Information & RIGHTS
California School OPT-OUT Rights:
Exercise Your Parental Authority
California parents have the legal right to opt their children out of school instruction, programs, and activities that conflict with their religious beliefs and family values. Following the landmark June 2025 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, these parental rights have been significantly expanded and clarified.
The OPT-OUT California Notice, developed by a California public interest law firm, empowers parents to reclaim their rights and exert control over their child’s educational experience. By utilizing this notice, you can clearly inform your child’s school and district that you wish to OPT-OUT of certain programs or instruction that do not align with your family’s values and beliefs.
The OPT-OUT Notice acts as a definitive directive, ensuring that the school district respects your instructions regarding their role in your child’s upbringing and education under California Education Code sections 51240, 51938, and 51513.
Last Updated: April 2026
Your Legal Rights Under
California Law
California law provides multiple legal pathways for parents to protect their children from instruction that conflicts with their beliefs:
Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court Decision (June 2025)
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor (No. 23-1633) affirms that parents can opt their children out of instruction that conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs, including gender identity curriculum, LGBTQ+ “normative” instruction, Critical Race Theory, DEI programming, and “inclusive” books that conflict with parental beliefs.
California Education Code 51240: Religious Exemptions
“If any part of a school’s instruction conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, on written request of the parent or guardian, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts with the parent’s religious training or beliefs.”
California Education Code 51938: Sexual Health Education
Parents have the absolute right to opt their child out of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education by submitting written notification to the school district.
California Education Code 51513: Survey Protections
Protects student privacy by requiring parental consent before students participate in surveys containing questions about personal beliefs regarding sex, family life, morality, or religion.
Your Legal Rights Under California Law
California law provides multiple legal pathways for parents to protect their children from instruction that conflicts with their beliefs:
Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court Decision (June 2025)
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor (No. 23-1633) affirms that parents can opt their children out of instruction that conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs, including gender identity curriculum, LGBTQ+ “normative” instruction, Critical Race Theory, DEI programming, and “inclusive” books that conflict with parental beliefs.
California Education Code 51240: Religious Exemptions
“If any part of a school’s instruction conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, on written request of the parent or guardian, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts with the parent’s religious training or beliefs.”
California Education Code 51938: Sexual Health Education
Parents have the absolute right to opt their child out of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education by submitting written notification to the school district.
California Education Code 51513: Survey Protections
Protects student privacy by requiring parental consent before students participate in surveys containing questions about personal beliefs regarding sex, family life, morality, or religion.
the opt-out notice
the opt-out
registration notice
Take Action Today!
Thousands of California parents have already exercised their legal rights to protect their children from instruction that conflicts with their family values. Don’t wait—make sure your voice is heard and your family’s principles are respected.
The process takes less than 2 minutes and provides immediate peace of mind.
Your Child’s Exemptions
The OPT-OUT Notice delivery system allows you to send a fully completed and signed OPT-OUT Notice directly to your child’s school and district. By utilizing this system, you ensure that your preferences regarding your child’s education are formally communicated and respected.
This notice clearly states that your child will be exempt from the following school instruction, programs, and activities for the current school year.
Landmark Case: Mahmoud v. Taylor
Gender Identity & LGBTQ+ Curriculum
The landmark Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court decision allows parents to opt their children out of instruction that is against their deeply held religious beliefs which may include:
- Gender identity and gender studies curriculum
- Instruction that LGBTQ+ is “normative” behavior
- “Inclusive” books and curricula when content conflicts with a parent’s deeply held beliefs
- Pride Month activities with instructional content
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education Code 51240
Critical Race Theory & DEI Programming
Parents can opt their children out of instruction and programming related to Critical Race Theory frameworks and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives when these conflict with their religious beliefs or family values.
- Critical Race Theory (CRT) frameworks and concepts
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs and activities
- Curriculum emphasizing systemic racism as core to American identity
- Activities requiring students to acknowledge personal privilege based on race
- Instruction presenting America as fundamentally or irredeemably racist
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education Code 51513
Assessments & Testing
Parents can opt their children out of psychological assessments, student “climate” surveys that probe political or social beliefs, and evaluations of family attitudes.
If you have questions about the OPT-OUT Notice or face resistance from your child’s school, contact the OPT-OUT Helpline at (669) 307-1953 for assistance. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and ensure your preferences are adhered to.
Staying informed and advocating for your family’s values is essential in shaping a supportive learning environment.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education Code 51513
Anonymous Surveys & Health Questionnaires
As a parent in California, you can OPT-OUT of surveys and questionnaires to protect your child from exposure to sensitive topics that may not align with your family values. This includes mental health screenings without parental notification and questionnaires about family relationships or home life.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education Code 51513
Personal Belief Questionnaires
The administration of any survey, questionnaire, examination, or evaluation containing any questions relative to your child, or your personal beliefs regarding practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.
Click here to see an example of a survey administered to 3rd grade students as part of a health and wellness program.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education Code 51938
Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Attending or participating in any class, instruction or activity related to comprehensive sexual education and HIV / AIDS prevention with the exception of state-mandated Comprehensive Sexuality Education in seventh grade and one semester in high school. Comprehensive Sexuality Education curricula is not required in any other grade and a student may be opted-out.
Parents retain OPT-OUT rights even for mandated instruction if the content conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
Click here to see an excerpt from Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51938
Your Child’s Exemptions
The OPT-OUT Notice delivery system allows you to send a fully completed and signed OPT-OUT Notice directly to your child’s school and district. By utilizing this system, you ensure that your preferences regarding your child’s education are formally communicated and respected.
This notice clearly states that your child will be exempt from the following school instruction, programs, and activities for the current school year.
Landmark Case:
Mahmoud v. Taylor
Gender Identity & LGBTQ+ Curriculum
The landmark Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court decision allows parents to opt their children out of instruction that is against their deeply held religious beliefs which may include:
- Gender identity and gender studies curriculum
- Instruction that LGBTQ+ is “normative” behavior
- “Inclusive” books and curricula when content conflicts with a parent’s deeply held beliefs
- Pride Month activities with instructional content
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education
Code 51240
Critical Race Theory & DEI Programming
Parents can opt their children out of instruction and programming related to Critical Race Theory frameworks and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives when these conflict with their religious beliefs or family values.
- Critical Race Theory (CRT) frameworks and concepts
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs and activities
- Curriculum emphasizing systemic racism as core to American identity
- Activities requiring students to acknowledge personal privilege based on race
- Instruction presenting America as fundamentally or irredeemably racist
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education
Code 51513
Assessments & Testing
Parents can opt their children out of psychological assessments without explicit parental consent, student “climate” surveys that probe political or social beliefs, and evaluations of family attitudes.
If you have questions about the OPT-OUT Notice or face resistance from your child’s school, contact the OPT-OUT Hotline at (669) 307-1953 for assistance. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and ensure your preferences are acknowledged.
Staying informed and advocating for your family’s values is essential in shaping a supportive learning environment.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51513
Anonymous Surveys & Health Questionnaires
Participating in anonymous, voluntary, and confidential surveys related to pupil health behaviors is crucial for understanding student’s well-being.
However, as a parent in California, you can OPT-OUT of these surveys and questionnaires to protect your child from exposure to sensitive topics that may not align with your family values. This includes mental health screenings without parental notification and questionnaires about family relationships or home life.
Your choices are important in shaping a supportive learning environment for your child!
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51513
Personal Belief Questionnaires
The administration of any survey, questionnaire, examination, or evaluation containing any questions relative to your child, or your personal beliefs regarding practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.
Click here to see an example of a Survey administered to 3rd grade students as part of a health and wellness program.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51938
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Attending or participating in any class, instruction or activity related to comprehensive sexual education and HIV / AIDS prevention with the exception of state-mandated Comprehensive Sexuality Education in fifth grade, seventh grade and one semester in high school. Comprehensive Sexuality Education curricula is not required in any other grade and a student may be opted-out.
Parents retain OPT-OUT rights even for mandated instruction if the content conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
Click here to see an excerpt from Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51938
the opt-out notice
the opt-out
registration notice
Are You Ready To Start The Process?
OPT-OUT California provides an OPT-OUT Notice for parents of public school students in all 58 counties in California. The process is straight-forward and consists of three simple steps filling out the School Information, Parent / Child Information, Review & Select OPT-OUTs and your Signature.
You will be asked to give information about:
- You and your child
- Your child’s school and district
- Subjects from which you wish your child opted-out.
How to complete the subject and activities section of the OPT-OUT notice:
If after reading all of the activity options listed, EITHER choose “OPT MY CHILD OUT OF ALL ACTIVITIES LISTED BELOW” by clicking the checkbox inside the green box OR scroll down and click the box of any activity in which you wish your child to participate.
An OPT-OUT Notice will be prepared for your review. You’ll be able to see a preview of your OPT-OUT Notice with all YOUR information included. Be sure to review everything carefully. Once you’ve completed the Notice, electronically sign, and click the submit button.
You will receive a completed copy for your records by email. A Notice will be sent to your child’s Principal and District Superintendent by email. OPT-OUT California will archive a copy of the Notice.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS
How To Opt-Out Your Child
Every blank must be filled out to have a legally binding Notice. We cannot complete and electronically deliver your OPT-OUT Notice unless each blank is fully filled out. This includes drawing your signature on a smartphone or with your mouse on a computer.
The OPT-OUT Notice is not intended to be a “one size fits all” form. You as a parent have the right to choose the options that are applicable to you and your family.
At the top of the OPT-OUT Notice Registration Formyou’ll find the School Information section. As you move through each dropdown menu, the options will become more specific.
The Create Your OPT-OUT section is where you choose what your child will be opted out of. This section is divided into three parts:
1. Assessments & Surveys
2. Religious Beliefs
3. Additional Religious Beliefs & Objectionable Materials
Check the box next to OPT MY CHILD OUT OF ALL ACTIVITIES LISTED BELOW if you wish to opt your child out of everything listed. No further selections are needed — simply scroll down to Confirmation, Preview, and Sign.
If you wish your child to participate in any of the following curricula, activities or surveys, click the corresponding box.
Before you sign your name to the OPT-OUT Notice Registration Form, you can Preview each letter that will be sent.
An OPT-OUT Notice will be generated and sent by email to the principal of your child’s school as well as the superintendent of your child’s school district.
You will receive an email copy and a copy of the completed OPT-OUT Notice will be archived by OPT-OUT California.
If you have questions regarding the OPT-OUT Notice or receive pushback from your child’s school or school district, contact the OPT-OUT California Helpline at (669) 307-1953.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
Your support empowers California families to reclaim transparency, parental rights, and academic integrity in public schools.
Additional Support & Resources
OPT-OUT California Helpline:
(669) 307-1953
Our dedicated support team is available to help California parents:
- Become familiar with their legal rights under California Education Code
- Navigate resistance from school administrators
- Clarify OPT-OUT procedures and requirements
- Address concerns about school retaliation
- Provide guidance on specific curriculum questions
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you face any challenges exercising your parental rights.
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California’s educational landscape continues to evolve. Get the latest updates delivered to your inbox:
- Adversarial interactions between parents and school boards
- News about legislative changes affecting parental rights
- Updates on court decisions impacting OPT-OUT rights
- Information about new curriculum being introduced in California schools
- Tips for effective parent advocacy
- Success stories from parents across California
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Frequently Asked Questions
California requires students to receive certain core instruction. However, even within mandated subjects like Comprehensive Sexuality Education in 7th grade and high school, parents can request alternative materials or accommodations if the standard curriculum conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires students to receive certain core instruction. However, even within mandated subjects like Comprehensive Sexuality Education in 7th grade and high school, parents can request alternative materials or accommodations if the standard curriculum conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
a NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
the opt-out
registration notice
About OPT-OUT California
OPT-OUT California is sponsored by Informed Parents of California (IP-CA), a non-profit organization formed by concerned parents, grandparents, community, and church leaders. Our OPT-OUT Notice was prepared by a California public interest law firm to ensure full legal compliance. We’re dedicated to protecting parental rights, ensuring transparency between schools and families, and advocating for educational excellence in all 58 California counties.
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All Rights Reserved.
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