California School Choice Options
California does not have a state education savings account, voucher, or tax credit scholarship program. As of October 22, 2026, California had also not joined the new federal scholarship tax credit for 2027. So families who homeschool through a home-based private school or a PSP get no state funding. Instead, the main publicly funded option is independent study. School districts, county offices, and charter schools offer it. Students learn outside the regular classroom, but they are enrolled in public school.
Day to day, independent study students follow the public school’s course of study and state standards. They have the same course requirements as students in regular classes. Many families like the flexibility. However, it is public school at home, not private homeschooling. So curriculum choices, records, and testing follow the school’s rules. In addition, the Los Angeles Unified independent study program can open the door to school sports. If you want full freedom over what you teach, the private school options may fit better. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
California has no state-funded education savings account, voucher, or tax credit scholarship program for K-12 students.
The federal scholarship tax credit (Internal Revenue Code section 25F) begins January 1, 2027, but only in states that opt in. California was not on the IRS list of participating states as of October 22, 2026 (IRS: FSTC Participating States).
Independent study is an alternative to classroom instruction that follows a local educational agency’s course of study and state content standards. It is available from transitional kindergarten through high school. By law, it must be substantially equivalent to classroom instruction, and students have the same course requirements as students in regular classes. It is governed by California Education Code sections 51744-51749.6 (California Department of Education: Independent Study).
Ask your school district, your county office of education, or a charter school that offers independent study. Each program sets its own enrollment process and policies (CDE).
Homeschoolers: Students in independent study are public school students. A family that enrolls does not file a private school affidavit for that child.
California Department of Education, Educational Options: Independent Study; email independentstudy@cde.ca.gov.
Homeschool students are barred from CIF sports by Rule 305, but students in Los Angeles Unified’s District Independent Study program may become eligible at their school of residence (HSLDA).
- California Department of Education: Independent Study
- IRS: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Participating States (as of October 22, 2026)
- HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in California
Last reviewed: October 31, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
- October 31, 2026
- Editorial/clarification: Replaced the coming-soon placeholder with a guide to California’s school choice options, including independent study and the federal tax credit status, sources, and a last-reviewed date.