Grants for Homeschooling in California: A Parent’s Guide

California is considered one of the best states in the USA for homeschooling, thanks in part to its flexible homeschooling options. It is also a state with a high cost of living. If you’re currently homeschooling your child or considering the switch, it can be helpful to understand your financial resources and how your choice of homeschooling method may impact them.

For California families who enroll their children in a charter school with the intent to homeschool, there is a benefit: funding to support their child’s education. Homeschooling grants in California are available for homeschooling students enrolled in a charter school. These funds are intended to support their education by helping families to purchase homeschool curriculum, books, and other academic resources.

Unfortunately, these funds are only available to families who homeschool their children through a charter school. If you choose to register as a home-based private school or to educate your child with a private tutor or a private school satellite program (PSP), you will not be eligible for any financial aid through the state.

For some families, these grants pay for some or even all of the expenses associated with educating your children at home. Below, you will find more information about how to access these funds and how they can be used.

Understanding California Homeschool Grants

Across the country, many states have allocated special funds to support educational choice. The Golden State is no exception, with homeschool grants available to some families in the state.

An annual stipend of $2,200-3,200 per family is provided to those who choose to homeschool their child through a charter school in California. The exact amount of the grant varies depending on your child’s age and the charter school your child is enrolled in. These funds are intended to help you purchase education-related resources for your homeschooled child.

What Can Homeschool Grants Cover?

California’s homeschool stipends may cover a wide range of educational expenses, including:

• Curriculum and related materials, including books and online subscriptions
• School supplies and equipment
• Tutoring services
• Standardized testing fees
• Field trips for your child

All purchases are subject to approval by the school, which manages the funding and disburses it through direct payment or reimbursement.

Charter Schools and Financial Assistance

Charter schools are a unique educational option, blending elements of both private and public schools. Because charter schools are part of the local public school system, they’re open to the public and free to attend. Like a private school, however, charter schools are independently managed and operated.

How Charter Schools Support Homeschooling

For many families in California, homeschooling through a charter school offers the best of both worlds. When you’re enrolled with a charter school, you have access to the resources and amenities available through the school. That includes assistance from knowledgeable educators, access to technology, educational subscriptions, and much more.

However, with many charter schools, you are still able to instruct your child at home. This allows you to thoughtfully shape every aspect of your child’s educational experience, just as you would in any other homeschooling arrangement.

California Homeschool Charter Schools

Bridgeway Academy is an approved provider with some of the best homeschool charter schools California has to offer including:

• Blue Ridge Academy
• Cabrillo Point Academy
• Compass Charter
• Excel Academy
• Heartland Charter School
• iLEAD Exploration
• Mission Vista Academy
• Oak Grove Charter
• River Springs Charter
• Sage Oak Charter
• Scale Leadership Academy
• Sky Mountain Charter
• South Sutter Charter
• Suncoast Preparatory Academy

These schools allow families to educate their children at home using Bridgeway Academy’s approved homeschool programs for charter school students. Our K-12 programs are specially designed for children enrolled in California homeschool charter schools and include a wide variety of online and textbook courses to meet your child’s needs and interests.

Eligibility for Homeschool Grants in California

In order to qualify for homeschool funding in California, your child must be enrolled in an approved California homeschool charter school. Many charter schools have limited capacity, and enrollment is not guaranteed. You must apply for enrollment and be accepted into the school in order to qualify for a homeschool stipend.

Once your child is enrolled, you are required to maintain good standing with the school in order to have continued access to the funds. That means submitting all required records, keeping attendance, attending scheduled meetings, providing work samples and/or a learning plan, ensuring your child takes the proper assessments, and possibly more, depending on your charter school of choice.

How Much Does it Cost to Homeschool in California?

The cost of homeschooling in any state ranges significantly from family to family. To educate a single child at home for one school year, the costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Students and families who choose a self-guided education may only need to enroll in the occasional independent online course or self-guided course. These classes typically cost $300 or more each.

For other families, a fully-designed grade-level homeschool program may be better suited to help them meet their child’s educational goals. In that case, a full year of homeschooling could total upwards of $5,000. 

Grants for homeschooling in California often pay for some, if not all, of these expenses. Families that choose to register as a home-based private school or join a PSP are responsible for the full cost of their child’s education.

Which Homeschool Programs are Eligible for Homeschool Grants in California?

Many of Bridgeway Academy’s homeschool programs are approved for K-12 students enrolled in California homeschool charter schools. Our homeschool programs for children enrolled in charter schools are unmatched in their flexibility and ability to be personalized to meet your child’s unique needs.

Parents can choose to use their homeschool stipend to pay for individual courses or full-year homeschool curriculum kits with day-to-day instructor guides. Your child may also participate in self-paced or teacher-led online classes.

Supporting Homeschoolers Through Grants for Homeschooling in California

With the help of California’s homeschool grants, homeschooling is an affordable option for many families throughout The Golden State.

If you’re new to homeschooling, making the switch can be intimidating. Our experts are skilled in helping California parents navigate the transition from traditional school to home. We help with credit transfers and offer tailored onboarding to help keep your children on track.

With more than 35 years of support for homeschool families, one-on-one academic advising, a 96% success rate in matching students to the right curriculum and learning plan, and robust virtual and in-person communities (including Parent Connections), Bridgeway Academy’s accredited homeschool programs make it possible for families to provide a high-quality education at home.

Register to attend our next virtual open house to learn about our homeschool programs, philosophy, and opportunities for connection within the homeschooling community. You can also contact us for more information or call us toll-free at (800) 863-1474. 

California Homeschool Grants FAQ

Below are some of the top questions we receive from parents about homeschooling grants in California. Our Bridgeway Admissions Counselors are here to help! Get personalized answers in a one-on-one session or join our weekly virtual open house to explore your options.

Does California pay for homeschooling?

California offers an annual stipend of $2,200-3,200 for homeschooling students who are enrolled in a charter school.

How much does it cost to homeschool in California?

The cost to homeschool a child in California for one year varies significantly, depending on the needs of your family and child. Some families may purchase one or two courses a year ($300+ each), while others invest in a full year of guided curriculum ($5,000-6,000).

Is homeschooling a tax write-off in California?

No, homeschooling unfortunately has no impact on your taxes. Your homeschooling costs are not tax-deductible on your state or federal income taxes.

How do I get funding for homeschooling in California?

To receive funding for your homeschooled child in California, you must enroll them in a charter school that allows homeschooling. Funds are distributed through the schools.