California Homeschool Funding
Charter school funding, restrictions, and alternatives.
Main program
Program name: Nonclassroom-Based (Independent Study) Public Charter Programs
Admin: Local public charter schools (authorized by districts/counties) and district-run Independent Study programs
Typical award
Amount: Set by each charter; commonly ~$3,000–$4,500+ per student/year (example: Arete Charter Academy lists $4,500 for 2025–26)
Disbursement: School-managed “instructional funds” accounts (public funds); purchases via approved vendors; materials are school property
Who qualifies
- Residency: California resident, living within a school/charter’s service area
- Age/grade: TK–12 students (public school enrollment)
- Other: Family agrees to the Independent Study written agreement; no funding for private PSA/PSP homeschools
Timeline
- Charter enrollment: Typically opens spring for the fall term; rolling if space available
- District Independent Study: Usually by semester/trimester
- Private School Affidavit (PSA): Filing window October 1–15 each year (no state funds)
Overview
California does not offer a universal ESA for private homeschool. Families seeking public funding enroll as public school students through a nonclassroom-based (independent study) charter or a district Independent Study program. These programs often provide an annual instructional funds budget to purchase secular educational goods/services from approved vendors. Families who homeschool privately by filing the Private School Affidavit (PSA) educate under private school law and do not receive public funds.
Programs
Public Charter Independent Study (Nonclassroom-Based)
- Type: Public charter school independent study (at-home learning with a credentialed teacher of record)
- Award: Charter-set “instructional funds” (commonly ~$3,000–$4,500+ per student/year; varies by charter/grade)
- Uses: Secular curriculum, tutoring, classes with approved vendors, educational software, approved supplies, some technology
- Admin: Individual charter schools (authorized by a district/county and overseen by CDE)
Examples of CA homeschool/IS charters: Mission Vista Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy, Ocean Grove, Sky Mountain, South Sutter, Arete Charter Academy.
District Independent Study (IS)
- Type: Public school Independent Study through the local district (may provide curriculum/loaned materials; usually no family-controlled stipend)
- Award: District-provided resources; funding is not a parent-spend account
- Uses: District-approved coursework, materials, and assessments
- Admin: Local school districts under Ed. Code 51745 et seq.
Private School Affidavit (PSA) / PSP (No public funds)
- Type: Private homeschool under CA private school law
- Award: No state funding
- Uses: Parent-selected curriculum/resources
- Admin: Parent/guardian files PSA; or enrolls in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP)
Eligibility
- Residency: Must reside in California; charters may have county/region service areas
- Age/grade: TK–12 (public student)
- Prior enrollment: Varies by school; most accept new-to-charter students
- Other criteria: Family signs IS agreement; all publicly funded purchases must be secular and align to new learning
How to apply
- Identify charter(s) or district IS serving your address.
- Apply/enroll online; complete the Independent Study written agreement.
- Meet your credentialed teacher of record; set goals and learning plan.
- Use the school’s vendor portal to request secular materials/services; track approvals and deliveries.
Covered expenses
- Secular curriculum & textbooks
- Tutoring / classes (approved vendors)
- Special education therapies (if IEP/eligibility; via school)
- Assessments & tests
- Educational software / online courses
- Basic supplies & some tech (school-owned)
- Educational field trips (approved)
- Not allowed: Sectarian/religious curriculum, private school tuition, non-educational items
- All purchases must support new learning and follow school policy
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charter enrollment opens | Typically spring (varies by school) | Waitlists possible |
| District IS signup | By semester/trimester | Check local district |
| PSA filing window | October 1–15 | No public funds with PSA |