California Independent Study Guide
Learn how California Independent Study programs work for K–12 students. This guide explains enrollment, attendance, teacher support, curriculum, state testing, and how Independent Study compares with other California homeschool options.
Quick Decision Guide
| If your situation is… | You may want to explore… |
|---|---|
| My child needs to stay home temporarily because of a medical condition or recovery. | 🏫 District Independent Study |
| We want to homeschool full-time but still receive charter support and possible educational funds. | 🏡 Charter Independent Study |
| We want our child to attend live online classes with credentialed teachers. | 💻 Charter Online Programs |
| We want a mix of learning at home and in-person or virtual instruction. | 🔄 Hybrid Charter Programs |
How Independent Study Works
Flexible Schedule
Families who need more flexibility than a traditional classroom schedule.
Medical or Personal Needs
Students who cannot attend school regularly because of health, travel, or other individual circumstances.
Independent Learners
Students who are motivated to complete assignments with less classroom instruction.
Parent Involvement
Parents who want to be actively involved while still receiving support from public-school teachers.
Independent Study vs PSA
| Feature | Independent Study | PSA |
|---|---|---|
| Public school | ✅ | ❌ |
| Teacher support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Instructional funds | Usually no | ❌ |
| State testing | Yes | Generally no public-school testing |
| Parent files PSA | ❌ | ✅ |
| Curriculum | District-approved | Parent chooses |
TK Eligibility Calculator
Check whether your child meets California Transitional Kindergarten age requirements.
School Age Calculator
Determine whether your child meets California Kindergarten age requirements.
Education Tools
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California Charter School Guide
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