Will my kindergartner fall behind if we homeschool?
Last checked
California does not require any test or state checklist for a homeschooled kindergartner. Most public-school kindergartners are working on counting to 100, writing numbers 0-20, recognizing all letters, and reading simple sentences by the end of the year, and a parent can check for these informally, without any formal testing, just by watching their child play, count, and listen to stories.
None of what follows is a bar your child has to clear, or a sign they're behind. It's just the same context a kindergarten teacher works from, in case it's useful to you. Most families check in on their own terms, in their own time, and that's completely normal.
What is a California kindergartner expected to know in math by the end of the year?
California's kindergarten math standards (adapted from the Common Core, adopted by the State Board of Education) call for counting to 100 by ones and by tens (standard K.CC.1); writing numbers 0-20 and matching a written numeral to a group of that many objects (K.CC.3); comparing groups of objects to say which has more, fewer, or the same amount; and starting to recognize and name basic shapes (K.G.1) such as circles, squares, and triangles. (source)
What is a California kindergartner expected to know in reading and writing by the end of the year?
The ELA standards (RF.K.1) call for a child to recognize and name all uppercase and lowercase letters, understand that print runs left to right and top to bottom, and know that spoken words are made of separate sounds represented by letters. By year's end most kindergartners are starting to sound out simple words and read short, simple sentences, though the exact pace varies a lot by child. (source)
Where can I see the full official list of what's expected?
The California Department of Education publishes the full content-standards list, browsable by grade and subject, through its California Content Standards portal. It's written for teachers, not parents, but every individual standard (like the ones above) is on its own short page. (source)
How can I check my child's progress without giving them a test?
You don't need a formal assessment to get a read on where your kindergartner stands. A few things a parent can do at home: read aloud together and ask what happened in the story (checks comprehension); count everyday objects together (snacks, stairs, toys) up past 20 and see where counting breaks down; ask your child to write their name and a few numbers; and notice whether they can follow a two-step instruction, sit through a short activity, and play cooperatively with another child for a few minutes. None of this requires a workbook or a test; it's the same kind of everyday observation a kindergarten teacher relies on early in the year before formal assessments start.
What if my child seems behind in one area?
One weak area at five years old is normal and common; kindergarten covers a wide range of starting points on purpose. If you want a more formal picture, HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) publishes an overview of assessment options for young homeschoolers, including when a private evaluation might be worth pursuing. Unconfirmed: whether South Bay charters or districts offer any free informal skills check for homeschooled kindergartners specifically; nothing was found in this research pass. (source)
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