California families typically homeschool either by establishing a private school in the home (filing a Private School Affidavit), by enrolling in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP), or by enrolling in a public-school independent study or charter program. The first two paths are the traditional “homeschool” routes.
Legal framework
California Education Code §33190 governs private schools (including the home-based private school route), and §48222 covers the related compulsory-attendance exemption. The California Department of Education's homeschool page explains all of the available options.
Notification & registration
Families operating as a home-based private school file the Private School Affidavit annually with the California Department of Education between October 1 and 15. PSP families register through the PSP, which files the affidavit on their behalf.
Recordkeeping
Private schools (including home-based private schools) must maintain attendance records, a list of courses offered, and faculty credentials. The state does not require annual testing. Families keep their own work samples and the high school transcript.
Graduation requirements
California does not prescribe specific graduation requirements for private-school students, including home-based private schools. The school (parent) determines completion. Many California homeschool families align the transcript with the University of California “a-g” subject pattern when planning for in-state admissions.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home-based private school issues the diploma in the name of the school as listed on the Private School Affidavit. PSP students typically receive a diploma from the PSP.
College & military recognition
California public colleges and universities (UC, CSU, and the California Community Colleges) admit homeschool graduates with a transcript and standardized test scores where required, and the UC system has explicit guidance for evaluating home-school applicants. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the California Department of Education. Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.