How to Start Homeschooling in Arizona
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Arizona, it’s a good idea to do your research first! Homeschool requirements depend on where you live, and laws vary by state.
Families who homeschool in Arizona have a helpful community, lots of resources, and flexible requirements. This makes homeschooling a good option for those who want a personalized learning experience!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Arizona’s homeschool laws, so you can start your home education journey with confidence!
Homeschooling in Arizona at a Glance
Arizona – The Grand Canyon State
| Age | 6-16 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by the parent |
| Special Requirements | N/A |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
Arizona’s homeschool requirements don’t outline any specific qualifications for parents.
Notice of Intent
Parents must submit a completed, signed, and notarized Affidavit of Intent to their county school superintendent. The school district can provide this form for you, and it’s typically available online. Parents must also provide proof of the child’s age and identity, such as a birth certificate.
Alternative forms of proof include a Social Security number application or previous school enrollment with an affidavit explaining why a birth certificate cannot be provided.
You should only file your affidavit once, within 30 days of beginning to homeschool. If you plan to stop or resume homeschooling at any time, you must notify the county superintendent. Resuming homeschool requires another affidavit to be filed within 30 days of resuming.
Attendance
There is no minimum number of days or hours of instruction required by Arizona law. This means parents who homeschool in Arizona have the flexibility to create the schedule that works best for their family.
Homeschool Curriculum
If you’re a parent homeschooling in Arizona, you’ll need to pick a curriculum for your child.
Your Arizona homeschool curriculum must include the following:
- Reading
- Grammar
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
You can check out the academic standards for these subjects on the Arizona Department of Education website and get ideas for other courses your child might like. Some electives, such as Media Arts and Music, even have sample curricula available. As long as your child studies the required courses, they have the freedom to explore other areas of interest.
Accredited Homeschool Programs in Arizona
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum in Arizona can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschoolers in Arizona aren’t required to take standardized tests, but many families still use some form of testing to see how their child is doing. You can purchase and administer standardized tests, such as the widely used IOWA Test and Stanford Achievement Test-10, through online testing administrators.
Record Keeping
Arizona does not require thorough record keeping, though it’s still a good idea to keep a list of courses, credit hours, and final course grades. The only documents you have to keep are any affidavits you have previously filed.
Keeping a homeschool portfolio of the work your child is most proud of is a great way to assess progress over time, especially without standardized tests. It can also be a good source of motivation for both you and your child.
Transcripts
It’s a good plan to keep records so you can put together a transcript if your student decides to go to college. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Arizona doesn’t have any set graduation requirements for homeschooled students. Instead, parents are encouraged to talk to their students about their goals and career aspirations and award a diploma based on those skills.
If your child wants to go to college, following the Arizona high school graduation requirements for traditional schools may be a good way to make sure they’re prepared.
Financial Resources
Families who qualify can get financial help through the Arizona Department of Education’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). The ESA program enables parents to use their tax dollars wherever they decide to educate their student, including private and home schools. ESA funds can cover educational expenses such as tuition, curricula, materials, and more.
The average amount granted to students grades 1-12 is around $6,500. Kindergarteners typically receive about $4,000. However, additional funding may be awarded on a case-by-case basis. You can view the eligibility requirements and apply for funding on the Arizona Department of Education website.
In addition to the ESA, Arizona also offers educational tax credit programs:
- Arizona School Choice Trust
- Arizona Original Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program and “Switcher” programs.
More Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Arizona, check out:
- Arizona Families for Home Education
- Homeschool Information from the Pima County website
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Arizona homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the homeschool requirements in Arizona?
Parents of students ages 6-16 must submit an Affidavit of Intent to their district superintendent and provide a homeschool curriculum that teaches reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
How much money do you get for homeschooling in Arizona?
Depending on what grade your child is in, funding can range from about $4,000 to $6,500 per student. Additional funds may be available for those who qualify.
Is unschooling legal in Arizona?
Arizona’s flexible homeschool laws embrace the freedom of unschooling, ensuring that educational requirements are met with an open and supportive approach.
Information accurate as of: 07/16/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.