›
Charter School vs PSA vs PSP
Legal Options
Charter School vs PSA vs PSP
Related resources
California's three homeschool paths explained: charter schools, independent homeschooling with a Private School Affidavit, and Private School Satellite Programs.
California gives families three main legal ways to homeschool. None is better across the board; the right choice depends on how much support, funding, and flexibility your family wants.
Option 1: Public charter school. Homeschool charter schools are public schools. Your child is enrolled, taught at home by you, and supported by a credentialed teacher (often called a Learning Coach or Teacher of Record). Most provide educational funding for curriculum, classes, and supplies. In exchange, you follow the school's requirements, which can include regular meetings with your teacher, attendance records, and state testing. It is free, funded, and structured. Browse the charter schools we list in the vendor directory.
Option 2: Independent homeschooling with a Private School Affidavit (PSA). You operate your home as a private school. Each fall you file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education for children subject to compulsory education (generally age 6 and older). You keep your own attendance records and offer the required branches of study, but you control everything else: curriculum, schedule, records, and pace. Maximum flexibility, but you fund everything yourself and handle all recordkeeping.
Option 3: Private School Satellite Program (PSP). A PSP is an established private school that enrolls your child and files paperwork on your behalf. You teach at home while the school maintains enrollment records and often offers services like transcript help, testing, or community events. Families pay enrollment fees. It is a middle ground: more structure and support than a PSA, more independence than a public charter.
Quick comparison. Cost: charter is free and funded; PSP charges fees; PSA is self-funded. Records: charter and PSP handle them for you; PSA keeps them at home. Structure: charter is most structured; PSA most flexible; PSP in between.
Which fits your family? If you want funding and guidance, look at charters. If you want total control and have the budget, a PSA gives you that. If you want independence plus administrative support, a PSP is worth exploring. Many families switch between options over the years, and that is completely normal.
