Homeschool Owl

California Homeschool Requirements

Low Regulation

California homeschoolers typically file as a private school via the annual Private School Affidavit (EC §§33190, 48222), no testing or portfolio review is required, and NO minimum instructional days apply to this path (a separate, less-common credentialed-tutor path under EC §48224 does require 175 days/3 hours a day). The 180-day figure shown for the standard path is a recommendation only. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].

No Minimum

180 days is a recommendation

Required

notification

Not required

testing

Ready to start? See the step-by-step guide to withdrawing your child and homeschooling in California.Get started →

Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: October 1–15 annually (Private School Affidavit filing window); families starting mid-year file promptly upon withdrawal

Testing

Not required

Required Subjects

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Health
  • Physical Education

Instructional Days

No Minimum

California does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown here as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.

Report Frequency

annual (the Private School Affidavit itself is refiled every year)

Submission Method

State portal — CDE's online Private School Affidavit system

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

October 1–15 annually (Private School Affidavit filing window); families starting mid-year file promptly upon withdrawal

Report Due

annual (the Private School Affidavit itself is refiled every year)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in California?+
California homeschoolers typically file as a private school via the annual Private School Affidavit (EC §§33190, 48222), no testing or portfolio review is required, and NO minimum instructional days apply to this path (a separate, less-common credentialed-tutor path under EC §48224 does require 175 days/3 hours a day). The 180-day figure shown for the standard path is a recommendation only. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in California?+
California does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.
Does California require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, California requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is October 1–15 annually (Private School Affidavit filing window); families starting mid-year file promptly upon withdrawal.
Does California require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
No, California does not require standardized testing for homeschool students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in California?+
California requires the following subjects to be taught: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education.
How to start homeschooling in California →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

Track California compliance automatically

Log instructional days and generate California compliance reports with Homeschool Owl, California sets no minimum, so we'll track toward a 180-day recommendation as a helpful reference.

Get started free

Embed this badge

Writing about California's homeschool laws? Embed this badge to link readers to the current, dated requirement, it updates automatically if anything changes.

California homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
<a href="https://homeschoolowl.com/states/ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://homeschool-owl-api.daverupe.workers.dev/api/embed/badge/ca.svg" width="320" height="100" alt="California homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl" /></a>