7 Steps to Start Homeschooling Independently in California*
Step 1:
To become your own school, file your Private School Affidavit (PSA) through the California Department of Education.
Step 2:
Write your Withdrawal and Request for Transfer of Records letter to give to your current school. Example Letter
Step 3:
Choose your curriculum for the different areas of study.[1]
Visit Cathy Duffy Reviews for curriculum ideas. (If you have a High School student, consider dual enrollment for free at a local community college and earn 10 units toward High School graduation for every 3 unit college class.)
Step 4:
Set your homeschooling schedule & organize your year – include keeping 1 binder with the 4 California State required records:
- Student’s attendance sheet
- List of courses being taught
1-6 grades example
7-12 grades example - Copy of PSA (from Step 1).
- One sheet listing your instructors (usually mom and/or dad) with their qualifications.
Step 5 (optional):
Get involved in a community! Homeschooling groups are great ways to get connected. Set intentional fellowship gatherings with like-minded families. List of homeschooling groups
Step 6 (optional):
For legal protection and educational questions/support, become a member of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).
Step 7 (Essential):
Ask for help! The first step in asking for help is to surrender your life to Jesus Christ if you haven’t already! God is our helper (Psalm 124:8)! You can also get help from being part of a homeschooling community (step 5) or connecting with other homeschooling families.
*If you live outside of California, go to https://hslda.org/legal to find your state’s homeschooling laws.
[1] Different areas of study may include, but are not limited to nor required: English (Language Arts), Math, Social Science (History), Science, Visual/Performing Arts, Health, PE, Foreign Language, Applied Arts, Career Tech, Drivers Ed, etc. [from CDE website “offer instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools.”]