In the state of California, home schools have 4 options in which they may operate:
1) Under § 48222, the individual home school could qualify as a private school by filing an annual private school affidavit and a. the instructors must be capable of teaching; b. the instruction must be in English; c. the instruction must be in the several branches of study required in public schools; d. attendance must be kept in a register; and e. a private school affidavit must be filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 of each school year. Cal. Educ. Code §§ 33190, 48222. 2) The home school could have instruction provided by a certified private tutor (Cal. Educ. Code § 48224). 3) The child could be enrolled in an independent study program at home, using the public school curriculum. Cal. Educ. Code § 51745. Under this option, the child is considered a public school student and has to abide by the rules and policy of the public school. 4) Home schoolers could enroll in a private school satellite program and take "independent study" through that private school. The private school "independent study program" (ISP) must comply with Cal. Educ. Code § 48222 (see #1 above) Adm. Code Chapter 15 P 51745-517. Private ISPs often enroll anywhere from two to several hundred families.
There are no teacher qualifications if the home school registers as a private school, or enrolls in an independent study program with a private school.
Certification is necessary only if the home school parent chooses to qualify as the private tutor.
Information on this website or found through any links on this site may not be construed as legal advice or legal counseling. Use these services at your own risk. Please read about the home education laws pertaining to your state, and educate yourself as to all local truancy codes both at the municipal and county level before deciding to home educate.