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📂📝

School Year 2026–2027

Reviewed and Revised 10/8/2026

I review this guide annually against the current California Department of Education PSA form and filing instructions, along with current HSLDA guidance for California homeschool families.

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.

For an established private school, the statutory PSA filing period is October 1 through October 15 each year. The CDE online filing system is open from August 1 through June 30 so that newly established schools and home schools can file when needed.

If you are starting a new private home school before October 1, the filing system is available beginning August 1. If you begin after October 15, file as soon as possible after establishing your school. Established schools should continue to treat October 1–15 as the annual filing period.

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 do not need a printer to complete the online filing. After submission, the CDE provides a confirmation page that you may print or save, and it also sends an email confirmation containing your confirmation code and links to view, update, or print the affidavit.

If you cannot file the PSA online, California law permits a statement in lieu of the affidavit. The statement must contain the information required by Education Code §33190 and follow the applicable filing period. If online filing is unavailable to you, contact the CDE Private School Data office for current filing options.

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