Is a letter or notice required?
Yes, in most common homeschool setups. Families using the home-based private school route file a Private School Affidavit each year, while other legal options have different paperwork.
CA
Medium regulationSome states require a notice, affidavit, private-school enrollment step, or other paperwork before or soon after homeschooling begins. This page explains the current California notice picture in plain English and gives a safe template framework without pretending every family needs the same form.
Yes, in most common homeschool setups. Families using the home-based private school route file a Private School Affidavit each year, while other legal options have different paperwork.
Usually the California Department of Education for the private school affidavit route; families withdrawing from public school may also need to notify the local school.
For the private school affidavit route, file annually between October 1 and October 15. If starting later, families should review the current CDE instructions for late filing.
Template starter: “I am notifying you that I intend to homeschool my child in accordance with California homeschool requirements. I will provide home instruction and maintain any records required by state law.” Customize this to match the official form or local instruction before sending.
Free printables
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Usually the California Department of Education for the private school affidavit route; families withdrawing from public school may also need to notify the local school.
For the private school affidavit route, file annually between October 1 and October 15. If starting later, families should review the current CDE instructions for late filing.
Yes. Even when California paperwork is light, keep a dated copy of anything you send plus proof of delivery or school withdrawal confirmation.
Notice is only one part of starting homeschool. Review subjects, records, testing, and age requirements for California.
California homeschool requirementsLast verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.