How do I take my kids out of public school to start homeschooling?

[Christylove171]

How do I remove my kids from public school to start doing homeschool. What do I have to tell the school they attend? Do I have to fill anything out?

I'm in California if that helps :)

[AutymsMommy]

Check HSLDA's site for your state homeschooling laws.

I believe in California you must register under a charter school of some sort. That can be one of their virtual academies, or something private like Seton. I think.

Every state is very different in regards to this.

[Angela_O]

http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/CA/default.asp

CALIFORNIA

Compulsory Attendance Ages:  “between the ages of 6” by Dec. 2 (§ 48200) and under 18 years of 

age.” California Education Code § 48200, 48400, 48410. 

Required Days of Instruction:  175 days, only for public schools. 

Required Subjects:  English and must “offer instruction in the several branches of study 

required to be taught in the public schools.” Grades 1-6: English, 

mathematics, social sciences, science, fine arts, health, physical 

education. 

Home School Statute: None. 

Alternative Statutes Allowing for Home Schools: Home Schools have 4 options: 

Option 1. Under § 48222, the individual home school could qualify as a private school by filing an 

annual private school affidavit: 

a. The instructors must be capable of teaching; 

b. The instruction must be in English; 

c. The instruction must be in the several branches of study required in public schools; 

d. Attendance must be kept in a register; and 

e. A private school affidavit must be filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction between 

Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 of each school year. Cal. Educ. Code §§ 33190, 48222. 

Option 2. Homeschoolers could enroll in a private school satellite program and "homeschool” through 

that private school. The private school “satellite school program” (PSP) must comply with Cal. Educ. 

Code § 48222 (see #1 above). Many homeschool families have organized these private PSPs which enroll 

anywhere from two to several hundred families. 

On August 8, 2008, the California Court of Appeals  for the Second Appellate District ruled that 

“California statutes permit homeschooling as a species of private school education.” The California 

Appellate Court defined homeschooling as full-time education in the home by a parent or guardian who 

does not necessarily possess a teaching credential. The Court concluded that the legislative history in 

California, although somewhat complicated, confirms the Legislature’s intent that homeschools operate 

as private schools in California. The Court found it significant that education enforcement officials (the 

Governor of the State of California and the Superintendent of Public Instruction) at both the state and 

local levels agree that homeschooling may constitute private schools. The Court concluded that the cases 

of  Turner and  Shinn, that had been used against homeschoolers, were no longer good precedent and California  CA-2 

Copyright 2011-2012, HSLDA, all rights reserved. May be reproduced only by permission. 

THIS ANALYSIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE. 

Call or write to receive a free copy of HSLDA’s newsletter and membership application. 

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would undermine a practice that has been, if not actively encouraged, at least acknowledged and accepted 

by the officials and the public for many years in California. (Jonathan L. v. Superior Court,  81 

Cal.Rptr.3d 571, Cal.App. 2 Dist., 2008) 

Option 3. The home school could have instruction provided by a certified private tutor (Cal. Educ. Code 

§ 48224). 

Option 4. The child could be enrolled in an independent study program at home, using the public school 

curriculum. Cal. Educ. Code § 51745. Under this option, the child is considered a public school student 

and has to abide by the rules and policy of the public school. 

Teacher Qualifications: None, if home school registers as a private school or enrolls in a private school 

satellite program. 

Certification is necessary only if the home school parent chooses to qualify as a private tutor. 

Standardized Tests: Not required by statute. 

[Christylove171]

Thank you! :) 

I filed a "Private School Affidavit"  Then I emailed their principal saying my childen will no longer be attending and will be starting private school. And that was it!. Today they want me to return their library books and Now I can officially start homeschooling!. 

IT was super easy. Thanks everyone!