Homeschooling laws can change, so be sure to check the Arizona Department of Education website for updates.
Are you new to homeschooling in Arizona? If so, you will want to start the process by understanding Arizona homeschool law. You may have lots of questions, and the amount of information may be overwhelming, but there are resources available and other homeschoolers who have walked the path before you!
To get you started on your understanding of the requirements to homeschool your child in Arizona, we’ve put together some information for you:
Arizona Homeschool Law
According to Arizona Education Law, compulsory education applies to children who are between the ages of 6 and 16 years of age as of September 1. However, for children who are under 8 years of age as of September 1, parents may notify the County School Superintendent (CSS) in writing that they don’t wish to have their child in school at this time. After age 8, parents need to follow the Arizona homeschool law outlined below (AZ Rev Stat § 15-802).
Based on AZ Rev Stat § 15-802 of the Arizona Education Law:
- Every child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall be provided instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
- The person who has custody of the child shall choose a public, private or charter school or homeschool to provide instruction.
- “An affidavit of intent shall be filed within thirty days from the time the child begins to attend a private school or homeschool and is not required thereafter unless the private school or the home school instruction is terminated and then resumed. The person who has custody of the child shall notify the county school superintendent within thirty days of the termination that the child is no longer being instructed at a private school or homeschool. If the private school or homeschool instruction is resumed, the person who has custody of the child shall file another affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent within thirty days.”
- “The affidavit of intent shall include:
- (a) The child’s name.
- (b) The child’s date of birth.
- (c) The current address of the school the child is attending.
- (d) The names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the persons who currently have custody of the child.”
- “A parent who fails to comply with the duty to file an affidavit of intent to provide instruction in a homeschool is guilty of a petty offense.”
- “The affidavit of intent shall include:
In addition, the County School Superintendent must be provided with one of the following within thirty days after the home instruction begins: a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, other reliable proof of the child’s identity and age (including the child’s baptismal certificate, an application for a social security number or original school registration records and an affidavit explaining the inability to provide a copy of the birth certificate), or a letter from the authorized representative of an agency having custody of the pupil (AZ Rev Stat § 15-828).
Arizona Homeschool Requirements
Even though Arizona does not highly regulate homeschooling, there are some Arizona homeschool requirements you must satisfy when you homeschool:
- Begin homeschooling by age 6 (or by age 8 after filing with the County School Superintendent).
- File the required affidavit of intent.
- Submit the required birth certificate (or other form of identification).
- Teach the required subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
- Stay current with homeschooling laws and requirements.
Although not specifically outlined in Arizona homeschool requirements, we also recommend you do some personal recordkeeping to provide verification of education in the event that you would need to show some form of education proof to the state or other legal entities or to prepare for post-secondary pathways. This includes:
- Attendance
- Immunization records
- Lists of texts and workbooks used
- Student schoolwork samples
- Correspondence with school officials
- Portfolios and test results
Before you homeschool in Arizona, visit your county office of education site and/or local school district site directly for more information on any local homeschooling regulations.
Other Arizona Homeschool Policies
Once you ensure that you are following Arizona homeschool law and meeting Arizona homeschool requirements, there are just a few more things you need to know:
Can your child participate in public school activities while homeschooling? According to AZ Rev Stat § 15-802.01, “A child who resides within the attendance area of a public school and who is homeschooled shall be allowed to try out for interscholastic activities on behalf of the public school in the same manner as a pupil who is enrolled in that public school…. The individual providing the primary instruction of a child who is homeschooled shall submit written verification that provides:
- Whether the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject being taught.
- Whether the student is maintaining satisfactory progress towards advancement or promotion.”
However, “a child who is homeschooled and who was previously enrolled in a public, private or charter school shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities for the remainder of the school year during which the child was enrolled in a school.”
What if your child wants to return to public school after being homeschooled? Children who are instructed in a homeschool program do not need to be tested while they are receiving homeschool instruction; however, children returning to public school (grades K-12) after receiving instruction in a homeschool program shall be tested to determine the appropriate grade level for their educational placement (AZ Rev Stat § 15-745).
Connect With Local Homeschoolers
Remember, too, that you are not alone. You should connect with local homeschoolers from your state, who can help you with Arizona homeschool law and Arizona homeschool requirements and offer you all kinds of practical advice and suggestions. They can give you guidance on everything from curriculum to daily schedules to recordkeeping, and they may be able to share information about local resources, support groups, and field trips. Click the image below to find Arizona Homeschool Groups by county.
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