If you are thinking about homeschooling in Orange County, the first surprise is that “homeschooling” is not one thing in California. There are four main routes, and each comes with different paperwork, oversight and support. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits your family.
1. File a Private School Affidavit (PSA)
You register your home as a small private school by filing an annual affidavit with the California Department of Education. The standard filing window is October 1 to 15. If you start homeschooling mid-year, you file when you begin.
- You control: curriculum, schedule and teaching approach.
- Oversight: minimal. Filing the affidavit does not mean the state approves or accredits your program.
- Funding: none. This route is self-funded.
- Best for: families who want full independence and are comfortable planning and record-keeping themselves.
2. Enroll in a private school satellite program
A private school supervises your homeschool and files the affidavit on your behalf. You teach at home under that school’s umbrella.
- You control: day-to-day teaching, within the program’s framework.
- Oversight: light to moderate, depending on the program, with some offering records support or transcripts.
- Cost: tuition or fees vary by program. Enrollment often opens before the school year starts.
- Best for: families who want independence plus some structure and help with documentation.
3. Join a charter school independent study program
Your child is technically a public school student, but learns mostly at home with a supervising teacher.
- You control: a good deal of the day-to-day, within state standards and program requirements.
- Oversight: more than the other routes, including regular check-ins and work samples.
- Funding: some programs provide funds for approved educational expenses. The amount and rules differ by program.
- Best for: families who want state-aligned structure and possible funding.
4. Use a credentialed private tutor
California law allows a child to be taught by a private tutor who holds a valid California teaching credential for the grade being taught. The instruction must run at least three hours a day, 175 days a year, in the required subjects, in English, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Families using this route do not file a Private School Affidavit.
- Best for: families who want a single qualified teacher responsible for their child’s whole program.
Where tutoring fits
Whichever route you choose, most homeschooling families bring in extra teaching at some point. Common reasons:
- A subject you don’t feel confident teaching, such as higher math or science.
- Learning support, including SEN, dyslexia, and speech and language needs.
- Preparing a child for a return to school or a move to a new program.
- Keeping a student-athlete on track around a heavy training schedule.
Edu-K offers one-to-one and group tutoring across Orange County, and a full-time schooling program for families who want a teacher-led school day. Our tutoring supports any of the routes above.
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions:
- How much control do I want? The affidavit and satellite routes give the most freedom. Charter study gives the least.
- Do I want funding or support? Charter programs may offer funding. Satellite programs usually offer more help with documentation.
- Who will do the teaching? If it won’t be you for every subject, plan your tutoring and support early.
Next step
We work with families in Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and across Orange County. If you are weighing these options, book a free consultation and we’ll talk through what your child needs.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the California Department of Education or your local district before you decide.