Homeschooling & Education Alternatives
Information on the options available for schooling at home, as well as other alternatives to traditional public school education.Options for Schooling at Home
Public Charter School
There are many public charter schools that offer more flexibility for students and parents and some that cater to those who are focusing on home-based instruction. For more information about charter schools, visit the Charter Schools in California web page or contact the Charter Schools Division at charters@cde.ca.gov. You may also contact local charter schools to see what options they offer. To locate charter schools in your area, search the California School Directory or use the Charter School Locator.
Public school Independent Study Program
Many public schools offer independent study or home-based study as an option. Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but usually does not take classes with other students every day. The student works independently. For more information, visit the Independent Study web page, or contact the Educational Options Office by email at independentstudy@cde.ca.gov.
Private School
Some private schools offer online learning, independent study, or home-based study options. You can locate private schools in your area by searching the California School Directory.
Home-Based Private School
Parents may establish a home-based private school to privately educate their children. To do so, the requirements of California Education Code (EC) Section 48222 and EC Section 33190 must be met, which requires children to be instructed in a private full-time day school by persons capable of teaching. Instruction shall be taught in the English language and shall include the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state.For more information on this option, please see the Laws and Requirements section of the Schooling at Home web page, or refer to the Schooling at Home Frequently Asked Questions – “How do I get started with homeschooling?”
Credentialed Tutor
Children may be instructed in study and recitation for at least three hours a day for 175 days each calendar year by a private tutor or other person in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of this state and in the English language. The tutor or other person shall hold a valid state credential for the grade taught. The instruction shall be offered between the hours of 8 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. (EC Section 48224).
Other Public Education Options
Many public schools offer independent study or home-based study as an option. Contact your local public school district or county office of education to see what options they offer. If your district or county does not offer a program that a neighboring district or county offers, you may be able to obtain an inter-district transfer, or other type of transfer, that would allow your child to enroll in another district’s school/program. For more information on available transfer options, please visit the District Transfers web page.
Special Education Services
The Special Education Division at the CDE provides technical assistance information and resources for parents, school districts, advocates, agencies and others of procedural safeguards regarding students between ages 3 and 21 with disabilities and their educational rights. The Rights of Parents and Notice of Procedural Safeguards are accessible on the Special Education Division Family Involvement & Partnerships web page