Arizona is a vibrant state located in the southwestern region of the United States. Known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts to pine forests, Arizona offers residents a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In the realm of education, Arizona provides various options for students, including homeschooling programs. High School of America is a premier institution that offers an exceptional homeschooling program in the state.
Accredited by AdvancED, High School of America ensures that students receive a high-quality education. The school boasts a team of qualified teachers who provide guidance and support throughout the learning process.
With its comprehensive curriculum and dedicated faculty, High School of America is an excellent choice for Arizona students seeking a flexible and rigorous homeschooling experience.
Contact us today to learn more about our Arizona homeschooling online programs!
Homeschooling Laws in Arizona
To start legally homeschooling in Arizona, you must complete and submit a notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool to the county school superintendent. This affidavit must be filed within 30 days of commencing homeschooling or 30 days after your child’s 6th birthday if you intend to start homeschooling before they reach the age of 6.
Arizona grants parents the flexibility to postpone the start of formal education until their child reaches the age of 8, and this choice can be indicated in the affidavit. By including this decision, parents can delay the commencement of structured education until their child reaches 8 years old.
The following are the components of the notarized affidavit for every homeschool student:
- The student’s name, current address, and date of birth
- The parent or legal guardian’s name, address, and telephone
- Proof of birth for every student that is homeschooled
The affidavit is usually submitted once for the whole homeschooling duration. The only exemption is when a homeschooling family shifts from one county in Arizona to another, requiring them to submit a new affidavit to a new dwelling county.
Changing from Public School to Homeschool in Arizona
If your child has been attending a public or private school before transitioning to homeschooling in Arizona, it is recommended to withdraw them from the school formally.
While it is not a legal requirement for homeschooling in Arizona, doing so can help avoid potential truancy inquiries.
You can accomplish this by sending an email or letter to the school’s principal, counselor, and attendance clerk, notifying them of your decision to withdraw your child and providing the date when your homeschooling will begin or has already begun.
During homeschooling, children in Arizona are still allowed to participate in school-based interscholastic activities as long as they reside within the attendance area of a public school.
This means that even though they are not physically enrolled in a traditional school, they can still engage in certain extracurricular activities offered by the local public school.
Required Courses
Arizona has state-mandated subjects that homeschooling parents must teach.
Grades 9-12
The following are mandatory courses for high school students under home education:
- Reading
- Grammar
- Social Studies
- Science
- Math
School Attendance Requirements
The state’s attendance requirements apply to learners aged between 6 and 16 or completing grade 10, whichever comes first. Homeschooling parents or legal guardians can file an affidavit to the county superintendent of schools affirming that their children won’t start homeschooling until they attain 8 years.
Class Attendance Requirements
Homeschooling laws do not state the minimum number of class attendance days. There is no requirement for attendance tracking.
Annual Assessment
Arizona homeschooling laws do not mandate the participation of homeschooled students in any standardized tests. However, some parents utilize assessments to track the progress of their students and determine areas of the curriculum that require improvement.
Record Keeping
The homeschooling law in Arizona doesn’t require parents to keep records apart from the affidavit information. However, parents need to maintain detailed records of each student. The records should include the following:
- Any standardized test scores
- Attendance records
- Curriculum information
- Notarized affidavits
- Samples of homeschoolers’ work
- School district correspondence
- Learner birth certificates
Graduation Requirements
The state doesn’t mandate any graduation requirement for homeschoolers. Parents can set criteria for their students to get their homeschool diplomas and graduate high school. If the student wants to attend college, you must create a transcript with all their high school subjects and courses.
Special Education Provisions
The state doesn’t have additional requirements for parents who want to homeschool their special needs students. The local school district might decide to offer special education services to interested homeschoolers.
Changing to Public School after Homeschooling
If you decide to end your home education in Arizona, you should first inform the County School Superintendent within 30 days of terminating your homeschooling program.
It is advisable to do this in written form. Once you enroll your child in a public school, they may assess your child’s academic level to determine the appropriate grade placement.
Public high schools in Arizona generally don’t recognize homeschool credits towards an accredited diploma issued by the school. Therefore, if your child completes homeschooling during high school and graduates from a public school, they will likely need to provide two separate transcripts when applying to college—one from the public school and another from their homeschooling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Homeschooling Online
What is the legal definition of homeschooling in Arizona?
In Arizona, homeschooling is defined as a form of nonpublic education where a parent, guardian, or custodian primarily conducts the educational instruction for a child in their home.
I want to homeschool my child in Arizona. What are the steps I need to take?
If you wish to homeschool your child in Arizona, you are required to register them with the County School Superintendent’s office within 30 days after withdrawing them from a public or private school or upon relocating to Cochise County.
To register, you must complete, sign, and have notarized an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool. You must provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate along with the affidavit.
You can obtain the necessary documents and a resource information packet from the County School Superintendent’s office. A small homeschool library is also available for parents who want to borrow textbooks.
When was homeschooling legalized in Arizona?
Arizona passed its original homeschool law in 1982, establishing the state’s legal recognition and framework for homeschooling.
Are homeschooled students allowed to participate in sports in Arizona?
Yes, homeschooled students in Arizona can participate in interscholastic activities, including sports, in a manner similar to public school students. Parents must provide evidence of their child’s satisfactory academic progress to do so. This provision is specified in Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-802.01.
How to Do It
Homeschooling in Arizona can provide flexibility and personalized education for your family. If you’re interested in homeschooling online, here’s how to do it:
- Familiarize Yourself with Arizona Homeschool Laws: Before beginning homeschooling, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements in Arizona. Familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations, which may include submitting an affidavit of intent and fulfilling certain subject requirements.
- Submit the Affidavit of Intent: Within 30 days of starting homeschooling, submit a notarized affidavit of intent to homeschool to the county school superintendent’s office. This document indicates your intention to educate your child at home. Contact your county’s superintendent’s office to obtain the necessary forms and guidelines for submission.
- Choose a Curriculum: Selecting a curriculum is an important step in homeschooling. Research and explore online homeschooling curricula that align with your educational goals and values. Ensure that your chosen curriculum covers the core subjects, including reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. Look for curricula that offer online resources, interactive lessons, and assessments to support your online homeschooling journey.
- Set Up an Online Learning Environment: Create a dedicated online learning environment for your homeschooling activities. Set up a designated space with a computer or laptop, reliable internet access, and any necessary educational software or online platforms. Organize learning materials, books, and supplies to facilitate a productive and comfortable learning environment.
- Establish a Schedule and Routine: Develop a daily or weekly schedule for homeschooling. Decide the most suitable time for online learning sessions and plan breaks for rest and physical activity. Consistency and structure will help establish a routine and maintain focus during homeschooling.
- Engage in Online Learning: Utilize the chosen curriculum’s online resources and materials for instruction. Engage your child in interactive lessons, educational videos, virtual labs, and online assessments. Provide guidance and support throughout the learning process, offering explanations and answering questions as needed. Explore online educational platforms, virtual field trips, and digital libraries to enhance the learning experience.
- Supplement with Enrichment Activities: In addition to the core curriculum, incorporate enrichment activities to broaden your child’s educational experience. Explore virtual museums, online educational programs, educational games, and community resources that align with your child’s interests and abilities. Encourage hands-on activities, experiments, and projects to make learning engaging and interactive.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Arizona
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the estimated number of home-educated students in Arizona as of 2022 was 35,179. This number has been increasing steadily over the past few years as more and more parents are choosing to homeschool their children for various reasons.
Some of the most common reasons why parents opt to homeschool their children include dissatisfaction with the public school system, a desire to provide more religious or moral education, and a belief that homeschooling can provide a more customized and individualized learning experience for their child.
Whatever the reason, it is clear that the population of homeschooled students in Arizona is growing and is likely to continue to do so in the future.
Benefits of Arizona Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online can offer many benefits for families in Arizona. Here are some of the key advantages of Arizona homeschooling online:
- Flexibility: Online homeschooling provides families with the flexibility to set their own schedule and pace for learning. This means that students can work at their own pace, and parents can adjust the schedule to meet the needs of their families.
- Personalized Learning: Online homeschooling allows for personalized learning, where students can focus on their strengths and interests and work at a pace that is best for them. This can lead to greater engagement and better outcomes.
- Customizable Curriculum: Online homeschooling also provides families with the ability to choose a curriculum that aligns with their values and goals for their child’s education. This means that families can tailor their child’s education to their specific needs and interests.
- Access to Resources: Online homeschooling provides families with access to a wide range of resources, including online libraries, virtual field trips, and interactive learning tools. This can help enrich the learning experience and make it more engaging for students.
- Safe and Secure Learning Environment: Homeschooling online can also provide a safe and secure learning environment where students are not exposed to negative influences or unsafe situations that can occur in traditional school settings, such as bullying.
Conclusion
Homeschooling online in Arizona offers a viable educational alternative for families seeking flexibility and individualized instruction. Arizona homeschooling laws provide the necessary legal framework for parents to educate their children at home, ensuring a supportive environment for learning.
With technological advancements, online homeschooling programs have become increasingly accessible and effective, enabling students to access quality education from the comfort of their homes.
However, it is essential to carefully consider the unique needs and circumstances of each student and family before embarking on the homeschooling journey.