Homeschooling in California: Illegal or not?

There's been some uproar over the decision made by California Court of Appeals recently on a case of "homeschoolers." LA Times had a sensational article titled "Ruling seen as a threat to many home-schooling families: State appellate court says those who teach children in private must have a credential." But if you take a step back, there is no need to panic: "Homeschooling is NOT Imperiled in California." (hat tip to LRC blog).

In sum: homeschoolers, TAKE A BREATH. You are not about to be criminally charged for choosing to educate your children at home, as the LA Times and the various commentators I mentioned above imply. You can still homeschool your kids, assuming that you can pass a criminal background check and aren't totally incompetent. The lawyers for these parents and homeschool advocates all over the state are gleefully watching all the outrage this has stirred up, but I think they should be ashamed of themselves for terrifying the parents of homeschooled children.

We should all keep in mind that outrage is fun, but not necessarily harmless.

Those parents who are absolutely freaked out about this case and its implications should go here for more information on homeschooling your child under the private school exemption. I suggest you be sure and read numbers 12-14.

And if you read what Department of California says, it's not too hard to be compliant with the law. (More or less: since law is always subject to interpretation.)

Copyright 2008, DannyHSDad, All Rights Reserved.