For California’s private schools, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of both opportunity and complexity. New laws, evolving expectations from families and employees, and shifting social and political dynamics are influencing how schools govern, manage risk, and care for their communities. Schools that plan ahead and respond strategically will be best positioned to lead with confidence.
Many of the issues below are not new, but the attention surrounding them is increasing. Addressing these topics early helps schools stay focused on their mission while protecting their people, programs, and reputations.
SB 848 broadens private schools’ child-safety requirements, extending many obligations that once applied only to public schools. As of January 1, 2026, board members and most volunteers are mandated reporters. Schools are also now required to collect and share specific information during hiring. Additional mandates follow, including annual training, updated professional-boundaries and safety policies by July 2026, and enhanced hiring, disclosure, and participation in a statewide misconduct database by 2027. Early planning and board engagement are essential.
LCW will host an implementation workshop on January 27, 2026, addressing training, hiring, and reporting obligations under the new law.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain priorities for many private schools, but schools should be aware of the current legal landscape as they consider DEI efforts. Schools should review DEI-related initiatives, policies, and communications to ensure they reflect institutional values while promoting fairness and inclusion within legally sound parameters. Additionally, with new state regulations on automated decision-making in hiring that prohibit its use in a discriminatory manner, schools should identify where AI tools are being used and establish policies that ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with their educational mission.
California’s wage and hour rules continue to evolve. Rising minimum wages, updated exemption thresholds, and ongoing scrutiny of independent contractor classifications create potential risk. Proactive audits of pay practices, job descriptions, and timekeeping systems can help schools ensure compliance and avoid costly claims.
In an election year and amid ongoing global conflict, schools are navigating complex conversations on campus. Clear expectations for employee and student speech, guidelines for classroom discussions, and policies that align institutional values with legal obligations can help maintain trust and consistency.
Recent court decisions have changed how liquidated damages and arbitration clauses are evaluated in tuition and enrollment contracts. Schools should review these agreements to confirm that language remains enforceable, transparent, and aligned with their goals and current practices.
Moving Forward with Confidence
California’s private schools have long balanced independence with accountability. In 2026, that balance will matter more than ever. Staying informed, proactive, and intentional allows schools to maintain their autonomy while fostering safe, inclusive, and legally compliant environments. With thoughtful planning and the right guidance, schools can meet new challenges with confidence and continue to thrive in the year ahead.