According to recent news, homeschooling has seen a major increase in Arizona and the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2020, over a thousand families reported that they would be homeschooling their children. Arizona state law defines homeschooling as a nonpublic school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian, or other person who has custody of the child, or nonpublic instruction provided in the child’s home. Arizona is a popular state for homeschoolers because of the amount of freedom offered, but also because of the resources available. To comply with Arizona’s homeschool law, the parent or guardian must file a one-time affidavit of intent to homeschool with the county school superintendent within 30 days after beginning to homeschool in the county. However, there is not much past that, that you have to do in the state. In this blog post, we will explore the homeschooling landscape in Arizona, including the legal requirements, resources available to families, and the experiences of homeschooling parents and students.
Homeschooling Landscape in Arizona
According to the Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) website, Arizona Revised Statutes §15-802.01 states that homeschooled children who reside within the attendance area of a public school shall be allowed to try out for interscholastic activities, such as sports, on behalf of the public school in the same manner as a pupil who is enrolled in that school. In addition to being able to participate in these sports, homeschoolers are also eligible for up to $6,500 of state-funded homeschool grants. Arizona is the first state to do this.
These grants can be spent on a variety of school supplies, curriculums, co-ops, and classes.
Homeschool Regulations in Arizona
In Arizona, parents of homeschooled students ages 6-16 are required to file a notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool with the County School Superintendent within 30 days of starting to homeschool in the county or within 30 days following the child’s 6th birthday for children who have been homeschooled prior to age 6. The state requires homeschoolers to teach state-mandated subjects but does not require any specific qualifications for the teacher. There is no assessment requirement, and neither are there any immunization requirements. Homeschooling regulations in Arizona are considered be low.
If you are wondering which subjects you have to teach in Arizona, then I will list them below. However they are all pretty basic:
- Reading
- Grammar
- Mathematics
- Social studies
- Science
In addition, the parent may choose to include additional subjects such as music, art, and physical education.
The Homeschooling Experience in Arizona
Homeschooling in Arizona is a popular choice for families due to the state’s relatively low regulation and the freedom it provides. Parents have the freedom to choose their own curriculum, teaching methods, and schedules.
Arizona homeschoolers have access to a variety of resources and support groups, including the Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE), which hosts an annual homeschool convention and provides information and resources for homeschooling families. There are also many co-ops, online classes, and extracurricular activities available for homeschoolers in Arizona.
Homeschooling in Arizona can provide a flexible and customizable education for students, but it is important for parents to do their research and comply with state regulations.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for a state that is friendly to homeschoolers, then Arizona is an option. It has plenty of resources for homeschooling parents and students, plus it’s easy to get started, and you don’t have many regulations. But don’t stop here. Check out the top five easiest states to homeschool in.
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