Co-op
Homeschool Yo Kids Co-op
Phoenix, Arizona
3 members
Homeschooling in Arizona
Everything you need to homeschool in Arizona: affidavit filing, required subjects, the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), and public school sports access.
By Famlo·Verified March 2026
At a Glance
Arizona homeschool law overview
- Compulsory Ages
- 6-16
- Notification Required
- Affidavit of Intent to county superintendent within 30 days
- Teacher Qualifications
- None required
- Required Subjects
- Reading, grammar, math, social studies, science
- Standardized Testing
- Not required
- State Funding
- ESA: ~$7,000-$8,000/year (universal eligibility)
Important Notice
This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local school district or consult a qualified attorney.
Requirements
What you need to know to start homeschooling in Arizona
Compulsory Attendance Ages
Arizona requires school attendance for children ages 6 through 16 under A.R.S. 15-802. If your child is under 6 or has turned 16, there is no legal obligation to provide formal instruction, though many families do anyway.
Filing an Affidavit of Intent
To legally homeschool in Arizona, you must file an Affidavit of Intent with the county school superintendent in the county where you live. This is your official notification to the state that you are homeschooling. Here is what you need to know:
- Deadline: File within 30 days of beginning homeschool instruction.
- Required Information: The affidavit must include the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the persons who currently have custody of the child.
- One-time filing: You file once when you begin homeschooling. You do not need to refile annually unless your address or county changes.
- Termination notice: If you stop homeschooling, you must notify the county superintendent within 30 days.
- Penalty: Failure to file the affidavit is classified as a petty offense under Arizona law.
Required Subjects
Arizona is one of the states that does mandate certain subjects. Under A.R.S. 15-802, you must provide instruction in:
- Reading
- Grammar
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
However, the state does not prescribe specific curricula, textbooks, or teaching methods. You have complete freedom in how you teach these subjects and what additional subjects you include.
Teacher Qualifications
Arizona imposes no teacher qualifications on homeschooling parents. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific educational background to homeschool your children.
Attendance and Scheduling
Arizona law does not specify a minimum number of school days or hours for homeschooled students. You are free to set your own schedule, year-round or traditional, as long as you are providing instruction in the required subjects.
Withdrawing from Public School
If your child is currently in a public or private school, file the Affidavit of Intent with your county superintendent and then notify the school of your child's withdrawal. Keep copies of all paperwork. Note that students who were previously enrolled in school are ineligible for interscholastic activities for the remainder of the school year in which they were enrolled.
Evaluations
Annual evaluation and assessment options
No State-Mandated Testing
Arizona does not require standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or any form of assessment for homeschooled students. There are no annual evaluations, no progress reports to file, and no testing benchmarks to meet. This makes Arizona one of the most hands-off states in the country when it comes to homeschool oversight.
Voluntary Assessment Options
Even though testing is not required, many Arizona homeschool families choose to assess their children voluntarily. Popular options include:
- Nationally normed standardized tests such as the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), or the California Achievement Test (CAT).
- Portfolio reviews where a certified teacher or experienced homeschool evaluator reviews samples of student work.
- College entrance exams such as the SAT, ACT, or CLT for high school students preparing for college admission.
Record-Keeping Recommendations
While Arizona does not mandate specific record-keeping, maintaining thorough records is strongly recommended. Keep attendance logs, curriculum descriptions, samples of student work, and any test results. These records are invaluable when applying to colleges, transferring to traditional schools, or if you are ever questioned about your homeschool program.
Financial Resources
Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
Arizona offers one of the most generous homeschool funding programs in the nation through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), established under A.R.S. 15-2401 et seq. Since 2022, the program has been open to all Arizona K-12 students -- universal eligibility, no income limits.
- Average Award: Approximately $7,000-$8,000 per student for the 2025-2026 school year, funded at 90% of the state's per-pupil base funding.
- Students with Disabilities: May qualify for higher funding amounts based on documented needs.
- Eligible Expenses: Private school tuition, curriculum, textbooks, educational supplies, tutoring, educational therapies, online courses, and more.
- Important Note: ESA students are not classified as homeschool students under Arizona law. If you accept ESA funds, you do not need to file a homeschool affidavit, but you are subject to ESA program rules instead.
529 Plan Withdrawals
Starting in 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 per year in withdrawals from 529 education savings accounts for qualified K-12 expenses, including books, tutoring, SAT/ACT fees, and curriculum materials. Arizona's own 529 plan offers state tax deductions for contributions.
Federal Coverdell ESA
All families may contribute up to $2,000 per year per child to a federal Coverdell Education Savings Account. Funds grow tax-free and can be used for K-12 educational expenses.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
The federal tax credit program enacted in 2025 provides a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 for donations to certified scholarship-granting organizations, which can then fund K-12 scholarships for students.
Explore Arizona Homeschooling
More resources for your homeschool journey
Cities in Arizona
Browse homeschool activity by city
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about homeschooling in Arizona
What are the homeschool requirements in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. 15-802, you must: (1) File an Affidavit of Intent with your county school superintendent within 30 days of beginning homeschool; (2) Provide instruction in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. There are no teacher qualifications, no standardized testing, no minimum hours or days, and no curriculum approval required. The affidavit is a one-time filing — you do not need to refile annually unless you change counties.
How do I start homeschooling in Arizona?
File an Affidavit of Intent with the county school superintendent where you reside. You can typically find the form on your county superintendent's website. If your child is currently enrolled in school, also submit a withdrawal notice to the school. There is no waiting period or approval process — you can begin instruction immediately. The affidavit simply notifies the county; it does not request permission.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Arizona?
Arizona requires instruction in five subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. However, the state does not prescribe specific curricula, textbooks, or teaching methods. You have complete freedom in how you teach these subjects and what additional subjects you include. There is no curriculum approval or reporting requirement.
Do homeschool kids have to take state tests in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not require any standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or academic assessments for homeschooled students. You may test voluntarily using the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or other nationally normed tests to track progress. Note: if your child receives ESA funding, annual testing is required under the ESA program rules.
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Arizona?
No. Arizona imposes no teacher qualifications on homeschooling parents. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, high school diploma, or any specific educational background to homeschool your children.
Can homeschoolers play public school sports in Arizona?
Yes. Under A.R.S. 15-802.01, homeschool students who reside in a public school's attendance area may try out for interscholastic activities on the same basis as enrolled students. They must meet the same eligibility, behavior, and performance requirements. Note that students who withdrew from public school during the current year may be ineligible for the remainder of that school year.
Do you get paid to homeschool in Arizona?
Arizona offers one of the most generous education funding programs in the nation through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). All Arizona K-12 students are eligible for approximately $7,000-$8,000 per year to spend on curriculum, textbooks, tutoring, online courses, and other qualified expenses. Important: ESA students are not classified as homeschoolers under state law — they follow ESA program rules instead of the homeschool affidavit process.
What is the difference between homeschooling and using an ESA in Arizona?
Homeschooling requires filing an Affidavit of Intent, teaching five required subjects, but gives you complete independence with no testing or oversight. ESA students receive state funding (~$7,000-$8,000/year) but are subject to ESA program rules, approved spending categories, and annual standardized testing. ESA students are not classified as homeschoolers under Arizona law. Many families weigh the trade-off between independence and funding.
Is Arizona homeschool friendly?
Yes. Arizona is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. Requirements are minimal (one-time affidavit, five required subjects, no testing), there are no teacher qualifications, and homeschoolers have guaranteed access to public school sports. The ESA program provides substantial funding for families who want it, and Arizona has a large homeschool community with co-ops and support groups statewide.