Children under 6 years of age as of September 1st have no requirement.
Children who turn 6 before September 1st and are younger than 16 years of age are required to do the following:
- File an affidavit of intent to homeschool within 30 days. This only needs to be done the first year. (The affidavit of intent can be obtained by calling the Maricopa County School Superintendent at 602-506-3866 or download the form below.)
- The affidavit will include child’s name, date of birth, current address of school, and name, telephone, and address of parent.
- File the child’s original birth certificate within 30 days. (Request that the Superintendent’s office return the birth certificate.)
- Provide instruction in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
- Notify County School Superintendent within 30 days of terminating home school. Download the form below.
- Notify County School Superintendent if you move. Download the form below.
- If you do not wish to begin formal education until 8 years of age, note this on the home school affidavit.
Download Forms from Maricopa County School Superintendent
See this page to Get Started.
- Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool
- Homeschool Changes in Information
- Homeschool Withdrawal Form
(NOTE: This abbreviated summary was taken from a summary provided by AFHE and does not constitute a legal opinion. The Maricopa County School Superintendent’s web site lists all the relevant sections of Arizona law with an explanation.)
Questions and Answers
Why do parents homeschool their children?
Probably there are as many reasons for homeschooling as there are families homeschooling. The most common reasons include the following. Public schools do not effectively educate children today. Negative peer pressure at school contributes to a hostile learning environment. Public schools use teaching materials that conflict with a family’s beliefs and values. One-on-one tutoring is a more effective teaching and learning method than large group learning. Homeschooling is God’s will for their family. Homeschooling is less expensive than private schooling.
What qualifications do I need to have to teach my children?
A teaching degree is not necessary to teach your own children. You know your children better than anyone else. You also care about them more. Your most important qualifications, besides loving your children, are that you have an honest desire to help your children learn and are willing to make the effort to find resources that will make your homeschooling venture successful. (See Curriculum and Resources.) In particular instances, however, circumstantial, relational, or educational factors could make homeschooling very difficult. Only you can decide if homeschooling is right for your family.
Is homeschooling legal in Arizona?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Arizona. The state law requires that a parent file an affidavit of intent to homeschool with the County School Superintendent for each school age child.
Does homeschooling take a lot of time?
Homeschooling does require a time commitment. The time needed depends on your children’s ages and the number of children in your family. It also depends on the teaching methods and curriculum you use. Tutoring generally takes less time than classroom instruction.
How can I teach more than one child?
Some subjects lend themselves more readily to multi-level study than others. Bible, science, history, and perhaps even literature, may be taught to a group spanning several grade levels. Reading, grammar, and spelling may need to be taught separately. Older students can do much of their work independently. Include toddlers and babies in school activities, as much as possible. Otherwise, keep them busy with special toys or learning materials that are used only during school hours.
Will my child develop proper socialization skills?
Socialization skills are those required for one person to relate to another. These are skills that should be taught and modeled by an adult not other children who are also trying to learn these skills. Peer cooperation and team skills may need to be taught outside the homeschool environment. This can be accomplished through church activities, support group activities, and community sports or lessons.
Are homeschooled students accepted into college?
Homeschooled students have been accepted into colleges and have done well there. When surveyed, all the post-secondary schools in Arizona indicated that they accept homeschooled students. The requirements vary, however. Many colleges accept a student based on standardized test scores. A year or two at a community college will also provide an academic record. These schools usually have open enrollment, provided the student takes the school’s assessment tests. The GED can be taken, if needed for employment. For high school students, keep accurate records of books used and read, of skills learned, and of the method used for evaluation.
How do I get started homeschooling?
Talk to people who are homeschooling. Read books about how to do it. Many are in the local public libraries or the Veritas Homeschoolers library. Make your decision based on family discussions and prayer. Join a local support group and attend the Arizona Home Education Convention and Curriculum Fair held during the summer each year. See Books About Homeschooling on our Resources page.