How to Homeschool in Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

Want to learn how to homeschool in Arizona? Fortunately, you picked a great state. Indeed, Arizona has some of the easiest homeschool laws in the country. Essentially, just one form to file. No testing. No reports. No hassle. Consequently, parents love the freedom here.

This guide shows you how to homeschool in Arizona step by step. Specifically, we cover the paperwork, what subjects to teach, and helpful programs for your family. As a result, by the end, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Arizona Homeschool Laws at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Legal Status	Legal with very little oversight
Notification	File affidavit within 30 days
Parent Qualifications	None needed
Subjects Required	Reading, grammar, math, social studies, science
Testing	Not required
Record Keeping	Not required
Compulsory Ages	6 to 16 years old

Why Arizona Is Great for Homeschooling

Indeed, Arizona ranks as one of the best states for homeschool families. Essentially, the state trusts parents to teach their kids. Below, here’s why families love it:

• First, Low rules – File one form, then you’re done
• Also, No testing – You track progress your own way
• Additionally, No set hours – Make a schedule that fits your life
• Moreover, No degree needed – Any parent can teach
• Furthermore, ESA money – Get funds to pay for books and classes
• Similarly, Sports access – Your child can play on school teams
• Finally, Great groups – Many co-ops and clubs across the state

How to Homeschool in Arizona: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: File Your Affidavit

First, this is your only required form. Specifically, file an Affidavit of Intent with your county within 30 days of starting to homeschool.

Essentially, the affidavit tells the county you’re teaching at home. Importantly, it must be signed in front of a notary.

Below, here’s what to include on the form:

• First, your name and address
• Also, your child’s name and age
• Finally, proof of identity (like a birth certificate)

Fortunately, you only file once. Therefore, you don’t need to file again each year. Simply keep a copy for your records.

Step 2: Get the Form

Next, your county office has the form. Alternatively, you can also get it from the AFHE website. However, use the form from your county to be safe.

Step 3: Get It Notarized

Then, take the form to a notary. Basically, they watch you sign it. After that, they stamp it. Below are places to find a notary:

• First, Banks – Often free if you have an account
• Also, UPS Stores – About $5 to $10
• Additionally, Some libraries – Call ahead to check
• Finally, Mobile notaries – They come to you

Step 4: Send It to Your County

Afterward, mail or drop off the form at your County School Superintendent’s office. Also, keep a copy at home.

Fortunately, most counties just file it. Indeed, no one checks up on you. Remember, filing is just a notice, not a request for permission.

Step 5: Pick Curriculum and Start

Finally, that’s all the paperwork! Now choose your books and begin teaching. Essentially, Arizona gives you full control over what you teach and how you teach it.

Required Subjects in Arizona

According to State law, you must teach these five subjects:

• First, Reading
• Also, Grammar
• Additionally, Math
• Furthermore, Social Studies
• Finally, Science

Fortunately, you pick how to teach them. For example, buy a boxed set. Alternatively, use library books. Similarly, join a co-op. Also, mix different programs. Ultimately, it’s up to you.

Moreover, many families also teach art, music, and PE. Indeed, these aren’t required but are easy to add and make learning fun.

Curriculum Options

Fortunately, Arizona doesn’t approve or review what you use. As a result, you have many choices:

• First, All-in-one programs – One company for all subjects
• Also, Mix and match – Pick the best from many sources
• Additionally, Online schools – Video lessons and grading help
• Furthermore, Classical approach – Great books and Latin
• Similarly, Charlotte Mason – Living books and nature study
• Finally, Unschooling – Child-led learning

Notably, many Arizona families use Rainbow Resource or curriculum fairs to find materials. Indeed, the AFHE convention is a great place to browse options. Additionally, you can also find used curriculum through local co-op sales and Facebook marketplace groups.

Testing Is Optional

Importantly, Arizona does not make you test your kids. Specifically, you don’t have to:

• First, give any state tests
• Also, send scores to anyone
• Finally, get your child evaluated

However, some families test anyway. Indeed, it helps track progress and identify areas that need more work. Nevertheless, it’s your choice. Fortunately, the state won’t ask for results.

Record Keeping Is Optional

Technically, the state doesn’t require attendance logs or grades. However, keeping basic records is smart. Below, here’s why:

• First, College apps – Schools want to see transcripts
• Also, Moving – Other states may need records
• Additionally, Planning – Helps you see what works
• Finally, Peace of mind – Proof if questions come up

Essentially, keep it simple. Indeed, a list of books used and samples of work is enough for most needs.

Arizona ESA Program: Get Money for School

Notably, Arizona has the ESA program. Essentially, it gives families money to pay for education. Indeed, this is one of the best school choice programs in the country.

What Is ESA?

Basically, ESA stands for Empowerment Scholarship Account. Specifically, the state puts money in an account for you. Then, you use it to pay for school stuff like books, classes, tutors, and online courses.

How Much Money?

Typically, most families get between $7,000 and $8,000 per year per child. Furthermore, kids with special needs may get more.

Generally, the money comes in four payments each year. Importantly, you spend it on approved items and keep receipts for everything.

Who Can Get ESA?

Fortunately, since 2022, all Arizona K-12 students can get ESA. Therefore, your child doesn’t need to have gone to public school first. As a result, new homeschoolers can apply right away.

What Can ESA Pay For?

Importantly, ESA funds cover many education costs:

• First, curriculum and textbooks
• Also, online courses and tutoring
• Additionally, therapy for special needs
• Furthermore, private school tuition
• Moreover, educational supplies
• Finally, some technology costs

ESA vs. Traditional Homeschool

Importantly, this is key: ESA students are not homeschoolers under state law. Specifically, if you take ESA money, you:

• First, don’t file the homeschool affidavit
• Instead, follow ESA rules instead
• Also, track every dollar you spend
• Finally, send reports each quarter

Consequently, many families think hard about this choice. Essentially, regular homeschool means total freedom. However, ESA means money but more paperwork. Fortunately, both work well. Ultimately, pick what fits your family.

Sports and School Activities

Your Child Can Play Sports

Fortunately, Arizona law lets homeschoolers try out for public school teams. However, your child must:

• First, live in the school’s area
• Also, follow the same rules as other students
• Finally, go to practice and games

Importantly, this includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and all other sports. Simply call the school’s sports office to learn about tryouts.

Part-Time Classes

Additionally, some schools let homeschoolers take one or two classes. Specifically, this is great for things like:

• First, science labs
• Also, band or choir
• Additionally, foreign languages
• Finally, hard math classes

However, not all schools offer this. Therefore, call your local district to ask about availability.

Tips for New Arizona Homeschoolers

Just starting out? Below, these tips will help you succeed:

• First, Start simple – Don’t buy too much at first
• Also, Find a group – Other families share great advice
• Additionally, Be patient – The first months are hard for everyone
• Furthermore, Go on field trips – Arizona has great outdoor learning
• Moreover, Look online – Facebook groups are very active
• Similarly, Try free samples – Many companies let you test curriculum
• Finally, Use the library – Free books and resources abound

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unfortunately, new homeschoolers often make these errors:

• First, Buying too much – Instead, start with basics and add later
• Also, Copying school – Remember, home learning is different, embrace it
• Additionally, No breaks – Indeed, kids need time to play and rest
• Furthermore, Going alone – Instead, join a group for support
• Moreover, Rushing – Instead, take time to find what works
• Finally, Comparing – Remember, every family’s path is different

Ultimately, give yourself grace. Indeed, most families hit their stride after a few months.

Arizona Homeschool Resources

Top Organizations

• First, HSLDA Arizona – Legal help and info
• Also, AFHE – Biggest state group, holds yearly events
• Finally, Arizona DOE ESA Page – Official ESA info

Groups by Area

Fortunately, homeschool groups are all over the state:

• First, Phoenix area: Many co-ops and clubs to choose from
• Also, Tucson: Growing fast with lots of options
• Additionally, Northern AZ: Groups in Flagstaff and Prescott
• Furthermore, East Valley: Options in Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler
• Finally, West Valley: Groups in Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise

Special Cases

Leaving Public School

Specifically, to pull your child from public school:

1. First, file your affidavit with the county (within 30 days)
2. Then, tell the school in writing that you’re leaving
3. Finally, ask for copies of your child’s records

Fortunately, you can leave at any time. Indeed, no waiting period needed. Actually, some families start mid-year with no issues.

High School and Diplomas

Essentially, you give your own diploma. Indeed, the state doesn’t make one for you. Specifically, for college, you’ll need:

• First, a transcript of courses and grades
• Also, SAT or ACT scores
• Additionally, a portfolio of your child’s best work
• Finally, descriptions of harder courses

Fortunately, ASU, NAU, and U of A all accept homeschool students. Indeed, each has a path for home-educated applicants. Similarly, community colleges also welcome homeschoolers with open enrollment policies.

Moving to Arizona

Specifically, if you’re moving from another state:

1. First, file the affidavit within 30 days of starting
2. Also, bring your old records (helpful but not required)
3. Finally, find local groups to connect with

Fortunately, Arizona’s easy rules make moving in simple. Indeed, many families find it a relief after stricter states.

Teaching Multiple Children

Notably, homeschooling several children at once is common in Arizona. Essentially, you file one affidavit listing all your school-age children. Fortunately, many families combine subjects like history and science for different ages. Similarly, younger children often learn by listening to older siblings’ lessons. As a result, this approach saves time and builds family connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Arizona?

No, you don’t. Indeed, Arizona has no rules about parent education. Therefore, any parent can homeschool their children.

How many hours per day must I teach?

Fortunately, Arizona sets no minimum. Basically, teach as much or as little as works for you. Ultimately, make your own schedule.

Do I have to test my kids?

No, you don’t. Indeed, testing is optional. However, many families test to track progress, but you don’t have to.

Can my child play school sports?

Yes, they can! Indeed, Arizona law allows this. However, your child must live in the school’s area and follow team rules.

What age do I need to start homeschooling?

Essentially, compulsory education in Arizona begins at age 6. Therefore, you can teach younger children without any paperwork required.

Other State Guides

Looking at other states? Below, check these guides:

• First, How to Homeschool in Texas – Another easy state with no forms
• Also, How to Homeschool in California – Several ways to homeschool legally
• Additionally, How to Homeschool in Florida – Simple notice with yearly check-ins
• Finally, How to Homeschool in New York – More rules with quarterly reports

Start Homeschooling in Arizona Today

In conclusion, Arizona makes it easy. Simply file one form. Then, teach five subjects. Essentially, that’s it for legal requirements.

Below, here’s what to do next: First, get the affidavit form from your county or AFHE. Then, take it to a notary. After that, mail it to your County School Superintendent. Finally, start picking out curriculum and finding local groups to join.

Indeed, thousands of Arizona families homeschool every year. Fortunately, with few rules and lots of freedom, you can focus on what matters most – giving your children a great education tailored to their unique needs and interests.

For the latest legal info, visit HSLDA Arizona or AFHE.