How Do You Enroll in a Homeschool Program in California?

California families can enroll their child in a K12-powered online public school — tuition-free, fully accredited, and taught by state-certified teachers. The enrollment process is completed online and open to California residents in kindergarten through 12th grade. Use the school finder to see which K12-powered schools serve your area.

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What Homeschooling Options Are Available for Students in California?

California families who want an alternative to traditional homeschooling can enroll in a tuition-free* online public school powered by K12. Unlike homeschooling, where parents source curriculum and teach independently, K12-powered schools provide state-certified teachers, a complete curriculum, and a built-in school community—while your child still learns from home. Parents stay closely involved as Learning Coaches, supporting daily lessons and monitoring progress with guidance from teachers and school staff. California options include California Virtual Academies (CAVA) for grades K–12, iQ Academy California, and Insight Schools of California for high school students.

Learn more about K12-powered schools programs.

What Is the Difference Between Homeschooling and Online Public School in California?

In California, homeschooling means parents act as the teacher and choose their own curriculum, while online public school provides certified teachers, a state-aligned curriculum, and school support at no cost. While there are similarities, a K12-powered online public school has several key differences. A K12-powered online public school:

  • Is tuition-free*
  • Provides support and guidance from a school staff that includes school administrators, counselors, and Tennessee-licensed teachers
  • Removes the need for parents to shop for curriculum by using K12’s proven curriculum, developed by education professionals
  • Complies with mandatory state assessment requirements
  • Follows a traditional school calendar

How It Works

For a behind-the-scenes peek at a typical day of online learning at a K12-powered school, visit A Day in the Life. You’ll meet several families who are thriving with K12-powered, tuition-free online public schooling.

Visit a Day In The Life

Accreditation—Your Assurance of K12’s Academic Excellence

K12 is a Cognia -accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management. Cognia is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide through accreditation, research, and professional services. Additionally, K12-powered schools are accredited by a wide variety of respected accreditation bodies.

Accreditation provides reciprocity of credits, courses, and grade-level placements between schools and universities around the world and validation of the equivalency of diplomas and certificates to other accredited schools and universities.

What Online Homeschool Options Are Available in California?

California families can choose from several K12 options depending on how much structure they want. Families who homeschool independently can purchase individual online courses in math, science, history, language arts, world languages, and electives to build or supplement their own curriculum, and can access more than 17,000 free lessons through K12 Learning Hub. Families who want a school-supported alternative can enroll tuition-free* in California Virtual Academies (CAVA), serving grades K–12; iQ Academy California; or Insight Schools of California, a high school that offers a personalized path to graduation for students who are credit deficient. All three are full-time online public schools taught by California-credentialed teachers and aligned to state standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Families can follow the enrollment steps and choose a program that meets state requirements. The process is designed to be simple, with guidance along the way.

Parents guide daily learning and help keep students on track. The program provides curriculum and tools to support you.

Yes, families can create a schedule that fits their routine. This flexibility makes it easier to balance learning with daily life.

*Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend an online public school. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.