Arizona is widely considered one of the most flexible states in the U.S. for home education. The state offers a straightforward path for families to take charge of their children’s education with minimal government oversight. Whether you choose traditional homeschooling or the state-funded Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, it is important to understand the legal distinctions between these pathways.

The Legal Landscape

In Arizona, homeschooling is legally defined as a non-public school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian, or person who has custody of the child. Arizona law protects the right of parents to direct their children’s education and does not require parents to be certified teachers or meet specific educational benchmarks like standardized testing.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in Arizona must receive formal instruction between the ages of 6 and 16. If your child turns 6 by September 1, they must be enrolled in school (public, private, or homeschool) for that academic year. Compulsory attendance ends when the child turns 16 or completes high school requirements.

Pathway 1: Standard Homeschooling (Affidavit of Intent)

This is the traditional route for Arizona families. It involves the most freedom and the least state interaction.

1. File the Affidavit of Intent

Within 30 days of starting to homeschool, you must file an “Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool” with your County School Superintendent. This is a one-time filing; you do not need to re-file every year unless you move to a different county or stop homeschooling and then start again.

2. Provide Proof of Birth

Along with the affidavit, you must provide a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or other reliable proof of the child’s identity and age (such as a baptismal certificate or passport).

3. Required Subjects

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 15-802) requires that you provide instruction in at least the following subjects:

• Reading
• Grammar
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science

4. No Testing or Teacher Requirements

Arizona does not require homeschoolers to participate in state testing. There are no requirements for parents to have a high school diploma or college degree to teach their own children.

Pathway 2: Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

Arizona’s ESA program is a “school choice” initiative that provides state funding to families who choose not to enroll their children in public school.

CRITICAL LEGAL DISTINCTION: If you participate in the ESA program, you are legally considered an “ESA student,” not a “homeschooler.”

• How to Apply: You apply through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
• The Contract: You must sign a contract with the state agreeing to provide instruction in the required subjects (Reading, Grammar, Math, Social Studies, and Science).
• Funding: You receive a portion of the state’s per-pupil funding (roughly $7,000–$9,000) to spend on approved educational expenses.
• No Affidavit: You must not file an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool if you are in the ESA program. If you already have one on file, you must withdraw it.
• Oversight: While you still choose your own curriculum, the state audits your ESA spending to ensure funds are used for legitimate educational purposes.

Record Keeping Recommendations

While Arizona law does not strictly mandate specific record-keeping for standard homeschoolers, it is highly recommended to maintain:

• A log of instructional days.
• Samples of student work (portfolios).
• Copies of any correspondence with the County Superintendent.
• High school transcripts (as the parent is the official diploma-issuing authority in Arizona homeschooling).

Withdrawing from Public School

If your child is currently enrolled in an Arizona public school, you should formally withdraw them before beginning your homeschool program. Follow the school’s withdrawal procedures and then file your Affidavit of Intent with the County Superintendent within 30 days.

Summary of Key Statutes

• A.R.S. § 15-802: Defines homeschooling and sets affidavit and subject requirements.
• A.R.S. § 15-745: Clarifies that homeschoolers are exempt from state testing.
• A.R.S. § 15-2401 – 15-2404: Governs the ESA program.