Guide to Homeschooling in Arizona

Resources

Arizona Homeschool Laws and Requirements

For more details regarding homeschool laws and requirements in Arizona, the Home School Legal Defense Association and Arizona Department of Education both provide specific information and resources to ensure you can legally homeschool your student in Arizona.

In 2022, Arizona added the Universal category to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program (ESA).

RECORD KEEPING

Arizona is a lenient state when it comes to homeschooling, which means parents are not required to keep records other than the affidavit information. It is a good idea, however, to maintain thorough records of each student’s homeschool education. Power Homeschool’s parent portal makes it easy to keep thorough records. Through an app, you can access progress reports, attendance records, and course work samples. We also recommend holding on to any immunization records, standardized test results, and any other pertinent information regarding each student’s education. Having these detailed records makes it eaiser when students finish high school and move on to college and trade schools or seek employment.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN ARIZONA

Homeschoolers are not required to participate in any form of standardized testing. Some parents, however, use standardized assessments to track their students’ progress and find potential holes in the curriculum. Arizona standardized assessments include the AzM2 and the AIMs Science Assessments. Students can also take nationwide tests, such as the ACT or PSAT.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN ARIZONA

Arizona does not outline any graduate requirements for homeschool students. Instead, you can establish the criteria for your student to graduate high school and their homeschool diploma. It is a good idea to establish requirements based on what your student plans to do after high school. If you and your student decide college is their next step, you must create a transcript with all the courses and subjects they studied throughout high school. Power Homeschool provides transcripts that parents can access and download through the app.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Arizona

Homeschoolers in Arizona have access to many different resources in Arizona. Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperatives (co-ops) all exist to help homeschoolers through advice, resources, events, and more. 

Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) is a statewide organization that promotes and works to preserve the freedom to homeschool in Arizona.

Although the AFHE is a faith-based association, memberships are open to all homeschoolers in the state. Membership perks include a resource packet, magazine subscription, graduation ceremony, and discounted admission to the Arizona Homeschool Convention, which is organized by the AFHE.In addition to homeschool associations, Arizona homeschoolers have many support groups and co-ops to join if they choose. Homeschool support groups allow parents to give and receive advice either on an online forum or through in-person meetings. Homeschool support groups are a great way for parents to connect and for students to meet peers and make friends. Several examples of homeschool support groups in Arizona include:

• • • Arizona East Valley Homeschoolers
    • Christian Homeschoolers of East Valley Arizona (C.H.E.V.A.)
    • Phoenix Homeschoolers (SW Valley)
    • White Mountain Arizona Hoemschoolers

On the other hand, homeschool co-ops have more of an academic focus and allow homeschool students to learn in group settings and develop skills, such as teamwork and communication. These groups are often volunteer-based, and parents take turns providing instruction to the group. Some co-ops are general, while others are focused on a particular subject or build lessons around religious teachings. Most homeschool support groups and co-ops can be found on Facebook or Google, so you are sure to find a group that aligns with your family’s needs.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

Northern Arizona

• • • Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff: Students can learn about the region’s history through fossil and artifacts exhibits, walking trails, and special events like the heritage festival. This field trip is a perfect way to learn about American history, indigenous tribes, and geological findings.
    • Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park in Widow Rock: Learn about animal and plant species that are native to the Navajo Nation and Southwest region of the U.S. This zoo offers free admissions, making it an affordable option for the whole family.
    • Hoover Dam: Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam offers tours and learning opportunities for students to learn about the building of the structure and to see various artifacts, photographs, and slides.

Central Arizona

• • • Arizona Science Center in Phoenix: With hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and plenty of special events, homeschoolers of all ages can learn about STEM-related subjects and see their studies come to life before their eyes.
    • Children’s Museum of Phoenix: A perfect spot for young learners, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers interactive exhibits, educational activities, and seasonal camps that allow students to explore their creative sides.
    • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Scottsdale: This field trip destination is the perfect spot for Arizona students to learn about the flora and fauna that are native to the region. The museum exhibits and experiences include gardens, live animal presentations, and a zoo full of animals.
    • Arizona Capital Museum in Phoenix: Learn about the state’s government and history by touring the state’s capital museum. The hands-on activities, historical artifacts, and education programs will make any social studies or state history lesson come to life.

Southern Arizona

• • • Biosphere 2 in Oracle: For a great addition to life and earth science units, the Biosphere 2 offers plenty of learning opportunities for K-12 students. By touring the unique facilities, students will learn about ecosystems, habits, life cycles, and much more.
    • Tucson Botanical Gardens in Tucson: Students can explore plants and nature while learning science, history, and culture at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Family Fun Day, summer camps, and other educational programs are available, as well.
    • Tucson Museum of Art in Tucson: With many different original and traveling exhibitions, this art museum features art from different time periods and cultures from around the globe. Tours, educational programs, and art schools are offered to visitors of all age groups.