Homeschooling in Arizona

Your options

(1) Homeschool: a nonpublic school run primarily by the custodian, or nonpublic instruction in the child's home (ARS 15-802(G)). (2) Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) contract (ARS 15-2402); ESA students do not file a homeschool affidavit. (3) Private school.

Notice or letter of intent

Affidavit of intent to the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting homeschooling. Not annual: it is refiled only if homeschooling stops and restarts. Notify within 30 days when homeschooling ends. Custodians delaying a child's start to age 8 also file an affidavit. Failing to file is a petty offence.

Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.

Subjects, time, assessment and records

Subjects

At least reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science (ARS 15-802(A)).

Days or hours

None stated.

Testing or assessment

None; state testing is optional (Pima County says it is free if requested).

Records

None stated in statute.

Parent qualifications

None.

Other rules

The affidavit lists the child's name and date of birth, the school address and the custodians' names, phones and addresses. Counties ask for proof of age/identity (e.g. Pima: certified birth certificate) and a notarized affidavit.

Official forms

County affidavit forms, e.g. Mohave: mohave.gov/… ; Pima online: https://homeschoolconnect.pima.gov/

The law

ARS 15-802 (also 15-745, 15-763, 15-802.01, 15-828) – read the law

Who to contact

• County school superintendent (each of Arizona's 15 counties) – County School Superintendent's office for the child's countyNo email published · Official pageWho handles notices: Local district

Special education and public school classes and sports

Interscholastic activities (ARS 15-802.01, azleg.gov/…): a homeschooled child may take part at the public school whose attendance area they live in. They must meet the same registration, age, fee, insurance, health, conduct and other rules as enrolled students. The primary instructor must give written proof that the child is passing each subject and progressing. A child previously enrolled in a public, private or charter school is ineligible for the rest of that school year. Special education was not checked.

Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.

Going back to public school in Arizona

Arizona law says that within 30 days after homeschooling ends, the person who has custody of the child must notify the county school superintendent that the child is no longer being instructed at a homeschool (A.R.S. 15-802(C)).

Source: Arizona law: A.R.S. 15-802

To enroll, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school, and ask how it decides grade placement and credits before your child starts. See the Arizona official page, and going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.