Homeschooling in California: PSA vs. PSP vs. Charter School — What Parents Need to Know

More families in California are choosing homeschooling as a personalized way to educate their children. But navigating the legal routes and understanding the key benefits can feel overwhelming. This guide helps clarify the options and highlights why many parents prefer homeschooling over traditional public schools.

Legal Routes in California

1. Private School Affidavit (PSA) – Homeschooling Independently

• How it works: You register your home-based private school by filing a PSA with the California Department of Education, specify a school name/address, keep minimal required records, and teach core subjects yourself.
  
  
• What you get: Maximum flexibility in curriculum, schedule, and educational pace.
  
  
• Your responsibilities:
  • You act as the administrator and teacher.
  • You’re responsible for attendance records, compliance, and reporting.
  • Your school name and address become part of the public record californiahomeschool.net.
    
    
• Pros: Full autonomy, tailor-made learning, no imposed structure.
  
  
• Cons: Parents handle all logistics, and support networks must be self-sourced.

2. Private School Satellite Program (PSP)

• How it works: A private school that has filed a PSA oversees compliance. You sign up as a teacher within that program.
  
  
• Benefits:
  • Administrative tasks are managed by the PSP.
  • Some offer co‑op events, field trips, newsletters, access to shared curricula.
    
    
• Balance: A middle ground between full independence and full support—though fees vary widely.

3. Public Charter School Homeschool / Independent Study Program

• How it works: Enroll in a public charter school or district-run independent study (ISP) that supports home-based instruction 
  
  
• What comes with it:
  • Access to credentialed teacher support, grade reporting, pacing guidance.
  • Special education services or IEPs if applicable—just as in public school.
  • Annual stipends to support learning materials—typically $2,200–3,200 per student depending on age and school.
    
    
• Pros: Public funding, oversight, curricular structure and support while still at home.
  
  
• Cons: Some constraints on curriculum choices and pacing; must stay enrolled.

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