California Homeschool Deadlines & Calendar

Initial filing deadline

Between October 1 and October 15 (filing window)

Annual renewal deadline

Between October 1 and October 15 (filing window)

Send to

California Department of Education (CDE), Superintendent of Public Instruction

EC Section 33190 (annual Private School Affidavit filing); EC Section 48222 (private school exemption from compulsory attendance)

Annual renewal

Required by October 1-15

Only reporting obligation is the annual PSA renewal. No progress reports, test scores, curriculum plans, or attendance reports need to be submitted to the state or district.

EC Section 33190 (annual PSA filing between October 1 and October 15)

These deadlines are for Home-Based Private School (Private School Affidavit). California offers 4 pathways, and each may have different deadlines:

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  Home-Based Private School (Private School Affidavit)(this page): You file a one-page Private School Affidavit with the CDE each October, keep an attendance register, and teach required subjects. No testing, no curriculum approval, no reporting beyond the annual PSA. Most California homeschoolers choose this pathway.
• •
  Private School Satellite Program (PSP / Umbrella School): You enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (umbrella school) that handles all state paperwork on your behalf. The PSP files the PSA, maintains records, and keeps your home address out of the public CDE directory. You teach at home with PSP guidance. Good for families who want administrative support or privacy.
• •
  Private Tutor: A credentialed California teacher tutors your child for at least 3 hours per day, 175 days per year, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. No state notification required, but the tutor must hold a valid credential for the grade taught. This pathway is costly and impractical for most families.
• •
  Independent Study Through Public School or Charter School: Your child enrolls in a public school or charter school independent study program and learns at home under a credentialed teacher's supervision. The school provides curriculum, handles all reporting, and your child retains full IEP and special education rights. Less parent autonomy but more support and services.

Our wizard calculates the right deadlines for your pathway. Compare all pathways for California