Ten Questions About Homeschooling in Arizona

Are you curious about homeschooling in Arizona? AFHE answers ten frequently asked questions about this parent-led, privately funded education option.

• Post author By Nancy Manos
• Post date March 17, 2020
• 16 Comments on Ten Questions About Homeschooling in Arizona

16 replies on “Ten Questions About Homeschooling in Arizona”

Ok so what if I want To reenroll my children once they reach jr high? What would be the process or obstacles that could happen.

Hello KaCee, That is a great question! Public schools retain the right to test incoming students and place them in the appropriate grade. Typically, schools just place students in the grade for their age and give support to those who need it through 8th grade. High school is different. Public schools do not accept homeschool credits for high school and will start all students as at 9th grade.

This was wonderful information nicely put together that answered a lot of my questions and made homeschooling not as intimidating. Thank you!

Thank you Desiree! We are so glad you found answers to your questions. If you ever have any other questions do not hesitate to email us at homeschool@afhe.org.

Thank you for sharing this info. I have struggled with deciding what we could do. Now I feel more confident that I could homeschool.

Lucinda,
We are so happy that you found encouragement! If you have any questions please email us at homeschool@afhe.org.

I found it helpful that you mentioned how homeschool courses can be adjusted in order to align with the particular needs of a child. My son has an especially difficult time when solving math problems, and I would like to find a way to help him focus on the areas that he struggles in so that he can get attend the college that his friends plan on going to. Maybe a homeschooling curriculum could help him better understand mathematics.

Will you have to send a new affidavit if you move to a different address? We are homeschooling and moving to Arizona this year. We will be renting a short term rental for two month while buying a home. Do we have to send a affidavit twice, for each location even if we just stay at the short term for less then two month?

Thanks so much for your question. If you move counties within Arizona, you will have to submit a new affidavit. However, if you move within the same county, the affidavit you file when you first arrive is all you will need to file. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to homeschool@afhe.org and welcome to Arizona!

Hello. I am planning to homeschool the remainder of the school year due to school closures. If our public schools are open in the fall we will re-enroll. Do I need to complete the paperwork for only 4-5 months?

Thanks for your question. Yes, per Arizona Revised Statutes 15-828, you shall, within thirty days after the home instruction begins, provide to the county school superintendent of the county in which the child resides an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool and a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate. If you decide to re-enroll in the other school in the fall, you will then notify the County Superintendent that you are withdrawing your student or students from homeschooling. You can see more on Arizona law, download the affidavit, and find the info for your County Superintendent here – https://www.afhe.org/az-law/

Can you pay someone to homeschool your child, or does it have to be a parent or guardian?

Thanks for your question. According to ARS 15-802, section G “2. “Homeschool” means a nonpublic school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian or other person who has custody of the child or nonpublic instruction provided in the child’s home.” This would allow for a parent to choose to have a privately paid tutor, independent study course, virtual education course that is provided outside the state of Arizona, etc as long as the majority of the instruction is provided within the child’s home. Many homeschool parents use a variety of tools to educate and supplement their student’s education especially as they approach and enter high school. The parent may feel comfortable teaching math and science, but feel that history is not their strong suit. At that point, they may “outsource” that portion of a student’s learning to another parent within a co-op environment, an independent study course, etc to ensure their student is getting the best education they can provide. If you are looking for a support group to help supplement your student’s learning, you can find one here, just click on your county and all the groups in your area will be listed. https://www.afhe.org/resources/support-groups/

We moved here from WA State, where my daughter was homeschooled, and intend to continue with her program here. She is 16 and a high school student. Do I need to submit an Affidavit for her if she was already homeschooled when we moved here?

Thanks for the question. Unless the program she will be continuing in is a virtual k-12 or virtual charter program from Arizona originally, you will need to submit the Affidavit here. The affidavit is the legal documentation requirement in Arizona to ensure that school aged students are receiving some form of education.