How to start homeschooling in Arizona
Everything Arizona asks of a homeschool family, in order, from the state’s own sources, checked October 1, 2026. Each step links to a free tool that does it, and there’s a checklist to print at the end.
Step 0: choose how you’ll homeschool
Arizona gives families 2 legal ways to homeschool. Each has its own steps below. Choose one to see its steps.
Homeschool: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Parent files a one-time affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent and provides instruction in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science.
Required school ages in Arizona: 6 to 16 (a homeschool parent may file an affidavit to delay home instruction until age 8 if the child has not reached 8 by September 1). Teacher qualification for this option: No parent qualification requirement in A.R.S. 15-802.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Arizona also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: Within 30 days from the time the child begins to attend homeschool.
What it includes: Affidavit of intent filed with the county school superintendent stating the child is being provided instruction in a homeschool; includes child's name, date of birth, school address, and names, telephone numbers and addresses of the persons who currently have custody. Parent must notify the county school superintendent within 30 days after homeschooling ends.
Arizona names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Arizona doesn’t set a number of days or hours for this option.
No minimum number of days stated in A.R.S. 15-802. No minimum hours stated in A.R.S. 15-802.
Planning about 180 days, as schools do, gives the year a shape and makes a move to another state easier.
Cover the required subjects
Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science.
A.R.S. 15-802(A): every child 6-16 'shall be provided instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science.'
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
A.R.S. 15-802 contains no testing requirement for homeschool students.
Keep records anyway
Arizona doesn’t require records under this option.
Our suggestion: keep attendance, a reading log and a few work samples each year. A move to another state, a college, or a question from the district is much easier with them.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
A.R.S. 15-802 sets no graduation requirements for homeschools.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: Who issues a homeschool diploma is not addressed in the statute reviewed. Check these points with the state or your local school district before you rely on them; everything else above comes from the official sources listed.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Parent signs an annual ESA contract with the Department of Education and uses state-funded account money to educate the child; the signed agreement counts as school attendance under 15-802. Parents in the ESA must not also file a homeschool affidavit.
Required school ages in Arizona: 6 to 16 (a homeschool parent may file an affidavit to delay home instruction until age 8 if the child has not reached 8 by September 1). Teacher qualification for this option: None stated in A.R.S. 15-2402.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Arizona also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: Account must be renewed annually.
What it includes: Parent signs an ESA agreement with the Department of Education; must not file a homeschool affidavit of intent while in the ESA and must not enroll the child in a district or charter school.
Arizona names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Arizona doesn’t set a number of days or hours for this option.
No minimum days stated in A.R.S. 15-2402. No minimum hours stated in A.R.S. 15-2402.
Planning about 180 days, as schools do, gives the year a shape and makes a move to another state easier.
Cover the required subjects
Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science.
Parent agrees to use ESA monies 'to provide an education for the qualified student in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science.'
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
A.R.S. 15-2402 permits ESA funds for standardized tests but does not mandate testing.
Keep records anyway
Arizona doesn’t require records under this option.
ESA spending/receipt rules are set by the program; not reviewed here.
Our suggestion: keep attendance, a reading log and a few work samples each year. A move to another state, a college, or a question from the district is much easier with them.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
A.R.S. 15-2402 sets no diploma requirements.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: ESA record-keeping/expense rules (ESA Parent Handbook) not reviewed. Check these points with the state or your local school district before you rely on them; everything else above comes from the official sources listed.
Your Arizona checklist
Homeschool Corral · How to start homeschooling in Arizona · homeschoolcorral.com
- Read Arizona’s rules for “Homeschool”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (Within 30 days from the time the child begins to attend homeschool)
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start a simple attendance log and reading log
- Make a first-week plan and start
- Read Arizona’s rules for “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (Account must be renewed annually)
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start a simple attendance log and reading log
- Make a first-week plan and start
Questions Arizona parents ask
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Arizona?
Homeschool: Yes. When: Within 30 days from the time the child begins to attend homeschool. What to file: Affidavit of intent filed with the county school superintendent stating the child is being provided instruction in a homeschool; includes child's name, date of birth, school address, and names, telephone numbers and addresses of the persons who currently have custody. Parent must notify the county school superintendent within 30 days after homeschooling ends.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: Yes. When: Account must be renewed annually. What to file: Parent signs an ESA agreement with the Department of Education; must not file a homeschool affidavit of intent while in the ESA and must not enroll the child in a district or charter school.
How many days or hours do homeschoolers need in Arizona?
Homeschool: No minimum number of days stated in A.R.S. 15-802. No minimum hours stated in A.R.S. 15-802.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: No minimum days stated in A.R.S. 15-2402. No minimum hours stated in A.R.S. 15-2402.
Do homeschoolers have to take tests in Arizona?
Homeschool: No. A.R.S. 15-802 contains no testing requirement for homeschool students.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: No. A.R.S. 15-2402 permits ESA funds for standardized tests but does not mandate testing.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Arizona?
Homeschool: No parent qualification requirement in A.R.S. 15-802.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: None stated in A.R.S. 15-2402.
What subjects are required in Arizona?
Homeschool: Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science.
What records do I need to keep in Arizona?
Homeschool: Arizona doesn’t require records. Keeping attendance, a reading log and work samples is still wise.
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account: Arizona doesn’t require records. Keeping attendance, a reading log and work samples is still wise.
Keep going
This is a plain-English summary of the state’s official sources, checked on the date shown. It is not legal advice, and laws change. Read the linked official pages, and check with the state or your local school district if anything is unclear.
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