Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Arizona?

Yes (for homeschool (affidavit of intent), the option most families use). You send notice to the county school superintendent for the county where you live, within 30 days after homeschooling begins. How often: once (file again only if you stop homeschooling and later resume). Signed affidavit of intent delivered to the county school superintendent (many counties provide their own affidavit form); certified mail with return receipt is a common way to keep proof.

What subjects do I have to teach in Arizona?

Arizona requires: Reading; Grammar; Mathematics; Social studies; Science.

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Arizona?

Copy of your filed affidavit and proof of delivery (recommended); Attendance and coursework records (recommended, not required).

How to homeschool in Arizona

Low regulationChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

Arizona families file a one-time affidavit of intent with their county school superintendent within 30 days of starting to homeschool, along with a copy of the child's birth certificate. You must teach reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science, but there is no testing, no required number of days, and no teacher qualification. Families using an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) sign an ESA contract instead of filing a homeschool affidavit.

Homeschooling in Arizona at a glance: notice of intent required (send to the county school superintendent for the county where you live); instruction time: not specified; 5 required subject areas; testing: none required.

Option 1: Homeschool (affidavit of intent)

The option most families use.

Homeschool (affidavit of intent) · A.R.S. §§ 15-802, 15-828(B)

A homeschool is a nonpublic school run primarily by the parent, guardian, or other person with custody, or nonpublic instruction in the child's home. You file one affidavit when you start and only file again if you stop and later resume.

Notice: Send to: the county school superintendent for the county where you live.
When: within 30 days after homeschooling begins.
How often: once (file again only if you stop homeschooling and later resume).
How: signed affidavit of intent delivered to the county school superintendent (many counties provide their own affidavit form); certified mail with return receipt is a common way to keep proof.
Instruction time: Not specified.
Required subjects: Reading, Grammar, Mathematics, Social studies, Science.
Records to keep: Copy of your filed affidavit and proof of delivery (recommended).
Attendance and coursework records (recommended, not required).
Testing / evaluation: None required.
Parent qualifications: None.
Also: Within 30 days after home instruction begins, give the county school superintendent a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, or other reliable proof of identity and age (such as a baptismal certificate, an application for a Social Security number, or original school registration records) with an affidavit explaining why the birth certificate is unavailable.
Notify the county school superintendent within 30 days if you stop homeschooling.
If your child is under 8 on September 1 and you do not want to begin formal instruction yet, you may file an affidavit stating that you do not desire to begin homeschool instruction until age 8.

What the notice must include

Child's name.
Child's date of birth.
Current address of the school the child is attending (your homeschool address).
Names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the people who currently have custody of the child.
Statement that the child is being provided with instruction in a homeschool.

Checklist

File the affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent: within 30 days of starting homeschooling (one time).
Provide a certified copy of the birth certificate (or other proof of age and identity): within 30 days of starting homeschooling.
Teach reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science: ongoing.
Notify the county superintendent that homeschooling has ended: within 30 days of stopping (file a new affidavit within 30 days if you resume).

Option 2: Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) · A.R.S. §§ 15-802(A), 15-2402

Instead of filing a homeschool affidavit, a parent may sign an ESA contract with the Arizona Department of Education to educate the child outside a school district or charter school using state-funded account money for approved expenses. ESA families must follow the program's contract and spending rules.

Notice: Send to: the Arizona Department of Education (ESA program).
When: when you apply and sign the ESA contract.
How often: per the ESA program's renewal rules.
How: ESA application and contract through the Department of Education; the Department sends the county superintendent a list of ESA students.
Required subjects: Reading, Grammar, Mathematics, Social studies, Science.

Checklist

Apply for an ESA and sign the ESA contract with the Department of Education: before using ESA funds.
Follow the ESA handbook's spending, reporting, and renewal rules: ongoing.

Leaving a public school

Arizona law does not set a withdrawal procedure. Notify the school in writing that your child is withdrawing to homeschool, and file your affidavit with the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting.

Common questions about homeschooling in Arizona

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Arizona?: Yes (for homeschool (affidavit of intent), the option most families use). You send notice to the county school superintendent for the county where you live, within 30 days after homeschooling begins. How often: once (file again only if you stop homeschooling and later resume). Signed affidavit of intent delivered to the county school superintendent (many counties provide their own affidavit form); certified mail with return receipt is a common way to keep proof.
What subjects do I have to teach in Arizona?: Arizona requires: Reading; Grammar; Mathematics; Social studies; Science.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Arizona require?: Not specified.
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Arizona?: None required.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Arizona?: None.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Arizona?: Copy of your filed affidavit and proof of delivery (recommended); Attendance and coursework records (recommended, not required).

Worth double-checking

Compulsory school age is 6 to 16.
Some county superintendents publish their own affidavit form; the statute only requires the listed contents. Check your county superintendent's website.
HSLDA advises filing a new affidavit if you move to a different county; the statute itself speaks only of termination and resumption. Notifying both counties when you move is the cautious approach.
ESA rules (eligibility, allowable expenses, renewals, any testing) are set by the ESA statute and the Department of Education's ESA handbook and change often; verify them with the Department of Education before relying on this summary.

Sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.