Filing a California Private School Affidavit: What Homeschool Families Need to Know

If you’re considering homeschooling in California, you may have heard someone say, “You need to file a PSA.” It’s one of those phrases that can make a big decision feel even more overwhelming. Let’s make it a little clearer.

A Private School Affidavit, or PSA, is an annual filing with the California Department of Education. Some families who teach their children at home establish a home-based private school and file a PSA as part of that option. California also has other ways to educate a child at home, including public charter schools and independent study programs, so filing your own PSA is not a step every homeschool family needs to take.

Why does the PSA matter?

For families using the home-based private school option, the affidavit provides the state with information about their school. California requires private schools covered by this rule to file annually. The usual filing period is October 1–15, although the state’s online system is open from August 1 through June 30 to accommodate schools that begin at other times. Filing a PSA does not mean the state has approved the school or its curriculum.

You can find the state’s instructions and filing link on the California Department of Education’s PSA page.

What happens after you file?

This is where many parents have the bigger question: What am I actually going to teach?

Families who choose to operate a private homeschool are responsible for selecting and providing their child’s curriculum and instructional materials. They also need to attend to the applicable course and recordkeeping requirements. The affidavit is one part of getting started; it doesn’t hand you a reading program, a math plan, or a daily rhythm that fits your child.

And if you’ve spent an evening looking at curriculum choices online, you know how quickly that can become overwhelming. A beautiful program may still move too quickly for your child. A highly recommended math curriculum may need more hands-on instruction than it first appears. The best place to begin is with the learner in front of you: their strengths, their needs, and the way your family can realistically support learning at home.

Let’s dial in your child’s learning plan

At My Learning Farm, an educational or homeschool consultation gives us time to look closely at your child’s reading, writing, spelling, and math needs. We can talk through the curriculum you already own, explore options where something isn’t working, and identify practical next steps. We can also think about a homeschool routine that leaves room for your child’s interests, confidence, and joy in learning.

You don’t have to have every answer before we meet. Bring your questions, the materials you’re considering, and what you’ve noticed about your child. We’ll start there and build a more thoughtful plan together.

If you’re preparing to homeschool under a PSA, or you’ve already filed and want help choosing curricula, learn more about homeschool support at My Learning Farm. I would love to help you find a path that fits your child and feels manageable for your family.

This article provides general educational information. For filing requirements and current instructions, consult the California Department of Education directly.