Following is a brief insight to the laws concerning "home schooling" in California. "home schooling," is a catchword not found in the California Education Code, and holds a wide variety of definitions. Definitions may vary between home school groups or public school officials. Following are the three methods currently considered legal in California as means for home schooling. The legal interpretation of the laws concerning "home schooling" in California has not changed since the early 1950's. Since then a California court of Appeal handed down a new ruling on August 8, 2008, declaring that non-credentialed parent can teach their children at home. Following are the legal options for homeschooling in California:

1. Have a current California teaching credential for the grades being taught, or hiring a credentialed tutor.

2. Enrolling your student in a public charter school or ISP (Independent Study Program). This option is paid for by state funds, curriculum is required to be state approved, and families and student are required to maintain supervision by a credentialed teacher.

3. Enrolling in a private school offering homeschooling / independent study. This option allows for flexibility in curriculum choice and learning style. Support is given by the school staff and groups activities and resources are available.(See example)

4. Declaring your home a private school and filing an R-4 Affidavit with the State Department of Education. This option is for the family who wants to “go it on their own.”

California Home Educators believes the support, accountability and flexibility of the private school option is the most favorable.

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