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

year 2023-2024

Reviewed and Revised 7/20/2023

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

There are many sites that will tell you to file a PSA, and where to file it. The one thing I have found lacking, are the instructions on how to file the PSA. Step-by-step instructions taking you through the process, without all the school code talk.

The California Department of Education’s website can come off as very confusing, and time consuming reading through all the codes.

While this must be looked at eventually, let’s just 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. For the 2023–24 school year, the PSA filing system will be available on August 1, 2023.

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.

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.

Filing your PSA

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Did You Make a Mistake or Need to Change Your Information on Your Affidavit?

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We hope this article has helped you get through the process a little easier. The process can be a little tough, and their instructions were never the best.

For questions, feel free to email us.

Homeschool 101 Editor,

Tasha

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