Making an Informed Decision
    Many California home school families ask Home School Legal Defense Association whether they should file a private school affidavit establishing their own private school or join a private school independent study program (ISP or “umbrella school”). There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question.
    HSLDA attempts to help parents determine which option is best for their own family and situation, and our advice may vary from family to family.
    It is legal to file a private school affidavit in every county in California despite misinformation that accompanies the R-4 private school affidavit. When a family chooses to establish their own private school and files the private school affidavit with the county superintendent of schools, school officials can assume that it is a home school because of the small number of students enrolled. When a private school affidavit is filed, it must include the name and address of the director or principal, but only the numbers, not names, of students and teachers.
    Many families are uncomfortable being identified as “home schoolers.” This may be a result of previous difficulties with a school district, it may be because their particular county has a history of harassing home schoolers or they may have a personal conviction regarding government involvement in their home schooling. Whatever the reason, many families prefer to remain anonymous to school officials, yet want to be in compliance with state law. The ISP option offers the advantage of anonymity. However, there is usually some fee involved with an ISP and varying degrees of accountability.
    Does HSLDA recommend one option over the other? No. Our advice depends on the county in which you home school, what time of year you are beginning, whether you are withdrawing from a public school or private school, whether you have had difficulties with the public school or social services, and, especially, your comfort level.
    HSLDA endeavors to be sensitive to each member family and their circumstances. If your family is wrestling with this decision, our legal department would be happy to discuss your circumstances to help you make an informed decision.