Homeschooling in California? Let’s Talk About Filing Your PSA

Choosing to homeschool can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. You’re thinking about curriculum, routines, and how to help your child feel confident about learning. Then someone asks, “Have you filed your PSA?”

If your first thought is, My what?, take a breath. Let’s walk through what it means, who needs to file, and where you can find support.

What is a PSA?

A Private School Affidavit (PSA) is an annual filing submitted to the California Department of Education by people operating a private school, including parents who establish a private school in their home to educate their own children.

It reports information about your school, such as its name, address, enrollment, and where school records are maintained. Filing is a reporting requirement; it does not mean the state has approved or accredited your homeschool.

Making sure to file a PSA is important if you homeschool without the support of a charter school

Does every homeschool family need to file?

No—the requirement depends on how your child is enrolled.

If you operate your own home-based private school, you are responsible for filing its PSA. If your child is enrolled in a public charter school or district independent study program, you do not file a separate PSA for that enrollment. If you use a private school satellite program, confirm with that school how your child is covered under its filing.

Before completing the form, make sure you understand which homeschooling arrangement your family is using.

When do you file?

California’s annual statutory filing period is October 1–15.

This is an annual responsibility, so last year’s filing does not cover this school year. The filing system is available from August 1 through June 30 to accommodate new schools and families starting during the year. If you begin homeschooling later, review the current CDE instructions rather than waiting until the following October.

Why does it matter?

Filing your PSA is one required part of operating a private homeschool in California. But the form is only one piece of your responsibilities.

Families using this option must also provide the required instruction and maintain school records, including attendance, courses of study, and instructor information. Submitting a PSA alone does not satisfy every requirement for the private school exemption from compulsory public school attendance.

Start with the official California Department of Education PSA information and filing instructions. After filing, save a copy with your homeschool records.

Need help getting your homeschool plan in place?

Sometimes the paperwork brings up bigger questions: What should I teach? Is this curriculum helping? How do I support a child who struggles with reading, writing, spelling, or math?

At My Learning Farm, I offer homeschool consultations to help you understand your options, work through PSA questions, choose curriculum, and create a practical educational plan around your child’s needs. You can bring your questions, your concerns, and the materials you’re already using—we’ll work through them together.

Ready for guidance? Visit My Learning Farm’s Homeschool Support page and select “Book a Consultation.” I’d love to help you feel more confident about your next steps.

This post provides general educational information, not legal advice. Review current CDE guidance for your family’s situation.