to create a personalized education plan for their children. It also allows for a more individualized approach to learning, which can benefit children with special needs or learning difficulties. Homeschooling can also provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for children struggling in traditional school settings.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in California
California has many families who have chosen homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschooling has increased to approximately 90% in the U.S. and California over the last ten years. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were an estimated 200,000 homeschooling families in the state.
However, due to school closures and distance learning, the number of homeschooling families grew significantly, with nearly 400,000 homeschooling for at least part of the 2020-21 school year. By fall, 11.1% of families with school-age learners reported homeschooling in California.
The number of homeschoolers in California has continued to increase over the years, demonstrating the increasing popularity of homeschooling as an educational option in the state.
How to Do Homeschooling in California
Homeschooling in California is a popular choice for many families due to its unique laws and regulations. Whether you are just exploring the option or have already taken the plunge, here are some tips to help you get started.
- Understand the Legal Requirements: Before beginning homeschooling, it’s important to understand what’s required by law. California requires all homeschool families to register with either the local school district (public) or private school.
- Find Curriculum That Works: Once you have registered, it’s time to find the right curriculum for your child. There are many options available, including traditional textbooks and online courses. You can also use a mix of both for the best results.
- Set Up a Schedule: It’s important to have a daily routine for homeschooling. You can use this time to cover core subjects such as math and language arts, but remember to leave room for other activities like art and music.
- Have Fun with Field Trips: Field trips are an excellent way to supplement your curriculum with real-world experiences. There are many great places to explore in California, and cities have a variety of museums, zoos, and other attractions that can help your child learn.
- Get Support: Homeschooling can be isolating, so it’s important to find support from other homeschoolers. Organizations like the California Homeschool Network and the Home School Legal Defense Association offer resources, support, and information to help you on your journey.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to successful homeschooling in California. With some planning and preparation, it can be an enjoyable experience for you and your child.
Benefits of California Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online can be an excellent option for California families looking for more flexibility and control over their children’s education. Some of the benefits of California homeschooling online include:
- Flexibility: Homeschooling online allows families to create their own schedule and curriculum, which can be adjusted to fit their child’s learning style and needs. This means that students can learn at their own pace and take breaks as needed without being tied to a rigid school schedule.
- Customization: Homeschooling online allows parents to customize their child’s education based on their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. This can result in a more personalized and engaging learning experience for the student.
- Access to a wide range of resources: Homeschooling online provides access to a variety of resources and materials, including textbooks, videos, interactive games, and online communities. This can help students learn more engagingly and interactively.
- Safe and secure learning environment: Homeschooling online provides a safe and secure learning environment for students, as they can learn in the comfort and safety of their own homes. This can also benefit students with special needs or who may feel uncomfortable in a traditional classroom setting.
- Cost-effective: Homeschooling online can be a cost-effective option for families, as it eliminates the need for expensive textbooks and materials, as well as the cost of transportation to and from school.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling online in California can be an excellent option for families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling. It offers flexibility and individualized learning plans that can cater to a student’s specific needs and interests.
The state of California has made significant strides in regulating homeschooling, ensuring that students receive a quality education while still maintaining their right to learn from home.
However, parents considering homeschooling should carefully research their options and understand the responsibilities of educating their children. With proper planning and support, homeschooling online in California can be a rewarding and successful educational path for families.