Starting Homeschooling in Los Angeles: Programs and Groups

If you're considering homeschooling your child in Los Angeles, you're joining a rapidly growing community. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, about 5.2% of students nationwide received academic instruction at home during the 2022-23 school year, up from 3.7% in 2018-19. The Johns Hopkins Homeschool Research Lab reports that homeschooling grew at an average rate of 5.4% in the 2024-2025 school year, nearly triple the pre-pandemic growth rate.

Los Angeles families have access to diverse homeschooling options, from independent home-based education to charter homeschool programs and vibrant homeschool co-op communities. Whether you live in Santa Monica, Pasadena, or anywhere across LA County, you can find the right approach for your family.

In this guide, we'll walk through the practical steps to start homeschooling in Los Angeles, explore available programs and resources, and help you connect with supportive communities that make homeschooling achievable and rewarding.

Key Takeaways

• Homeschooling in Los Angeles offers flexible options, including independent homeschooling (Private School Affidavit), charter homeschool programs, independent study, and private tutoring.

• LA County charter homeschool programs provide $2,600–$4,000 in annual stipends, credentialed teacher support, and access to classes, but require testing and compliance.

• Homeschool co-ops and enrichment programs across Los Angeles help families build community, share teaching responsibilities, and support social development.

• Hands-on, experiential learning is a popular choice among LA homeschoolers, reducing screen time while using museums, nature, and real-world projects as classrooms.

• Getting started is simple: understand legal requirements, choose a curriculum, set up a learning space, connect with local groups, and start small while finding your rhythm.

Understanding Homeschooling Options in California

California offers multiple legal pathways for homeschooling, giving families flexibility to choose what works best for their situation.

Legal Options for Homeschool LA Families

Parents in California can homeschool through several methods:

• File as a Private School: Many families file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education, essentially registering their home as a private school. This option gives you complete control over the curriculum and schedule.

• Enroll in a Charter Home School: Public charter schools provide funding for curriculum and classes while allowing you to teach at home. LA County homeschool families can access several charter options with educational stipends ranging from $2,600 to $4,000 per student annually.

• Use an Independent Study Program: Some public schools offer independent study programs in which students work at home under the oversight of credentialed teachers.

• Hire a Private Tutor. California law allows parents to hire a credentialed tutor to provide instruction.

Each approach has different requirements for record-keeping, curriculum choices, and reporting. Your decision depends on your teaching style, your need for structure, and whether you want public funding.

Why Families Choose Homeschool Programs Los Angeles

Parents choose homeschooling in Los Angeles for various reasons. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, concerns about the school environment were the most frequently cited reason for homeschooling.

Other common motivations include:

• Desire for personalized learning that matches each child's pace

• Need for flexible schedules due to family travel or work

• Concerns about bullying or peer pressure

• Interest in hands-on, experiential education

• Wish to incorporate family values and cultural heritage

• Ability to reduce screen time and emphasize real-world learning

Los Angeles offers unique advantages for homeschoolers. The city provides access to world-class museums, beaches, hiking trails, and cultural institutions that become extensions of your classroom.

Charter Home School Options in LA County

Charter schools are among the most popular homeschooling options for LA County homeschool families. These publicly funded schools provide resources and support while maintaining the flexibility of home-based education.

How Charter Schools Work

When you enroll in a charter school for homeschooling, you receive:

• An educational stipend (typically $2,600-$4,000 per student) to purchase curriculum, classes, and educational materials

• A credentialed teacher who serves as your educational specialist

• Access to learning centers with classes and social activities

• Support with record-keeping and learning plans

• Field trips and group events

Students enrolled in charters follow public school requirements, including standardized testing and work sample submissions. Your assigned teacher meets with you regularly to review progress and approve fund expenditures.

Popular LA County Charter Options

Several charter schools serve Los Angeles families:

• Blue Ridge Academy covers LA, Ventura, and Kern counties. They offer stipends of $3,600 for TK-6th grade and $4,000 for 7th-12th grade. Families appreciate the flexibility in allowing funds for any educational supplies found online.

• California Pacific (CALPAC) serves LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and several other counties. While they don't provide funding, they offer strong support and various program options, including exploration programs with drop-off options.

• Sky Mountain Charter School covers San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. They provide comprehensive support for independent study.

• Springs Charter Schools offers homeschool programs through its Venture Online option for LA County residents, with access to learning centers and an extensive curriculum.

Each charter has different requirements, teaching philosophies, and vendor approval processes. Some families thrive with the structure and resources charters provide. Others prefer complete independence and choose to homeschool through a Private School Affidavit instead.

Ready to find the perfect fit for your family? Explore our program today and see how The School House Anywhere supports both independent homeschoolers and those using charter funds.

Homeschool Co Op Los Angeles: Building Community

Homeschool cooperatives provide opportunities for children to learn alongside peers while parents share teaching responsibilities. Co-ops meet weekly or bi-weekly, offering classes, social time, and support for families.

Benefits of Joining a Homeschool Co-Op

Shared Teaching: Parents contribute their expertise, teaching subjects they're passionate about while other parents cover areas outside their comfort zone. One parent might teach art while another leads science experiments.

Social Opportunities: Children build friendships through regular interaction with the same peer group. Co-ops organize field trips, performances, and special events that create lasting memories.

Parent Support: Homeschooling can feel isolating. Co-ops connect you with families who understand your journey, share curriculum recommendations, and offer encouragement during challenging moments.

Expanded Resources: Group purchasing power enables co-ops to access science materials, art supplies, and equipment that individual families couldn't afford on their own.

Finding Local Co-Ops and Groups

Los Angeles has numerous homeschool groups operating throughout the county:

• Creative Learning Place in Los Angeles offers arts and academic classes for homeschooled students. They're a vendor for multiple public charter schools, making classes accessible to families using charter funds.

• The Homeschool Bunch provides structured programs with enrichment classes for ages 4-13. They offer half-day and full-day sessions with diverse class options refreshed every two weeks.

• Lab Learning Space in Long Beach's Belmont Heights area offers enrichment classes and tutoring for kindergarten through 8th grade. They use a personalized, mastery-based approach and serve as an approved vendor for several charters.

• Wild Hearts Adventure Co. focuses on empowering learners through personalized education that encourages curiosity and character development.

To find groups near you, search Facebook for "Los Angeles homeschool" or "LA County homeschool." Many neighborhoods have specific groups for their area. Libraries and community centers also host homeschool meetups and classes.

Online Homeschooling Los Angeles: Virtual Learning Options

Online homeschooling programs provide a structured curriculum delivered through digital platforms. While these differ from traditional homeschooling, they offer solutions for families wanting more guidance.

When Online Programs Make Sense

Online programs work well when:

• Parents feel uncertain about teaching certain subjects

• Students need a structured schedule with clear assignments

• Families want accredited courses for high school transcripts

• Children prefer computer-based learning

However, many families seek alternatives to screen-heavy education. Research shows that hands-on, experiential learning creates deeper understanding and better retention than passive screen time. Young learners especially benefit from tactile experiences that engage all their senses.

Balancing Technology and Hands-On Learning

If you use online resources, balance them with real-world activities. After a video lesson about butterflies, visit a local butterfly pavilion. Following a math video, bake cookies to practice fractions.

Many homeschoolers in Los Angeles use a blended approach, some digital tools combined with hands-on projects, outdoor exploration, and community involvement. This creates rich learning experiences without excessive reliance on screens.

Homeschool Classes Los Angeles: Enrichment and Support

Beyond co-ops, Los Angeles offers numerous vendors and organizations providing classes for homeschoolers.

Academic Enrichment

• Academic Achievers Services provides one-on-one tutoring from Pre-K through college, including test preparation for ISEE, SAT, and ACT. Their Academy offers a unique K-6 personalized education program.

• ASTEME (Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering in Math Education) in West Los Angeles provides progressive full-time and part-time schooling alternatives focusing on STEM education.

• Aspen Learning offers in-home one-on-one instruction throughout the LA area and online options.

Arts and Special Interest Classes

• Ni Hao Chinese started with fewer than 20 students in 2012 and has grown to over 2,000 students, providing Chinese language instruction.

• A Yummy Future in Westchester offers hands-on cooking classes designed for preschoolers through adults, with specific homeschool offerings.

• EverWild's Nature Immersion Program uses Forest School and place-based learning philosophies to provide enriching outdoor learning opportunities.

Charter school funds can often cover these classes, making them accessible to families enrolled in charter programs. Independent homeschoolers can also enroll, usually paying out of pocket.

The School House Anywhere: A Comprehensive Homeschooling Solution

When families search for homeschool programs in Los Angeles, they often struggle with common challenges: finding cohesive curriculum, reducing screen time, managing administrative tasks, and connecting with supportive communities.

The School House Anywhere (The School House Anywhere) addresses these challenges through a complete program designed specifically for homeschooling families, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs.

What Makes The School House Anywhere Different

The School House Anywhere is more than curriculum; it's a comprehensive support system. The program centers around the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), a hands-on, interconnected, secular curriculum for Pre-K through 6th grade that emphasizes real-world connections.

The AEC moves away from screen-based learning, focusing instead on experiential education that engages children's natural curiosity. Rather than watching videos about plants, children plant seeds, observe growth, and document changes. Instead of clicking through math problems, they measure ingredients, build structures, and solve real-world challenges.

Important note: The School House Anywhere provides AI tools exclusively for parents and educators to support planning. Students never use AI for learning or assessments; education remains hands-on and human-centered.

Core Features of The School House Anywhere

Comprehensive Curriculum and 6-Week Modules: Each module integrates multiple subjects around engaging themes. Children see how math connects to science, how history relates to art, and how reading supports all learning.

Extensive Educational Films and Printable Materials: High-quality films introduce concepts and spark curiosity. Printable materials provide hands-on activities, worksheets, and projects that extend learning beyond the screen.

Transparent Classroom Progress Tracking: This tool helps parents document learning, track progress, and maintain organized portfolios. No more scrambling to create records for charter requirements or your own reference.

24/7 Live Support and Weekly Gatherings: Have a question at 10 PM? The School House Anywhere's support team is available. Weekly gatherings connect you with other families, providing social opportunities and shared learning experiences.

Community Support Network: Join a community of parents and educators who understand your journey. Share ideas, ask questions, and celebrate successes together.

Who The School House Anywhere Serves

The School House Anywhere works for various educational settings:

• Homeschooling Families: Parents teaching one or multiple children at home

• Micro-Schools: Small groups of families learning together

• Education Entrepreneurs: Individuals starting alternative education programs

The program is US-focused and completely secular, welcoming families of all backgrounds and beliefs. The School House Anywhere emphasizes inclusive, respectful education that serves diverse communities.

Transform your homeschooling experience with ready-to-use curriculum and hands-on learning. Discover how The School House Anywhere brings education to life for Pre-K through 6th grade.

Practical Steps to Start Homeschooling in Los Angeles

Ready to begin? Here's how to get started with homeschooling in Los Angeles.

Step 1: Understand Legal Requirements

Decide which legal option works best for your family. If filing as a private school, you'll need to submit a Private School Affidavit between October 1 and 15 each year. The form is available through the California Department of Education website.

If choosing a charter school, research options and contact schools that serve LA County. Each has different enrollment periods and requirements.

Step 2: Choose Your Curriculum Approach

Consider your teaching style and your child's learning needs. Do you want:

• A complete, ready-to-use program with detailed lesson plans?

• Flexibility to mix and match resources from various sources?

• Heavy structure or more relaxed, child-led learning?

• Screen-based or hands-on instruction?

Test different approaches before committing to expensive purchases. Many programs offer trials or money-back guarantees.

Step 3: Set Up Your Learning Space

Create a dedicated learning area in your home. This doesn't require a full classroom, a corner of the kitchen table works fine. Organize supplies, books, and materials so they're easily accessible.

Include a variety of learning tools: books, art supplies, math manipulatives, science materials, and outdoor gear for nature study.

Step 4: Connect with Community

Join local homeschool groups on Facebook. Attend park days, field trips, and co-op gatherings. Building community takes time, but it makes an enormous difference in your homeschooling experience.

Many LA neighborhoods have regular meetups. Search for your specific area plus "homeschool" to find groups nearby.

Step 5: Start Simple

Your first weeks don't need to be perfect. Start with basic subjects, reading, math, and science. Add more as you find your rhythm.

Remember that homeschooling looks different from traditional school. Learning happens during museum visits, cooking together, nature walks, and conversations. Trust the process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Every homeschooling family faces obstacles. Here's how to address common concerns.

Challenge: Lack of Ready-to-Use Curriculum

Solution: Programs like The School House Anywhere provide a complete, cohesive curriculum with all materials included. You receive lesson plans, educational films, printables, and activities, everything needed to teach effectively without spending hours researching and planning.

Challenge: Screen Time Concerns

Solution: Choose a curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning. The School House Anywhere focuses on experiential education with minimal screen use. When technology appears, it introduces concepts that children then explore through physical activities and real-world applications.

Challenge: Record-Keeping and Documentation

Solution: Use tools designed for homeschoolers. Transparent Classroom, included with The School House Anywhere, makes documenting learning straightforward. Take photos of projects, save work samples digitally, and track progress throughout the year. This creates comprehensive records for charter requirements or personal portfolios.

Challenge: Socialization

Solution: Join co-ops, attend park days, enroll in classes, participate in sports teams, and connect with neighborhood kids. Many homeschoolers maintain busier social calendars than traditionally-schooled children because they have more flexibility for daytime activities.

Challenge: Teaching Multiple Grade Levels

Solution: Multi-age learning works beautifully at home. Use an integrated curriculum that older and younger siblings can explore at their own levels. During a unit on ocean life, your first grader might draw sea creatures while your fourth grader researches marine ecosystems. Both engage with the same topic at appropriate depths.

Challenge: Parent Confidence

Solution: You don't need teaching credentials to homeschool successfully. The School House Anywhere provides support specifically for parents with no teaching experience. The program includes clear instructions, teaching tips, and 24/7 access to support staff who answer questions and provide guidance.

Join a community of parents successfully homeschooling without teaching backgrounds. Explore our program and see how The School House Anywhere makes quality education accessible to every family.

Conclusion

Starting homeschool in Los Angeles opens doors to personalized, engaging education that adapts to your child's needs and your family's lifestyle. Whether you choose independent homeschooling, enroll in a charter homeschool, join a Los Angeles homeschool co-op, or use online homeschooling resources in Los Angeles, you'll find support and community throughout LA County.

The key is to start with a clear understanding of your legal options, connect with local communities, and choose a curriculum that aligns with your educational philosophy. Programs like The School House Anywhere provide comprehensive solutions that address common homeschooling challenges while keeping education hands-on, interconnected, and engaging for Pre-K through 6th-grade students.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a hands-on curriculum better than a screen-based curriculum for young learners?

Yes. Hands-on learning helps young children understand concepts better and remember them longer than passive screen time. The School House Anywhere’s curriculum focuses on real-world activities and experiments for deeper learning.

2. Can The School House Anywhere be used by travel families or families with flexible schedules?

Yes. The School House Anywhere is fully portable and flexible. Families can access materials from anywhere and adjust learning schedules around travel or other commitments.

3. How does The School House Anywhere support parents with no teaching experience?

The School House Anywhere provides step-by-step lesson plans, activity guides, and teaching tips. Parents also have access to live support, so no prior teaching experience is needed.

4. What's the difference between a homeschool co-op and a charter school?

Homeschool co-ops are parent-run and offer more freedom. Charter homeschool programs are publicly funded, provide teacher support and stipends, but require testing and compliance with school rules.

5. Are charter school funds enough to cover all homeschooling expenses?

Often, but not always. Stipends cover most curriculum costs, but some materials and activities may need to be paid for out of pocket due to funding restrictions.