Private schools in the state of California are required by law to file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction between October 1 and October 15 each year. (California Education Code Section 33190)

Filing the affidavit in a timely manner is critical for the following reasons:

• The PSA establishes your school's existence in the eyes of the state;

• The PSA is necessary to legally exempt your school's students from fulfilling the compulsory attendance requirement in a public (government) school (California Education Code Section 48222);

• The PSA makes your (non-profit) school's students and staff eligible to participate in and benefit from various state and federal programs and services. While actual participation in these programs is voluntary, the option to participate does not exist if a PSA has not been filed;

• Reporting your schools' enrollment through the filing of the PSA increases benefits available to private school students and staff through various tax-supported programs;

• The law requires the filing of a PSA.

The filing of a PSA for the 2003-2004 academic year consists of a two-step process:

Step 1: The PSA is completed online.

Step 2: The PSA confirmation document is printed, signed and mailed to the California Department of Education (CDE).

Both steps must be completed for a school to have fulfilled the filing requirement.

In September, the CDE will mail a letter to all private schools that filed PSA's in 2002-2003 and which enrolled six or more students. The letter will contain instructions for completing and filing the PSA, and will provide a password allowing school officials to access their school's affidavit form online. Please read this letter carefully and follow all pertinent instructions provided therein.

Before you hit the "Submit" button...

Once you have filled in all the information online and before you hit the "Submit" button, it's a good idea to have someone else check your data prior to submitting the form. A CAPSO review of last year's private school database found a number of errors. For example, several schools mistakenly listed themselves as "For-profit" entities—an error that can disqualify a school's students and staff from participation in various federal programs.

After you hit the "Submit" button...

After you have completed and submitted your school's PSA online, you must print a copy of the page(s) titled "Confirmation—Fall 2003." You must then check all required certifications, sign and date the form, (make copies for your records) and mail it to the following address:

California Department of Education
Elementary Education Office
School Improvement Division
1430 N Street, Fourth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: Private School Affidavit

Requests for copies of signed affidavits by child welfare, district attendance offices or other public agencies should be directed to the CDE.

What if my school is new, or didn't file a PSA in 2002-2003?

If your school is new, or didn't file a PSA last year, you can complete the PSA online as a new school. Check the CDE's online affidavit information page for further information.

What if a school doesn't have access to the internet?

Schools without internet access should request a paper affidavit in writing. Requests should be submitted ASAP to the following address:

California Department of Education
Elementary Education Office
School Improvement Division
1430 N Street, Fourth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: Private School Affidavit Request

If you have additional questions regarding the completion and submittal of private school affidavits:

• Check for updates on the CDE's private school affidavit information web site.

• Email the CDE at privateschools@cde.ca.gov Be sure to include your name and phone number in any email correspondence.