Arizona Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Arizona, homeschooling is defined as providing education primarily by the parent, guardian, or custodian in the child’s home.

Key Requirements

  1. Notice of Intent to Homeschool

    • Parents must file a “Notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool” with the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting homeschooling.
    • Include the child’s name, date of birth, address, and contact information.
    • The affidavit is only filed once, not annually.

  2. Age Requirement

    • Homeschooling is required for children between the ages of 6 and 16.
    • If a parent wishes to delay education for a 6-year-old, they can file a letter with the county school superintendent to postpone formal education until the child turns 8.

  3. Curriculum Requirements

    • Arizona law requires parents to teach subjects including:
      • Reading
      • Grammar
      • Mathematics
      • Social Studies
      • Science
    • The curriculum is at the parent’s discretion, allowing flexibility to tailor it to the child’s needs.

  4. Testing

    • There are no state-mandated standardized tests for homeschoolers. Parents are not required to submit any progress reports or test scores to the state.

  5. Withdrawal from Public/Private School

    • Parents must officially withdraw their child from the previous school to begin homeschooling.

Graduation and Diploma

  • Arizona does not issue diplomas to homeschool students.
  • Parents can issue a diploma once they determine their child has met the graduation criteria.
  • Colleges and employers typically accept parent-issued diplomas alongside other documentation, such as a transcript or standardized test scores.

Participation in Public School Activities

  • Homeschooled students may participate in extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, music programs) offered by public schools in their district of residence under Arizona law (ARS § 15-802.01).

Returning to Public School

  • If a homeschool student transitions back to public school, the local school may assess the child’s mastery of courses to determine grade placement.

Additional Resources and Support

  1. Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE)
  2. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
  3. Local Homeschool Co-ops and Groups

Arizona’s homeschool laws provide parents with substantial freedom to customize their child’s education while ensuring basic requirements are met. This flexibility allows families to align education with their unique goals and values.

Homeschooling in Arizona