Homeschooling in Arizona.

Regulation level

Medium: a one-time notice to your county, with no testing or review.

Statute citation

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 15-802 (attendance, subjects, affidavit) and § 15-828(B) (proof of identity and age).

Who it covers

Children between the ages of 6 and 16 (A.R.S. § 15-802(A)).

Getting started

Within 30 days after home instruction begins, file an affidavit of intent with your county school superintendent. It lists your child's name and birth date, your home address, and the names, phone numbers and addresses of the people with custody.

Notarization

The law doesn't say the affidavit must be notarized, but county offices require it. Maricopa and Mohave counties offer free notary service by appointment.

Proof of identity and age

Within the same 30 days, give the county a certified copy of the birth certificate, or other reliable proof (such as a baptismal certificate) with an affidavit explaining why the birth certificate isn't available, or a custody letter from an agency.

How often

Once. You don't re-file each year, only if you stop and later resume.

If your child is 6 or 7

If your child hasn't turned 8 by September 1 and you'd rather not begin yet, you may file an affidavit saying so (A.R.S. § 15-802(B)(3)). Otherwise attendance applies from age 6.

Subjects

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

What Arizona doesn't require

No testing or assessments, no set hours or days, no teaching qualifications, no curriculum approval and no required records.

If you stop

Tell your county school superintendent within 30 days. If you start again, file a new affidavit within 30 days. Moving counties? Check with both county offices.

Good to know

If identity proof is missing, the county sends a written notice and refers the case to law enforcement after 10 days. Not filing the affidavit is a petty offense. Both are easy to avoid by filing on time.

Sports and activities

Homeschooled students may try out for activities at their local public school under the same rules as enrolled students, with written proof of passing grades (A.R.S. § 15-802.01).