The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in California: PSA vs. Charter Schools
Thinking about homeschooling in California? You’re not alone more and more families are choosing home education every year. But one of the first questions parents face is: “How do I legally homeschool in California?”
In most cases, you’ll hear about two options: filing a PSA (Private School Affidavit) or enrolling in a homeschool charter school. Both are legal and valid, but they work very differently. This guide will walk you through the differences, pros, and cons so you can make the best choice for your family.
📄 What Is a PSA (Private School Affidavit)?
A PSA is when you file paperwork with the California Department of Education to establish your home as a private school. Essentially, you become the school administrator.
Key Features of a PSA:
Parents are 100% responsible for record-keeping, curriculum, and instruction.
Families have full freedom to choose any curriculum, schedule, or learning style.
No state funds are provided and parents pay out of pocket.
Parents must handle transcripts, attendance, and yearly affidavits.
👉 A PSA is best for families who want maximum freedom and don’t mind taking on all responsibilities themselves.
🏫 What Is a Homeschool Charter School?
A homeschool charter school is a public charter that allows students to learn from home while still being officially enrolled in a public program.
Key Features of a Charter School:
Families receive charter funds (usually $2,700–$3,800 per year per student) for classes, curriculum, and enrichment.
Each family is assigned an Education Specialist (ES) who checks progress and approves spending.
Students must meet state standards and complete required testing.
Families choose from approved vendors (like Creative STEAM) for classes and enrichment.
👉 A homeschool charter is best for families who want financial support and accountability while still keeping flexibility in their child’s education.
🌟 Which Option Is Right for Your Family?
Choose a PSA if you value total independence and want to customize everything without oversight.
Choose a Charter School if you want financial support, structured accountability, and access to vendor programs.
Many families choose charters for the funding and support, while others prefer PSAs for the freedom.
🏫 How Creative STEAM Academy Supports Charter Families
At Creative STEAM Academy, our teachers partner with many homeschool charter schools in Orange County. All of our approved vendor classes, families can use their charter funds to cover:
Core classes (Math, English, Science, History)
Enrichment programs (Art, STEM, Theatre, Robotics, and more)
Project-based learning led by credentialed teachers
We also welcome PSA families who want the structure and social opportunities of a homeschool learning center.
✅ Final Thoughts
Starting homeschooling in California may feel overwhelming, but once you understand the two main options PSA vs. Charter School it becomes much clearer. Both paths are legal, flexible, and can be tailored to your child’s needs.
If you’re in Orange County and want to combine the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure of a classroom, Creative STEAM Academy may be the perfect fit. Whether you’re using a PSA or a charter, we’re here to support your homeschool journey.
👉 Contact us today to learn how we can help your family thrive!