Overview: Homeschooling Law in California
Most homeschoolers in California file as a Private School Affidavit (PSA) each October with the California Department of Education. The parent is the principal of the private school. Some families use an independent study program through a public school, which has different requirements.
Graduation Credit Requirements
The commonly accepted minimum for a competitive college-prep transcript from California is 22 Carnegie units. However, because California homeschools set their own graduation standards (except where state law specifies otherwise), you may set a higher bar.
Recommended distribution for a college-bound student:
| Subject | Minimum Credits | College-Prep Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English / Language Arts | 4.0 | 4.0 (including composition) |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | 4.0 (through pre-calculus) |
| Science | 2.0–3.0 | 3.0–4.0 (at least 2 with lab) |
| History / Social Studies | 3.0 | 3.0–4.0 |
| Foreign Language | 0–2.0 | 2.0–3.0 (same language) |
| Fine Arts | 0–1.0 | 1.0 |
| PE / Health | 0.5–1.0 | 1.0 |
| Electives | Varies | 4.0–6.0 |
Notarization
Not required. Parent as principal is the authorized signatory.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment rights vary significantly by community college district. California AB 288 (College and Career Access Pathways) allows community colleges to create dual enrollment partnerships, but homeschoolers' access depends on local district policy. Contact your nearest community college directly.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Cal Grant: Income and GPA based. Homeschool graduates may apply if they meet GPA and income requirements and enroll at a participating California institution.
Key Resources for California Homeschoolers
- California Department of Education — for official homeschool policy documents
- Home School Legal Defense Association (CA chapter) — hslda.org for legal questions
- What to include on a homeschool transcript
- Free GPA calculator
- Blank transcript template (PDF)