Homeschooling in Southern California: Getting Started | Guide for Families
Hey there! I’m a mom to 4 kiddos who has been homeschooling for the past 6 years in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I never planned to homeschool, but it became a delightful surprise that has served our family well (you can read about that here). Our homeschool journey recently made a big shift as we moved from Vancouver, BC to Sunny Socal this past September. I thought I’d share some of what we’ve learned along the way in case it helps anyone else navigating this homeschooling path in Southern California.
California Homeschool Requirements
If you’re new to homeschooling in California like I was, you might be surprised to learn that the state doesn’t actually mention “homeschooling” specifically in their education code. But don’t worry! There are several ways to make it work legally:
- Setting up as a private school- Just file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) once a year
- Joining a private school satellite program (PSP) – They handle the paperwork for you
- Using a California-credentialed teacher – Either yourself if you have credentials or hiring someone
- Enrolling in a public school independent study – Working with a local school district
- Charter schools for homeschoolers – They provide funding for curriculum and activities
Record-Keeping Requirements
If you choose the PSA route, you’ll need to maintain several records: your filed affidavit, attendance records, faculty qualifications, course of study, and immunization records. PSPs will handle most record-keeping for you. Charter schools manage all official records but require regular check-ins and testing.
In our charter, we meet with our support teacher every 20 days, with at least 3 in-person meetings yearly and the rest over Zoom. We participate in state testing twice annually plus the charter’s own testing program three times a year. The testing isn’t my favorite aspect, but it comes with the territory when you choose a charter school option with its funding benefits.
Our Day-to-Day Rhythm in SoCal Homeschooling
I’ve always loved Julie Bogart’s relaxed approach to homeschooling—the kind where learning happens naturally throughout your day rather than trying to recreate school at home. Our Southern California homeschool days usually flow like this:
- Morning basket: Reading a variety of books on the couch over breakfast
- Some math and written narration before lunch when their brains are fresh
- Afternoons for exploring, hands-on enrichment classes (like theatre, ballet, parkour, and academic workshops), park days, or family walks
- Board games and card games that secretly teach strategy and math
- Family meals where we discuss our day and learn through conversation
- Lots of audiobooks in the car as we drive to activities
This year our family decided to use a charter which has helped us have those extra funds for enrichment. I don’t love all the testing requirements but we’ve had a great support teacher and it’s been good overall. Next year, my youngest kids will continue with the charter but my oldest will go PSA. It’s great having those options!
Learning Through Everyday Life in SoCal
Our move to Southern California has enriched our homeschooling journey in unexpected ways. My kids have enjoyed park days with EIE in Duarte, where they’ve connected with other homeschooling families and explored outdoor learning. We’ve also taken advantage of field trips around the area, discovering new learning opportunities at every turn. [Check out our favorite spots in this blog post!](link to your favorite places blog post)
One of the biggest blessings has been reconnecting with family that we didn’t have around in Vancouver. Regular lunches with Grammie and sleepovers at Nana’s house have added a wonderful dimension to our children’s education through intergenerational relationships and the stories and skills they share.
Learning happens all the time through everyday activities – from stirring up pancakes and cleaning a bathroom to managing the kitty litter box and helping mom build a bookshelf. These practical life skills develop responsibility, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in managing a household.
The charter school funds have been a tremendous resource, allowing my children to participate in enrichment activities they love, including musical theatre, parkour, ballet, gymnastics, and even a claymation class. These experiences complement our home learning and provide opportunities to develop talents and interests beyond traditional academics.
Finding Community
Looking for connection with other homeschoolers? Southern California has a vibrant homeschool community waiting to welcome you! Thanks to our moderate year-round weather, weekly park days are a staple of homeschool social life here.
Many active Facebook groups serve local communities – popular ones include “Homeschooling in Southern California” and “Homeschool Moms of Glendora.” Simply search for your city or region plus “homeschool group” to find your tribe. These groups share resources, organize field trips, and provide that crucial parent-to-parent support.
Join Our HeartWise Learning Community!
If you’re looking for a truly special homeschool experience, I invite you to check out our HeartWise learning community in the San Gabriel Valley! We bring families together for experiential learning adventures, combining academic enrichment with deep community connection. Our members enjoy regular meetups, collaborative projects, and a supportive network of like-minded families. We emphasize learning through real-world experiences while building lasting friendships between both children and parents.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, our community welcomes you with open arms. Reach out today to learn more about joining our thriving group – we’d love to have you be part of our homeschool family!
What has your journey homeschooling in Southern California been so far? Have you found hands-on learning opportunities that work for your family? I’d love to hear in the comments!