Most California families homeschool as a private school by filing the annual affidavit — the state does not review a portfolio, but you are responsible for keeping your own school records:
What to keep
A copy of your filed Private School Affidavit (PSA)(your legal basis for homeschooling)
An attendance register recording each day of instruction (required of private schools under Educ. Code 48222)
A courses of study outline and list of instructors (the faculty/curriculum records private schools must keep under 33190)
Work samples organized by subject across the core academic areas (your evidence of what was taught)
Immunization records (or a valid exemption) for each child
Your California filing timeline
October 1–15 (each year)File your Private School Affidavit online with the California Department of Education.
All year longKeep the attendance register current and collect work samples as you go.
OngoingMaintain immunization and courses-of-study records at home in case they are requested.
No state testingCalifornia does not require standardized testing for home-based private schools.