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How to withdraw your child from public school in California.

Yes — homeschooling is legal in California. The most common path is to declare your home a "private school" by filing a Private School Affidavit (the "R-4") online with the California Department of Education between October 1 and 15. Outside that window, families typically use a private school satellite program (PSP) or a credentialed tutor.

90 seconds3 PDFs tailored to CaliforniaWe don't store your child's info

Last reviewed May 5, 2026

Heads up: California's Private School Affidavit window is October 1 to 15 each year. If you are withdrawing outside that window, enroll in a PSP today so you have continuous legal coverage until you can file the affidavit.

We don't store your child's information. PDFs are generated in memory and discarded. We are not your attorney; for edge cases call HSLDA or a local attorney.

Step 2 of 6 · Children~72s left

Who are you withdrawing in California?

Add every child you're pulling from school. We'll list them on the letter and produce one packet for the whole family. Use the legal name on school records.

Child 1

Full name

Grade(optional)

Date of birth(optional)

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School Administration

California

May 5, 2026

RE: Withdrawal of student

Dear Principal,

I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately, I am withdrawing my child from your school. As of the date of this letter, my child will no longer be enrolled at this school.

In accordance with California law, I am establishing a private school in my home pursuant to Education Code §§ 33190 and 48222 (or, alternatively, enrolling in a private school satellite program). I will file the Private School Affidavit between October 1 and 15 of the current school year, as required.

Please remove my child from your attendance roll as of the effective date below and forward all academic records to the address listed on this letter. Pursuant to California Education Code § 48200, my child is now legally enrolled in a private school and is no longer subject to public-school compulsory attendance.

I do not consent to a home visit, interview, or in-person meeting as a condition of this withdrawal.

Effective date of withdrawal

May 5, 2026

Sincerely,

Date: May 5, 2026

Children covered by this withdrawal

What happens after you withdraw in California

California treats home-based schools as private schools. You'll file the Private School Affidavit (R-4) online at the CDE between October 1 and 15. If you're withdrawing outside that window, enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) immediately for legal coverage until the next filing window.

By day 1

Deliver this withdrawal letter to the principal in person, by certified mail, or by email with read receipt. Save the confirmation.

By day 7

If withdrawing outside Oct 1–15, enroll in a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) immediately for legal coverage. CHN, Sky Mountain, and Excellence in Education are commonly used.

14d

By day 14

Set up an attendance log; California requires private schools to maintain attendance and immunization records. Track from day one.

30d

By day 30

Choose your curriculum and confirm you are teaching the same branches of study taught in California public schools, in English. No specific texts required.

60d

By day 60

Build a portfolio of work samples and photos. California does not require it, but it protects you against any future question.

90d

By day 90

Calendar Oct 1 each year — that is when the CDE Private School Affidavit window opens. Filing outside the window is the most common compliance miss.

Frequently asked questions about California withdrawals

Is homeschooling legal in California?

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent in California?

What does California require beyond the withdrawal letter?

California requires no state notification, no testing, and no portfolio — the withdrawal letter alone ends the public school's jurisdiction. Just keep your own records as a precaution.

What records do I need to keep in California?

California doesn't specify required hours or days, but keeping a daily attendance log and a portfolio of work samples is the standard precaution. The wizard generates both.

Can I generate one letter for multiple kids in California?

Yes. The wizard supports up to 10 children per family. The letter lists each child by name, grade, and date of birth; one packet covers the entire withdrawal.

Official sources

HSLDA — California Laws California Dept. of Education

Want this all tracked automatically going forward?

Homeschool OS handles the California attendance log, compliance deadlines, and portfolio for you — pre-configured for your state. Free for 21 days, no card.

Start your free trial

We’re not your attorney. Always verify California-specific requirements with your Department of Education before filing. For edge cases — religious exemption, IEP/504 disputes, custody contests — call HSLDA or a local attorney.