At a Glance
175 days/year
School days
Ages 6-18
Compulsory attendance
Notice Requirements
Notice is required
You must notify the state Department of Education of your intent to homeschool.
Assessment Requirements
No assessment required
California does not require standardized testing or formal assessment.
Portfolio & Records
No portfolio required
While California doesn't mandate a portfolio, keeping records is still recommended.
Required Subjects
California requires instruction in the following subjects:
math
language arts
social studies
science
visual/performing arts
health
physical education
Additional Notes
File Private School Affidavit (PSA) annually between Oct 1-15.
Source: Official state requirements · Verified March 2026
Track CA Compliance
Homeschool Fox automatically tracks your hours and progress against California's requirements.
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What we track for CA
- Attendance days toward 175-day goal
- Subject coverage tracking
- Activity log with descriptions
- PDF exports for evaluators
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in California
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in California?
Yes, California requires you to file notice of your intent to homeschool.
You must notify the state Department of Education.
How many hours do I need to homeschool in California?
California doesn't specify a minimum number of hours, but requires at least 175 days of instruction per year.
Does California require testing for homeschoolers?
No, California does not require standardized testing or formal assessments for homeschooled students. However, many families choose to use assessments voluntarily to track progress.
Do I need to keep a portfolio in California?
No, California does not legally require you to maintain a portfolio. However, keeping records of your homeschool activities is still highly recommended for your own reference and for potential college applications or if you ever need to demonstrate educational progress.
What subjects must I teach in California?
California requires instruction in the following subjects: math, language arts, social studies, science, visual/performing arts, health, and physical education. Beyond these requirements, you have flexibility to add subjects that interest your family.