How do I file the Private School Affidavit?

According to the California Department of Education’s website, PSA’s for existing private schools and new schools are to be completed and filed between October 1 and October 15 each year. Newer private schools that start up later in the school year can complete the affidavit and file it when they start up...

The PSA is Private School Affidavit...

If you make a mistake on the PSA?

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How To File: Step by Step Instructions to File Your PSA📂📝

year 2025-2026

Reviewed and Revised 10/1/2025

These step-by-step instructions to file your PSA were verified by a homeschool lawyer at HSLDA.

This article takes you step-by-step through the entire process of filing the PSA, without the school code talk. This makes the process easier for you to understand.

Let’s begin with the step-by-step instructions.
Filing your PSA
Good News!
If you have previously filed…
- The first step
Administrative Staff
On The Electronic Signature
Did You Make a Mistake or Need to Change Your Information on Your Affidavit?
- Retrieving a Filed Affidavit
- Updating Your Affidavit

Navigating the California Department of Education’s website may be perceived as quite perplexing and time-intensive due to the extensive school codes. While this must be looked at eventually, my goal is to help you get the PSA (Private School Affidavit), filed so you can start homeschooling your kids, and finding your plan.

If you are confused about the differences between a PSA and a PSP, See this post on The Difference between PSA and PSP.

In California, the PSA for the current year is posted on the California Department of Education’s website.

Let’s begin with the step-by-step instructions.

This year, the filing of your PSA has changed dates and these dates will be permanent from here on out. Beginning with the 2023–24 school year, and annually thereafter, the PSA filing system will be available on or about August 1.

So, start filing your PSA if you are an existing private school or a new private school on or about this date.

Newer private schools that start up later in the school year can complete the affidavit and file it when they start up.

California law requires that you file the PSA with the California Department of Education in order for your children, who are enrolled in your private school at home, to be exempt from attending a public school.

“The filing of the Private School Affidavit (PSA) is an annual requirement of all private schools offering elementary and high school level instruction in California. Per California Education Code Section 33190, an affidavit shall be filed with the California Department of Education (CDE).”

Are you enrolled in a PSP? Your school has already filed, email or call them to be sure. If they leave the state however, you are required to file for yourself.

You will need a working printer to print your confirmation page.

If you do not have access to a printer or the internet, you might need to file a statement of lieu. Try to get access to an internet connection and a printer at your local library, or through a friend, to avoid this.

The only information required to be reported on your affidavit are the items only mentioned in Education Code §33190.