California Homeschool High School Guide

Parent-issued diploma recognized (Pathways 1-3). Pathway 4 (independent study): school issues diploma. Students age 16+ may earn a California High School Proficiency Certificate (CHSPE) via exam (EC 48412).

Parent-created (Pathways 1-3). No state template. UC and CSU systems accept homeschool applicants but may require detailed transcripts, course descriptions, and SAT/ACT scores.

Status

No formal dual enrollment right, but options may be available

Program

Community college concurrent enrollment (not a formal dual enrollment right)

Eligibility

Varies by community college; generally open to age 16+ or with college's special admission

How to enroll

Apply directly to community college

Cost

May be free — EC 76300(f) gives community college districts discretionary authority to waive fees for special part-time students, but it is not guaranteed

EC Section 48800; EC Section 76001

California does not currently have a law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school extracurricular activities. Some districts may allow participation on a case-by-case basis.

California offers 4 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

• •
  Home-Based Private School (Private School Affidavit) : 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 helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for California