Homeschooling in California: PSA vs. Charter School Explained
Deciding to homeschool your child in California is an exciting journey, but it comes with an important choice: should you file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) to operate as an independent homeschool, or enroll in a public charter school homeschooling program? Each path has its own benefits, challenges, and legal requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between independent (PSA) homeschooling and charter school homeschooling to help you determine which is best for your family.
This article is one of five from our California Homeschooling Series:
Recess
Understanding Your Homeschooling Options
Private School Affidavit (PSA) Homeschooling
PSA homeschooling means you operate as a small private school, independent of the public education system. By filing a PSA with the California Department of Education, you assume full responsibility for your child’s education, including curriculum selection, record-keeping, and compliance with state education laws (California Department of Education).
Key Features of PSA Homeschooling:
- Full Control Over Curriculum: Parents can choose any curriculum, including religious-based, Montessori, classical, or unschooling methods (California Homeschool Network).
- No Government Oversight: Once the PSA is filed, no further reporting to the state or district is required beyond maintaining required records (California Department of Education).
- Flexible Scheduling: Parents set their own school calendar, teaching hours, and pace of instruction.
- Financial Responsibility: No public funding is available; families must purchase their own curriculum and resources.
- Minimal Legal Requirements: Parents must:
- File a PSA annually between October 1-15 (California Department of Education).
- Maintain records, including an attendance register, course list, and student immunization records or exemptions (California Homeschool Network).
- Teach required subjects, including English, math, social studies, science, and fine arts.
Charter School Homeschooling
Charter school homeschooling is a public school option where students receive state-funded education while learning at home. Parents act as the primary educators but work with a credentialed teacher from the charter school to ensure academic progress (Visions In Education).
Key Features of Charter School Homeschooling:
- Public Funding Available: Many charters provide students with an annual budget (e.g., $2,000–$3,000) to spend on curriculum, classes, and extracurriculars (California Charter Homeschool Funding).
- Credentialed Teacher Support: Families meet regularly with an assigned teacher who provides guidance and ensures students are progressing (Visions In Education).
- Accountability and Compliance: Parents must follow the charter school’s guidelines, submit work samples, and participate in state-mandated testing (California Department of Education).
- Secular Curriculum Requirement: State funds cannot be used for religious curriculum, although families can supplement with their own materials privately.
- Structured Yet Flexible: Charter programs allow flexibility in day-to-day instruction, but parents must adhere to a general learning plan and required meetings.
Comparing PSA and Charter School Homeschooling
| Factor | PSA Homeschooling | Charter School Homeschooling |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Structure | Private school under California law (CDE) | Public independent study program (CDE) |
| Curriculum Choice | Any curriculum, including religious (California Homeschool Network) | Must be secular (state-funded) (CDE) |
| Parental Responsibility | Full responsibility for teaching, record-keeping, and compliance (CDE) | Shared with charter school and assigned teacher (Visions In Education) |
| State Oversight | No government oversight beyond record-keeping | Regular check-ins with credentialed teacher, state testing required (CDE) |
| Funding | No public funding; self-funded | Public funding for approved educational expenses (California Charter Homeschool Funding) |
| Testing Requirements | No state-mandated testing | CAASPP (state testing) required for applicable grades (Visions In Education) |
| Flexibility | Maximum flexibility in scheduling and teaching methods | Flexible, but must adhere to charter requirements |
| Support System | Homeschool networks, co-ops, online communities | Charter school provides teacher support, guidance, and funding |
Which Option is Right for You?
Choose PSA Homeschooling If:
- You want complete control over your child’s education without external oversight.
- You prefer flexibility in curriculum choices, scheduling, and teaching methods.
- You are comfortable handling record-keeping and administrative tasks.
- You do not need financial assistance for curriculum or activities.
Choose Charter School Homeschooling If:
- You want financial support for curriculum, classes, and extracurricular activities.
- You appreciate guidance from a credentialed teacher to help structure your homeschooling.
- You are okay with state testing and reporting requirements.
- You prefer a balance between independence and structured support.
Final Thoughts
Both PSA and charter school homeschooling provide excellent pathways for educating your child at home in California. The best choice depends on your family’s priorities, teaching style, and need for funding or oversight. Whichever path you choose, homeschooling can be a fulfilling and successful educational experience for both parents and children.
For more details on how to get started with either method, check out additional guides on filing a PSA, enrolling in a charter homeschool, and selecting the right curriculum for your child’s needs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws and regulations may change. Always verify information with official state sources.