Is homeschooling legal in Arizona?
Yes, homeschooling is fully legal in Arizona. Homeschooling in Arizona takes one piece of paperwork, one time: a notarized affidavit to your county school superintendent. After that there are no renewals, no testing, and no check-ins. Here's exactly how to do it.
Arizona homeschool requirements at a glance
| Notice required | Yes, a one-time notarized affidavit of intent to your county school superintendent. |
|---|---|
| Required subjects | Yes, reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science. |
| Testing / assessment | No. |
| Recordkeeping | No formal mandate (keep your own; transcripts matter for high school). |
| Parent qualifications | None. |
Arizona homeschool law in detail
We link the governing law so you can read it yourself instead of taking our word for it. The governing law is A.R.S. 15-802 (School instruction; exceptions; home instruction).
Notice / letter of intent
File a one-time notarized affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent where you live, within 30 days of starting (or within 30 days of the child's 6th birthday if already taught at home). It includes the child's name and date of birth, current school address if any, and custodians' names/phones/addresses, plus a certified copy of the birth certificate. No required state form.
Required subjects
At least reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science (A.R.S. §15-802). No prescribed curriculum or method.
Required days or hours
None.
Recordkeeping
Not required to keep or submit logs, plans, or portfolios. Keep your own records, especially a high school transcript, you issue the diploma.
Testing and assessment
None, no testing, evaluation, or progress reporting after the affidavit.
Withdrawing from public school
File your affidavit with the county superintendent within 30 days of withdrawing/starting; also notify the current school in writing. If you later stop homeschooling or move counties, file a letter of termination within 30 days.
Good to know
Birth-certificate alternatives vary slightly by county, confirm with your county superintendent's office.
How to start homeschooling in Arizona
- Get a certified copy of your child's birth certificate (official, with the seal).
- Get the affidavit of intent, your county superintendent's form or any equivalent version.
- Have the affidavit notarized. Many county superintendent offices offer free notary service if you come in person.
- File it with your county school superintendent within 30 days of starting. Certified mail with return receipt gives you proof.
- Start teaching the five required subjects on your own schedule. No annual renewals, no check-ins.
File your notice
Arizona requires a notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool filed with your County School Superintendent within 30 days of starting, and the affidavit form is provided by each county superintendent rather than a single statewide form, so contact your own county if you do not live in Maricopa.
No login and no fee to file. If you need wording, our fill-in-the-blank letter template is just below.
Form links checked when we built this page.
Homeschool funding in Arizona
We're verifying Arizona's funding programs against official sources right now, dollar amounts and rules change yearly, and we'd rather be right than first. Check back soon.
Free Arizona Affidavit of Intent template
Fill-in-the-blank and ready to send. Free, no email required.
Download the free templateFind homeschool families near you in Arizona
Co-Op
- Branches North Valley · Phoenix Metro Area
Christ-centered homeschool co-op offering academic and enrichment classes, sports activities and clubs
Visit website - Christian Heritage Homeschool Co-op · Tucson
Christ-centered co-op offering educational support and community in Southeast Tucson
Visit website - Eastside Explorers · Phoenix Metro Area
Nonprofit group providing educational, social, networking and support opportunities for Arizona homeschooling families
Visit website - Encouragers Co-op · Tucson
Christian-based co-op with supplemental education classes located in Tucson metro-area
Visit website - Faith Homeschool Co-op · Tucson
Provides support and resources for homeschoolers
Visit website - Ignite Homeschool Ministries · Phoenix Metro Area
Nonprofit organization offering group tutoring classes, community events and leadership development for homeschoolers
Visit website - Summit View Homeschool Cooperative · Phoenix Metro Area
Secular, parent-run co-op, offering field trips, co-op classes, park days and more across the Phoenix metro area
Visit website - Valley Homeschool Co-op · Phoenix Metro Area
Collaborative, project-based, and hands-on enrichment classes for students from primary - high school
Visit website
Forest & Nature School
- Desert Sky Outdoor Co-op · Tempe, Phoenix Metro Area
Weekly group for outdoor-loving families of preschoolers, located in Tempe area
Visit website - Desert Star Community School · Sedona
Public, tuition-free charter school guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education, emphasizing connection with nature
Visit website - Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) · Phoenix Metro Area
100% outdoor, place-based program offering nature immersion experiences in the Phoenix area
Visit website - Gilbert Nature School · Gilbert, Phoenix Metro Area
Montessori-inspired, place-based outdoor education experiences promoting physical activity, mental wellness and academic growth
Visit website - Red Rock Wild Schooling · Sedona
Outdoor learning experience celebrating children's exploration of the world, integrating academics with nature-based activities
Visit website
Waldorf School
- Desert Marigold School · Phoenix Metro Area
K-12 public charter school nurturing intellectual, artistic and moral growth
Visit website - Lotus & Ivy · Phoenix
Virtual Waldorf-inspired K-8 school offering live online interactive classes for students in Phoenix and beyond
Visit website - Pine Forest Charter School · Flagstaff
Tuition-free public charter school serving K-8
Visit website - Tucson Waldorf School · Tucson
Offers parent-child classes and Pre-K-8 programs, emphasizing holistic education and community engagement
Visit website
Homeschooling in nearby states
Arizona homeschooling FAQ
Do I have to file the affidavit every year?
No. It's a one-time filing with no annual renewal, unless you stop homeschooling or move to a different county, in which case you file a termination or a new affidavit within 30 days.
Do I need to be a certified teacher or have a college degree?
No. Arizona has no parent qualification requirements at all.
Will my child have to take state tests?
No. Arizona requires no standardized testing or evaluation for homeschoolers.
What if I can't find my child's birth certificate?
You can submit other proof of identity and age, a baptismal certificate, an application for a Social Security number, or original school registration records, with a signed statement explaining why. Ask your county superintendent what they accept.
Do I have to teach on a specific schedule or for set hours?
No. Arizona sets no required days or hours. Cover the five required subjects in whatever rhythm fits your family.
How do I withdraw my child who is currently in public school?
File your notarized affidavit with the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting, and send the school a short written withdrawal notice so records update and absences stop.
Sources
- HSLDA, Arizona
- HSLDA, How to Comply with Arizona's Homeschool Law
- AFHE, Arizona Homeschool Law & Affidavit (A.R.S. §15-802)
- Maricopa County School Superintendent, Homeschool
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change, always confirm current requirements with your state's official sources before relying on them.