Assessment Requirements in California

What’s required

California requires homeschooled students to complete a standardized test. Testing applies at grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11.

What happens if your child doesn’t meet the minimum

California hasn’t defined a specific remediation process for students who score below the minimum. If your child’s scores fall short, we recommend reaching out to your local school district to understand what steps, if any, they expect. In most cases, this is a conversation, not a confrontation.

Approved tests

Your state does not publish a specific list of approved tests. The following nationally normed standardized tests are widely accepted across states:

• Iowa Assessments (ITBS)
• Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10)
• California Achievement Test (CAT)
• Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT)
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
• MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

Many of these can be administered at home or through a local testing service. Your homeschool co-op or state organization may also coordinate group testing dates.

Alternatives to standardized testing

Standardized testing is the primary assessment option under this pathway. If your child experiences test anxiety or has a learning difference, check your full state guide . Your state may offer alternative pathways with different assessment methods.

Multiple pathways, different requirements

California offers 4 pathways to homeschool, and they don’t all have the same assessment requirements. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Home-Based Private School (Private School Affidavit): no assessment required
• Private School Satellite Program (PSP / Umbrella School): no assessment required
• Private Tutor: no assessment required
• Independent Study Through Public School or Charter School: assessment required (standardized test, at specific grade levels)

Our wizard will help you pick the pathway that’s the best fit for your family’s situation.

Get your personalized plan

Every family’s situation is a little different. Our free wizard builds a step-by-step compliance plan tailored to your family, including exactly which assessments you need and when they’re due.