Q: We are thinking of homeschooling our child ... how do we start? A: First consider the various legal options available to you in California. Pick one that best suits your family's current needs. You will not be required to continue with this particular option as long as you homeschool; one of the benefits of home education is the flexibility it affords families. You might enroll with a public or private ISP for your first year, then file the R-4 in subsequent years, and return to a private ISP for your child's high school years. Q: How can I homeschool my preschool-age or kindergartner? A: You don't need to legally "school" young children in the state of California. The required age for compulsory education is six years-old and kindergarten is not required in California. Young children learn best when they are permitted and encouraged to explore their surroundings - as opposed to pursuing academics. For more information about activities for homeschooling "littles," please read the article, A Homeschool Curriculum for Pre-school and Kindergarten. For valuable information about the dangers of universal preschool, please visit the Universal Preschool website. Q: How do I remove my child from public (or private) school? A: It is generally a very simple procedure. Read the article Removing Your Child from School for ideas. Q: Where can I get more information about homeschooling? A: Numerous places!! Including books; local homeschooling support groups; and state and national organizations. Q. Are there any grade level guidelines that I need to follow when homeschooling my own children? A. Not unless you have enrolled them in a public independent study program or public charter program. If you opt to file the R-4 or enroll in a private ISP, your children will be enrolled in a private school - the CA education code does not mandate specific grade-level academic requirements. However, many families like to see what is being studied at certain grade levels and that information can be obtained at one of the following online resources.
Q: Is it possible for me to homeschool my special education child? A: Yes! Learning disabled and other special needs children tend to learn better at home because they receive one-on-one attention using materials that are tailored to a child's individual learning style and temperament. For more information and resources on homeschooling differently abled children, visit the special needs webpage. Q: After homeschooling for awhile, can my child return to traditional public/private school? A: In most cases there are not any problems returning to a traditional classroom setting, records-wise. The only time it can be difficult is if your child wants to return to senior year of high school after having been homeschooled as many school districts may want to see a transcript of grades and credits. The other potential problems for the child are academic boredom and peer pressure. Q: How can my homeschool student graduate from high school? A: If your child is enrolled in a public or private ISP and they complete all graduation requirements, most programs will issue a diploma. The other alternative is to take the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) which, upon successful passage, will grant a high school diploma. This is a popular option among homeschoolers who (with the permission of their high school principal or counselor) can take the test when they are working at a 10th grade level (thus, many 13+ teens take and pass it). Q: What about college? A: Many college-bound students (not just homeschoolers) choose to attend community colleges simply because it is a cost-effective way to complete the first two years of college, while fulfilling most general education (GE) requirements for a bachelor's degree. It is also much easier to apply to a four-year university as a junior-level transfer than an incoming freshman. However, many colleges do accept freshmen homeschoolers.
Requests will not be taken by phone, although email and fax (916/319.0135) requests will be accepted. Regardless of how you submit your request for the R-4 private school affidavit, the CDE requires the following information: name of school (CDS code if applicable), street address of the school and phone number. The CDE has a frequently asked questions (FAQ) website on the R-4 Private School Affidavit, including as it pertains to homeschoolers.
Homefires also has a listing of charter schools.
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The Private School (R4) Affidavit may be filed which establishes a homeschool as a private school (E.C. 48222 & 33190). The affidavit is filed with the California Department of Education (CDE). The affidavit is generally filed between October 1 and October 15, although it can be filed at anytime during the year after October 1. However, the CDE stops accepting online submissions of the R-4 and removes the online form on December 30. After that time, they will only accept them through the mail (if you already have the form) or statements/letters-in-lieu from new schools. However, give the online form a try - it may still be up! 
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