Arizona Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Arizona Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Arizona

When you’re ready to begin homeschooling, take these three simple steps to comply with Arizona state law.

File an Affidavit of Intent

First, you must file a one-time affidavit of intent with your local county school superintendent for each homeschooled child. You’ll need to do this within 30 days after you start homeschooling unless your child is younger than the mandatory age of 6. If you start schooling before age 6, you’re not required to submit the affidavit until your child’s sixth birthday. Then you have 30 days to complete it. 

TIP: Your local district may have a form to complete and require affidavits to be notarized, so always check with the superintendent’s office first. 

You’ll want to ask if you can mail in the affidavit or if you need to submit it in person. The district should provide you with a date-stamped copy of the affidavit for your own records.

Here’s what you’ll need to include in the affidavit for each child you’ll be homeschooling:

• Child’s legal name and date of birth
• Names, telephone numbers, and addresses of everyone who currently has legal custody of the child

Provide Birth Certificates

You’ll also need to submit certified copies of birth certificates for each homeschooled child to verify their ages. You have 30 days to provide the birth certificates–the same as the affidavit of intent. The district will make copies of the certificate and return the original to you. 

TIP: The birth certificate must show the child’s full legal name. If the child has a different legal name, you must also provide legal proof of name change.

If you don’t have a birth certificate, Arizona law allows other substitutes, including baptismal certificates, a social security number application, or original school registration records. In addition to these, you’ll need to provide an affidavit explaining why you’re unable to provide a birth certificate.

Include the Required Subjects

Once your initial paperwork is out of the way, the only other legal requirement is to ensure your curriculum includes the required subjects, but check in with your local school district to confirm that there are no other requirements to complete. The required subjects are as follows:

• Reading
• Grammar
• Math
• Social studies
• Science

 Mandatory School Age in Arizona

Arizona law requires every child to attend school from the ages of 6 to 16. However, parents/guardians may choose to delay starting education until age 8. If you choose to do this, you still need to file an affidavit with the district stating you wish to have your child attend school once they turn 8. Contact your local district for more information.

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Arizona

Anyone can homeschool in Arizona. There are no educational requirements or credentials needed for instructors. Families do not need to give any justification for their reasons for choosing to homeschool.

Arizona Homeschool Subject & Curriculum Requirements

Arizona requires all students to be instructed in the following:

• Reading
• Grammar
• Math
• Social studies
• Science

There are no specific requirements as to the standards within those subjects. You may wish to align your curriculum with Arizona’s Academic Standards. Or, you can choose other educational programs as long as they include the five required subjects.

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Arizona Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Arizona doesn’t require families to complete any type of regular homeschool assessment or evaluation. Families should still consider keeping detailed records, as they help document that the required subjects have been taught. 

TIP: Students will likely need transcripts or other records as they pursue higher education or begin a career.

Consider assembling a portfolio for each school year, showing the subjects students studied or curricula they completed, outside classes and activities they participated in, and so on. Include samples of their work as well. 

Arizona Homeschoolers and Standardized Tests

Arizona doesn’t require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing (including AzMERIT). You may wish to use standardized tests to check your student’s progress.

TIP: Arizona’s State Board of Education allows homeschool students to take the AzMERIT without paying any fees. 

Contact your local district if you want your child to take the AzMERIT tests.

  

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Arizona

Homeschool students in Arizona are not required to receive any immunizations.

However, if your child wishes to participate in sports or take classes at a local school, they will be required to present up-to-date immunization verification or the appropriate exemption form. Learn more in the Arizona Immunization Handbook. 

Empowerment Scholarship Program for Homeschoolers in Arizona

Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program allowed parents to use state tax dollars to pay tuition at private or religious schools or to cover the costs of homeschooling. These funds are only available to children not enrolled in any public school. 

From the Arizona Department of Education:

“By accepting an ESA, the student’s parent or guardian is signing a contract agreeing to provide an education that includes the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. ESA funding can be used to pay private school tuition, curriculum, home education, tutoring, etc.” 

How much money does the ESA program provide?

Amounts are based on grade level, and students with documented disabilities or special education requirements can qualify for a substantially larger awarded amount. For 2022-23, the state expects the average kindergarten student to receive $4,000 to $5,000. For 1st through 12th grade, a student may receive $6,000 to $9,000. See the approximate funding expectations for the 2022-23 school year here.

Are ESA funds paid directly to families?

No. Families receive the money, divided into quarterly payments, through an Empowerment Scholarship Account. They then use a special debit card to make purchases and provide documentation to justify their use of the funds. They can also submit invoices for payment. See the ESA Parent Handbook for more details.

What can families use ESA funds for?

You can spend your ESA funds on many acceptable items, including textbooks, tuition or fees at private or religious schools, curricula and other educational materials, computer equipment, and more. See the full list here.

The state has the right to refuse to pay for items. Here are some items that aren’t allowed.

How do I apply for ESA funding?

Visit the Arizona Department of Education Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program page to get started.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Arizona 

Arizona is home to many homeschool groups, co-ops, organizations, and associations for homeschoolers to join. You’ll find they’re wonderful resources for creating friendships, sharing tips and ideas, and enriching your homeschool experience. 

Here are a few of Arizona’s groups and co-ops:

• Arizona Homeschool Hub: Follow this Facebook page for homeschool ideas, videos, and events. 
• Arizona Christian Homeschoolers: A private Facebook group for Christian homeschoolers to connect and share ideas.
• Northern Arizona Homeschoolers: This private Facebook group is for secular homeschool families in northern Arizona.
• Arizona Homeschool Adventures: This Phoenix-based group meets weekly for social events, focusing on outdoor activities.
• Growing Together AZ Homeschool Community: This inclusive, secular homeschool co-op gathers for meet-ups, field trips, family events, and more.

Homeschool Organizations and Associations 

Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. 

Arizona Families for Home Education is a homeschool organization that’s been supporting families in Arizona for 40 years. They have a wealth of resources on their site and organize many events. They even offer a high school graduation ceremony for homeschoolers each year. 

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Sports Opportunities for Arizona Homeschool Students

Arizona law requires schools to allow students living in their district to participate in interscholastic sports. They will have to follow the same rules as any other school student, including academic eligibility, trying out, paying any associated fees, transportation requirements, etc … Work directly with your district if you’re interested in participating in interscholastic sports.

TIP: If you withdraw your child from school to begin homeschooling in the middle of the school year, they’ll be ineligible to participate in interscholastic sports until the beginning of the next academic year.

School sports aren’t the only option for homeschoolers! Many local homeschool groups have their own athletic leagues and most communities have sports options, too. Here are some to check out Visit Arizona Youth Sports at Find Sports for more.

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in Arizona
Tucson YMCA	Basketball, cheer, martial arts, volleyball, soccer, tumbling	Tucson
Valley of the Sun YMCA	Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading	Greater Phoenix Area
NFL FLAG Leagues	Flag football	Throughout Arizona
Little League	Baseball	Throughout Arizona
EVAC	Baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball	Canyon Athletic Association (Phoenix)
Sports Kids AZ	Homeschool P.E., basketball, soccer, flag football	North Phoenix and East Valley

Arizona Homeschool Field Trips 

Arizona is such a fun state for field trips, and the flexibility of homeschooling means you can plan them anytime. Phoenix offers places like the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy the Tucson Rodeo Parade, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, or the O.K. Corral at Tombstone.

The state is also full of natural wonders, celebrated in state and national parks. The Every Kid Outdoors pass gives National Parks free admission to 4th grade students and their families (restrictions apply), which includes homeschoolers.

TIP: Many organizations offer programs and discounts for school groups, but they often require a minimum number of students. Consider teaming up with other local homeschoolers to arrange amazing field trips together!

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Special Education Homeschoolers

While Arizona school districts are mandated to identify and evaluate students with special needs within their boundaries, they are not required to provide services to homeschool families not enrolled in the district or at a non-profit private school within their borders.

The amount of services they receive depends on how they homeschool and what services the school district offers. For purposes of the law, homeschools are considered private schools. The law states, “If federal monies are provided to a school district or a charter school for special education services to homeschooled or private schooled pupils, the school district or charter school shall provide the services to both the homeschooled pupils and the private schooled pupils in the same manner.” Section 15.763 (D)

There is currently no set oversight or mandates for parental reporting of special needs education. 

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Arizona Homeschool FAQ:  

Is Arizona homeschool friendly?

Arizona is a welcoming state for homeschoolers. Submit your affidavit and birth certificate, and ensure your curriculum includes the required subjects in case you ever need to provide proof. You’re also welcome to design the learning experience you feel is right for your family. 

TIP: You can receive funding each year to cover costs like textbooks, online programs, curricular materials, and more education-related items.

Do I need to file a new affidavit of intent each year?

Arizona law only requires you to file an affidavit when you initially begin homeschooling. There’s no need to re-file each year.

The only reasons to file a new affidavit are if you add another student, move to a new district, or temporarily stop homeschooling and plan to start again.

How do Arizona homeschoolers get a diploma and transcripts?

Arizona does not provide official transcripts or diplomas for homeschooled students. Students can receive diplomas through homeschool curriculum providers, homeschool groups or organizations, or from their parents or guardians. 

TIP: Home educators should keep thorough educational records to help students meet any future transcript needs. 

Students 16+ might also consider taking the GED to prove their competencies for college or job requirements.

What if our family moves?

If your family move keeps you in the same school district, simply notify the district of your new address so they can update your records.

TIP: If you move to a new school district, you’ll need to follow the process to file a new affidavit. Contact the district for more information.

Each state has its own homeschool laws. If you move outside the state of Arizona, you’ll need to look into the laws in your new state of residence.

Is homeschooling free in Arizona?

Parents do not pay any fees to homeschool their children in Arizona, but they are responsible for all costs involved in their child’s education. They may have to pay for texts, classes, curricula, and other educational materials. They may also have to pay fees to belong to local homeschool organizations or to participate in local sports, clubs, or enrichment classes. These costs vary widely depending on the curriculum choices you make.

Fortunately for homeschoolers, Arizona recently passed a law creating the Empowerment Scholarship Program. This can cover many of the costs related to homeschooling. Learn more about this program here.

Can you start homeschooling in the middle of the year in Arizona? 

You may begin homeschooling your child at any time in Arizona. Be sure to file the affidavit of intent within 30 days of starting. You may also want to formally withdraw your child from their school and let them know you’ll be homeschooling to avoid triggering a truancy investigation.

Remember that if you withdraw your child from school to begin homeschooling in the middle of the school year, they’ll be ineligible to participate in interscholastic sports until the beginning of the next academic year.

Is unschooling legal in Arizona?  

Unschooling is a type of education where children choose their own path and speed, learning in ways they find most engaging. While unschooling is legal in Arizona, ensure that your child’s learning includes the required subjects of reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science in some way.

How do I enroll in public school after homeschooling in Arizona?

If you decide to stop homeschooling in Arizona and enroll your child in school instead, start by notifying the district in writing within 30 days of ending your instruction.

Then, you’ll need to follow any legal requirements for enrolling your child in public, private, or alternative schooling. The school may also administer tests to help place your children in the proper grades and courses. Work directly with your chosen school to see what they require.

If you decide to start homeschooling again, you’ll need to follow the process to file a new affidavit of intent with the district.