The difference between PSP and PSA | How to Decide

PSP vs. PSA: What’s the Difference and Which One Fits Your Family?

Updated 8/28/25

Homeschooling families often hear the terms PSP and PSA tossed around, and it can be confusing to know which one works best for your situation. This article explores the difference between a PSP and a PSA, and which one might be the right fit for your homeschool. As someone who has been homeschooling for over a decade, I’ll also share some insight into what these options look like in real life.

If you just need step-by-step instructions to filing your PSA, click here.

What is a PSP and is it for me?

A PSP (Private School Satellite Program) is sometimes called an umbrella school or cover school. Why? Because homeschool laws vary from state to state, and a PSP acts as a private school that you can enroll under. Instead of filing paperwork directly with the state, you become a teacher within the PSP’s established private school.

Here’s what that means practically:

• Your children are officially enrolled in a private school.
• You don’t need to file a PSA (Private School Affidavit) on your own.
• The PSP administrator keeps records, files the affidavit, and may require you to turn in attendance or course of study.
• Some PSPs offer newsletters, park days, field trips, or even curriculum packages. (Just be aware that some of those curriculum bundles can be pricey and mirror the long, rigid public-school schedule.)

Why families choose a PSP:

• Privacy. Your personal information isn’t listed on the affidavit, it stays with the PSP.
• Accountability. The PSP often helps families stay on track with record-keeping.
• Community. Many PSPs host events or connect you with other homeschooling families.

Who benefits most?

• New homeschoolers who want guidance and structure.
• High school families who need help with transcripts, graduation requirements, and planning.
• Families who want a school name other than their own on records and diplomas.

In my own homeschool journey, I started with a PSP. It gave me the confidence and community I needed in those early years. For many parents, this option takes away the fear of “messing something up.”

And here’s where our work comes in: At 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, we serve families nationwide with homeschool mentorship, planning, and record-keeping support. Because we are based in California, we also offer a fully established PSP option for families who need that covering here in the state, while still supporting families everywhere with our extensive services. That means whether you’re in California or across the country, you’ll have a homeschool family cheering you on.

What is a PSA and is it for me?

A PSA (Private School Affidavit) is when your family establishes its very own private school. You file the affidavit with the state (in California, this happens October 1–15 each year, though you can file later if you withdraw mid-year), and you are the administrator of your school.

Here’s what that means:

• You pick curriculum, issue report cards, and even create transcripts.
• You keep your own records for the state.
• You set your school’s policies, name, and schedule.
• Your address is public record only if you enroll more than five students.

Why families choose a PSA:

• Independence. You have full control over your homeschool.
• Flexibility. You choose teaching methods, from textbooks to unit studies.
• Affordability. A PSA can often be done with little to no cost outside of curriculum.

Who benefits most?

• Experienced homeschoolers who know what works for their children.
• Families who want total control and freedom in their homeschool.
• Parents comfortable with record-keeping and long-term planning.

One important note: filing a PSA is not “asking permission” to homeschool. It’s simply notifying the state that your private school exists. The state doesn’t approve or deny, it’s a notification, not an application.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a PSP if you’re just starting out, want extra accountability, or have high schoolers who need structured records and transcripts.
• Choose a PSA if you’re confident managing your homeschool independently and want complete freedom.

Neither option is “better” than the other, they just meet different family needs. In fact, many families start with a PSP and later move to a PSA once they feel more comfortable.

A Word of Advice for New Homeschoolers

If you’re brand new, I usually don’t recommend jumping straight into a PSA unless you’ve done a lot of research and planning. Without support, it’s easy to burn out in the first year trying to juggle everything on your own. A PSP can give you training wheels while you learn what works best for your family.

But here’s the good news: whether you choose a PSP or PSA, homeschooling can be done, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Take your time, research, build a support system, and know that you’re not failing your kids, you’re giving them something powerful: an education tailored just for them.

Need More Support?

At Homeschool 101, we’ve gathered resources, guides, and encouragement to help families get started with confidence. And at 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, we walk alongside families across the U.S. with mentorship, consulting, record-keeping, transcripts, and even PSP enrollment for California families. We know homeschooling is not one-size-fits-all, which is why our goal is to support you in the way that works best for your family.

A Journey Worth Fighting For!

Homeschooling is a journey, not a one-size-fits-all path. Whether you choose the security of a PSP or the independence of a PSA, the most important thing is that you’re building a learning environment where your child can thrive, and we’d be honored to help you on that journey.

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