Homeschooling in Arizona
Choose between total freedom or state funding with the ESA
Arizona is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation. Parents have two primary, distinct pathways:
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
Yes
one-time
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Two main options: Affidavit (Traditional) or ESA (State Funded)
- No standardized testing required for either option
- ESA provides ~$7,000+ annually per student
- Affidavit is a one-time filing with the County School Superintendent
Legal Framework
Arizona homeschooling is governed by A.R.S. § 15-802. The ESA program operates under separate statutes managed by the Department of Education.
Find a homeschool co-op in Arizona
9 homeschool co-ops in Arizona, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in ArizonaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in Arizona
The Waldorf Map lists 6 schools and 1 co-op in Arizona, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Tucson Waldorf School, Tucson
- Acorn School Enrichment Program, Gilbert
- Arcadia Sky Community School, Tucson
- Desert Marigold School, Phoenix
Required Subjects
You must provide instruction in these subjects, but the specific curriculum is up to you.
Reading
Grammar
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Filing Requirements
What to file
Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool
When
Within 30 days of starting homeschool or child turning 6
Where
County School Superintendent (NOT the local district)
How to submit
In person or mail
What to include
- • Certified copy of child's birth certificate or other reliable proof of identity/age
This is a ONE-TIME filing. You do not need to re-file annually if you stay in the same county.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardized testing required.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Affidavit of Intent
Complete the notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool.
- •Download the form from your County School Superintendent's website
- •Notarize the document
- •Submit it to the County School Superintendent
Tip: You must include a certified copy of the child's birth certificate This is a one-time filing (unless you move counties)Within 30 days of starting or turning 6
- 2
Withdraw from Public School
If your child is currently enrolled, formally withdraw them to avoid truancy.
- •Contact the school registrar
- •Sign withdrawal forms
- •Request transcripts
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Maximum freedom
- ✓One-time filing
- ✓No financial reporting
- ✓No testing
Cons
- •No state funding
- •Parents pay for all materials
Help with the cost in Arizona
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)ESAArizona's ESA is one of the most flexible in the nation. Note: If you accept ESA funds, you may have additional reporting requirements. | ~$7,000+ per student (varies by grade, special needs status) | All Arizona students are eligible (universal as of 2022). | azed.gov/esa |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Arizona ESA for Homeschoolers: Complete 2026 Guide ($6,500-$8,000 Per Student)Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
Statutory homeschoolers (Affidavit filers) have GUARANTEED sports access under Arizona's Tim Tebow law. WARNING: ESA students are classified as 'private school students' and do NOT have guaranteed sports access - it is up to local district and AIA rules.
Questions about homeschooling in Arizona
Can I do both ESA and the Homeschool Affidavit?
No. You cannot be enrolled in the ESA program and file a Homeschool Affidavit at the same time. They are legally separate categories.
Do I have to take standardized tests?
No. Neither the Affidavit option nor the ESA option requires standardized testing in Arizona.
What can I buy with ESA funds?
Funds can be used for curriculum, textbooks, online programs, tutoring, therapy, testing fees, and even some technology. All purchases must be educational.
Get Arizona’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Arizona page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Arizona page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Arizona paperwork tools
Generate your Arizona notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · AZ homeschool law guide