How to Homeschool Children in California

In the state of California, students between ages six and 18 are required to attend some type of full-time day school, be it public or private.

The education code states, "California's compulsory education law (EC 48200) requires each person between six and eighteen years of age to attend public, full-time day school, and requires their parents or guardians to send them, unless legally exempt. The two principal exemptions are (1) instruction in a private, full-time day school, or (2) instruction by a tutor or other person holding a valid California teaching credential for the grade level being taught (EC 48220, 48222, 48224)." ₍₁₎

So if a traditional public school is not working out for you and or your student, that leaves two options; a private school, or a credentialed tutor. There is however, another public school option.

A public charter school.

Charter schools are still public schools, publicly funded and ran under similar regulations as traditional public schools, however they are apart of the California Education Reform in order to provide alternatives for students in the traditional public school.

A charter school is, "A Public school that may provide instruction in any of grades K-12 that are created or organized by a group of teachers, parents, community leaders or a community-based organization." ₍₂₎

Many charter schools offer various options for those who would like to home school, they include:
Meeting with a credentialed teach every few weeks to check on the progress of what is being taught at home, in addition to extra curricular classes on-site, or local businesses through public funding.

They also have a Full time day school program, just as a regular public school; however student to teacher ratio is usually smaller, as well as the entire student body.

Often entire schools are based on a theme such as Art, Science, or Technology, and emphasis is placed on these in general classes as well as extra curricular.