Catholic Homeschooling in California
How to Homeschool in California
In California, there are three options for homeschooling:
1. Homeschooling as a home-based private school
2. Homeschooling with a private school satellite program (PSP)
3. Homeschooling with a private tutor
Compulsory school ages are 6-18 and notification is required. There are no testing or immunization requirements. State mandated subjects include language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and driver training.
California Department of Education Home School Information
While CDE does not provide guidance on how to homeschool in California, they do have lots of information at this site for families wanting to start homeschooling.
How to Comply with California’s Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in California
Special Education Provisions for California
The Importance of Recordkeeping in California
Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.Â
Christian Home Educators of California (CHEA)
CHEA is California’s primary advocate for private homeschoolers. They provide information and resources to families seeking alternatives to the public school system. They work to protect the rights of parents to have the choice of how to education their children and monitor legislation related to homeschooling.
California Homeschool Network (CHN)
California Homeschool Network (CHN) is an inclusive group, which means we serve families from all religious and ethnic affiliations that practice all homeschooling styles. CHN monitors and responds to legislation which may pose a threat to homeschooling. They also inform and empower homeschooling families, educate the public, and foster community among home educators in the state of California.
Homeschool Association of California (HSC)
The Homeschool Association of California (HSC) is a non-profit secular homeschool organization. They support homeschooling families in California and monitor and inform the discussion surrounding educational access and rights at the state and national level.Â
Catholic Homeschool Support Groups
Catholic Homeschoolers of Modesto
Modesto, CA, Stanislaus County, CA
This Facebook group serves to connect and facilitate communication between Catholic homeschoolers in Modesto and the greater Stanislaus County region.
Catholic Homeschoolers of Riverside – Immaculate Homeschoolers
Riverside, CA, Riverside County
This is a Catholic homeschooling community of families in Riverside, California. They meet at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Riverside. They have monthly masses, confession, adoration, park days, saint feast day celebrations, mom’s nights, field trips, and more. Facebook page.
Catholic Homeschoolers of the Greater Sacramento Area
Sacramento, CA
This Facebook group offers an opportunity for Sacramento Catholic homeschoolers to connect. They host field trips and other events and gatherings.
Paso Robles, CA San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
This Catholic homeschool group is based in San Luis Obispo County, with members across Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties. They celebrate the richness of the liturgical year together, learning about the saints and the traditions of our Church. Activities include mother’s book club, saint and liturgical feast day celebrations, seasonal camping trips, park and play days.
Christ the King Homeschool Support Group
Pasadena, CA
This homeschool group in Los Angeles County serves home educating families in Pasadena and the surrounding area.
Daughters of Our Lady
La Mesa, San Diego, CA, San Diego County, CA
This is a group of Catholic homeschool moms in San Diego. They have monthly meetings and a yearly retreat for moms, plus lots of activities and events for children and teens including classes, field trips, park and beach days, graduation, yearbook, and high school events.
East Bay TORCH
Bay Area, CA
East Bay TORCH provides a supportive community for Catholic homeschoolers from many parts of the Bay Area. Members enjoy family and parent activities, co-ops, spiritual enrichment opportunities, and connection to other local home educating families. Events include a summer luau for parents, back to school picnic, All Saints party, dances, baccalaureate Mass and reception, First Friday Masses, catechism classes, choir, and co-op.
Holistic Homeschool Network
Los Angeles, South Bay, Torrance, Beach Cities, CA
This homeschool support group offers adoration, park days, field trips, Works of Mercy activities, and feast day parties.
Holy Family Catholic Homeschoolers
Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, South Orange County, CA
This is a community of faith-filled families who come together while homeschooling their children. They offer wholesome socialization through various activities, cultivate friendships, and provide a support network for families. Activities include feast day celebrations, monthly youth rosary group social activity, field trips, orchestra, choir, summer beach days, annual student film festival, May crowning, and more. Groups.io message board. Contact: Aimee Murphy.
Holy Family Homeschoolers
San Jose, CA, Santa Clara County, CA
Holy Family Homeschoolers is a local Catholic homeschool support group in San Jose, CA.
Holy Innocents Catholic Homeschoolers
Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Perris, San Jacinto, Temecula, Winchester, Wildomar Southern California
This is a group of Catholic homeschoolers in Southern California dedicated to educating their children in alignment with their Catholic faith. They offer support and park days.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Homeschoolers
Brentwood, CA
This group serves Catholic homeschooling parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Catholic Church in Brentwood, CA. Members connect, plan, share information, and inspire each other in the faith and homeschooling journeys.
Inland Empire Catholic Homeschoolers (IECH)
Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County
IECH serves homeschoolers in the Inland Empire and parts of LA County and Orange County They offer field trips, advice, graduation, beach days, and more. They have park days in Rancho Cucamonga and Chino Hills, along with a weekly co-op in Chino Hills. Email group.
Long Beach Catholic Homeschool Group
Long Beach, CA, Los Angeles County, CA
Catholic homeschoolers connect and support each other through this group in Long Beach. They offer First Friday park day with activities and field trips throughout the year.
North Orange County Catholic Home Educators (NOCCHE)
North and Central Orange County
NOCCHE is a group of Catholic homeschooling families who live in and around northern Orange County and other cities. They offer park days, moms night out, field trips, dances, park days, beach days, teen meet-ups, graduation ceremony, and a co-op for preschool through high school that meets weekly at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fullerton.
Ojai Catholic Home Study Association
Ojai, CA, Ventura County
This forum and email group serves to connect Catholic homeschoolers in the Ventura County area. They share general and homeschool news, prayer requests, and other information of interest to the group.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Homeschool Group (OLMC Homeschoolers)
San Diego, CA, San Diego County, CA
This group offers fellowship and support for Catholic homeschooling families in the San Diego area. They host extracurricular enrichment classes weekly throughout the school year as a co-op run by parent-teachers. There are also celebrations for saints’ feast days and holy days, weekly park days, and athletic events, plus social events for parents, retreats, and a Special Mamas Support Group for mothers of children with special needs.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Homeschool Support Group
Sierra Nevada, east of Sacramento, CA, and the Sacramento area
This group serves families in the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento areas. They share information about helpful resources, community events of interest to Catholic homeschooling families, and support for one another.
Regina Pacis Homeschool Group
Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara County, CA
The Regina Pacis Homeschooling group began over 30 years ago. This group is for the express purpose of building support and fellowship for Catholic homeschool families, and to encourage each another in living the Catholic faith. They gather weekly at Our Lady of Peace Church to picnic and enjoy some activities with our children.
San Diego Catholic Homeschoolers
San Diego, CA
This Facebook group connects Catholic homeschoolers in San Diego County and nearby communities.
SCHool Connections, Sacramento Catholic Homeschoolers
Sacramento, CA
SCHool Connections is a social group for Catholic homeschooling families of all methods and curricula in the greater Sacramento area. Under the patronage of the Holy Family, their mission is to provide a communication platform to connect families, share resources and build a Catholic homeschool community.
Southern California Catholic Home Educators
Southern California
This large group provides a forum for all interested persons who support Catholic parents’ rights to educate their children. They offer lots of social events, a prom, graduation, and put on an annual conference. Facebook group.
St. Anne Catholic Church Homeschoolers
San Diego, CA
Homeschooling families at St. Anne meet every First Friday for Mass. After Mass, there is an activity accompanied by the priests. Activities include acts of service, sports, and other gatherings.
St. John Bosco North County Homeschoolers
North County San Diego, CA
This is a social group of Catholic homeschooling families in North County San Diego. Events include First Friday adoration, park and beach days, service activities, and social events for moms.
St. Joseph Homeschooling Community (SJHC)
Pomona, CA, and the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire, CA
This homeschool group offers monthly Masses, Sacramental preparation, spiritual formation, and fellowship. They meet at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pomona, CA. Events include a teen group, Mass, graduation, field days, and more.
St. Madeleine’s Catholic Homeschool Group
Pomona, CA
This group based at St. Madeleine Catholic Church in Pomona offers Friday afternoon classes, including Latin, theology, choir, and “Little Saints.”
Upland Catholic Homeschoolers
Sierra Vista Park, Upland, CA
This group offers connections for local homeschool families and park days.
Ventura County Homeschool Group
Santa Barbara County and Ventura County, CA
This homeschool group serves Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. They offer social events and park days.
Visalia Catholic Homeschoolers
Visalia, CA
This is a group for Catholic homeschoolers or anyone interested in homeschooling and the Catholic faith in and around Visalia, CA, to connect, organize social activities, and get support.
Catholic Homeschool Co-ops
Classically Catholic Memory Co-op
Oakley, San Jose, Los Gatos, CA
Classically Catholic Memory is a memory work program that is both Catholic and classical in nature. It is designed for children ages 5 through 12, and each year of the program provides 18 weeks of memory work in each subject. CCM is run as a co-op model.
Chino Hills Co-Op
Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, CA
This homeschool co-op has parent-teachers and gathers once a week to learn, play, and grow as a community.Â
Dumb Ox Club Co-op
Chino Hills, CA
This Catholic homeschool co-op offers enrichment classes for grades K-12 and meets one day a week.Â
East Bay TORCH
Bay Area, CA
East Bay TORCH provides a supportive community for Catholic homeschoolers from many parts of the Bay Area. Members enjoy family and parent activities, co-ops, spiritual enrichment opportunities, and connection to other local home educating families. Events include a summer luau for parents, back to school picnic, All Saints party, dances, baccalaureate Mass and reception, First Friday Masses, catechism classes, choir, and co-op.Â
Holy Martyrs Academy
Murietta, Temecula Valley, CA
Holy Martyrs is a Catholic educational opportunity with three options: School of record Holy Martyrs Academy PSP (Private Satellite Program), the academic co-op that meets Monday through Thursday, and the enrichment co-op that meets on Fridays.Â
Inland Empire Catholic Homeschoolers (IECH)
Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County
IECH serves homeschoolers in the Inland Empire and parts of LA County and Orange County They offer field trips, advice, graduation, beach days, and more. They have park days in Rancho Cucamonga and Chino Hills, along with a weekly co-op in Chino Hills. Email group.
North Orange County Catholic Home Educators (NOCCHE)
North and Central Orange County
NOCCHE is a group of Catholic homeschooling families who live in and around northern Orange County and other cities. They offer park days, moms night out, field trips, dances, park days, beach days, teen meet-ups, graduation ceremony, and a co-op for preschool through high school that meets weekly at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fullerton.Â
Orange County Catholic Co-op
Fullerton, Orange County, CA
This is a co-op run by and for Catholic homeschool families in Orange County. They gather weekly for enrichment classes, fellowship, prayer, and fun. They meet on Mondays at Saint Mary’s in Fullerton. Information flyer.Â
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Homeschool Group (OLMC Homeschoolers)
San Diego, CA, San Diego County, CA
This group offers fellowship and support for Catholic homeschooling families in the San Diego area. They host extracurricular enrichment classes weekly throughout the school year as a co-op run by parent-teachers. There are also celebrations for saints’ feast days and holy days, weekly park days, and athletic events, plus social events for parents, retreats, and a Special Mamas Support Group for mothers of children with special needs.Â
St. Eugene Homeschool Academy
Santa Rosa, CA
St. Eugene Homeschool Academy (SEHA) is a Catholic homeschool co-op that is parent-led and parent-run. They collaboratively provide instruction with the help of the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa to children ages 4 to 18. They meet three times per month from September to May.Â
St. Madeleine’s Catholic Homeschool Group
Pomona, CA
This group based at St. Madeleine Catholic Church in Pomona offers Friday afternoon classes, including Latin, theology, choir, and “Little Saints.”
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool co-ops near you? Let us know by filling out our Contact Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies
Academy of the Two Hearts
Los Angeles County, CA
The Academy of the Two Hearts is an association of Catholic families. This is a private independent study program based in Los Angeles County, California.
Blessed Sacrament Online Academy
Sacramento, CA
Blessed Sacrament Online Academy is a K-12 online learning option for families in the Diocese of Sacramento.
Catholic Schoolhouse – Irvine, Lakeside, Orange
Irvine, Lakeside, Orange, CA
Catholic Schoolhouse is a supplemental program designed to help homeschool families enrich their educational experience through a flexible approach to learning inspired by classical elements presented in a structure environment. They serve students in grades K-8 and meet once a week during the school year.
Holy Family Institute
Orange County, CA
Holy Family Institute is a year-round, private school satellite program (PSP) based out of Orange County, California. The program at Holy Family Institute is for homeschooling families where parents have chosen to provide an independent, home-based education for their children in grades K—12. Holy Family Institute is a Catholic homeschool program and offers administrative services, guidance and social support to parents who choose to educate their children in accordance with the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. Holy Family also welcomes families belonging to like-minded, Catholic-friendly religions.
Holy Martyrs Academy
Murietta, Temecula Valley, CA
Holy Martyrs is a Catholic educational opportunity with three options: School of record Holy Martyrs Academy PSP (Private Satellite Program), the academic co-op that meets Monday through Thursday, and the enrichment co-op that meets on Fridays.
Mantellum Matris Academy (formerly Regina Caeli Academy)
Southern California
Mantellum Matris Academy (MMA) was founded as a private school satellite program (PSP) in Southern California. Parents use the curricula and resources of their choosing while enrolled in this school-of-record.
Sancta Maria Classical Academy (SMCA)
Sacramento, CA
Sancta Maria Classical Academy (SMCA) is a two-day per week classical academic homeschool hybrid co-op, which supports Sacramento-area Catholic families in homeschooling their children. SMCA provides the structure, accountability, and community life of a traditional school environment while still allowing families to enjoy the flexibility and joy of educating their children at home. As the primary educators of their children, parents work in conjunction with SMCA to ensure that their children receive a strong academic formation in a faithful Catholic environment. They serve grades PreK to 12.
St. John Vianney Academy
Bakersfield, CA, Kern County, CA
The Saint John Vianney Academy is a classical educational program for grades Pre-K thru 12, founded by lay Catholics to assist families in the fulfillment of their primary responsibility for educating their children. This program supports the homeschooling family by providing a classical curriculum, resources to help the homeschooling parent, and providing two enrichment days where professional staff lead conversation and lessons further expanding on the curriculum. They meet twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Subjects offered include choir, art, math, science, history, literature, and Latin.
The Good Shepherd Academy
Pomona, CA
The Good Shepherd Academy is an independent, coeducational K-12 school located in Pomona, CA. It was founded by parents as primary educators and seeks to lead students to know, love and serve God through a rigorous classical education aligned with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. It encourages frequent reception of the sacraments, reverence for the Mass, and Eucharistic adoration. It also emphasizes the development of the virtues, discipline in learning, and appreciation of beauty. The Good Shepherd Academy has both a four day school (Monday through Thursday) and a one day a week (Friday) homeschool academy.
Do you know of any Catholic hybrid homeschool programs or homeschool academies near you? Let us know by filling out our Contact Form, and we’ll add it here.
Catholic Homeschool Conferences
The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024
Southern California Catholic Home Educators Conference
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Costa Mesa, CA
June 22, 2024
Come to this all day in-person conference and curricula fair. Keynote speaker is Colleen Carroll Campbell, author, journalist, and former presidential speechwriter. Other speakers include Samantha Stephenson, Celeste Cruz, Laurie Shepardson, Fr. John Kodet, FSSP, and more! Activities include a used curricula sale, high school track, Mass, speaker dinner, and a vendor hall.
Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers
CalAthletics
California Athletics provides Fundamentals of Sports PE classes for home schooled students in all areas of Southern California, as well as classes in Woodworking, Aviation Science, and competitive sports team opportunities. Classes are open to student’s grades K-12. Founder and teacher Todd Nash teaches all classes.Â
Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Contact Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Sports for Homeschoolers
Public School Access for Homeschoolers in California
California does not have a law granting homeschooled students the right to participate in public school classes and activities. For activities other than sports, it is up to the local school or district to permit access. However, Rule 305 of the California Interscholastic Federation prohibits homeschoolers from playing on public school teams.Â
CalAthletics
California Athletics provides Fundamentals of Sports PE classes for home schooled students in all areas of Southern California, as well as classes in Woodworking, Aviation Science, and competitive sports team opportunities. Classes are open to student’s grades K-12. Founder and teacher Todd Nash teaches all classes.Â
Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Contact Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Shrines & Pilgrimages in California
Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Contact Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
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