Homeschooling In Arizona: How We Did It
After moving from Northern Utah earlier this year (2007), we ended up in Southern Arizona where I was anxious to get back to homeschooling. I researched the laws and was mortified to learn that in addition to filing a form, I had to submit certified copies of each of the kids birth certificates.
Affidavits of Intent are required for children ages 6 to 16. Parents who do not wish their children to attend school until the age of eight must file an Affidavit of Intent with the county school superintendent stating that they do not desire to have the child attend school as required. The affidavit requires information like the child's legal name, date of birth, and the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the persons who currently have legal custody of the child.
Affidavits need only be filed once, within thirty days of the beginning of home instruction and must be notarized.
In addition to the affidavit, state law requires that every parent or legal guardian of a child instructed at home submit with their affidavit, either a certified copy of the pupil's birth certificate or other reliable proof of the pupil's identity and age. I began my homeschool career in California where we learn never to give
out your children's names to school officials. It's not required and only after they have it can they come after you for homeschooling. So the idea of providing an actual birth certificate was a bit disturbing.
I eventually calmed down and did the dirty work. Finding out that NOT submitting the paperwork and certificates could result in the charge of a petty offense encouraged me along a bit. I downloaded the affidavit from my local school districts website and filled it out. I sent it in along with my certified copies of the kids birth certificates.
I am awaiting my stamped copy of the affidavit which serves as proof that you have indeed filed the correct paperwork in order to legally homeshcool.
More work and information I have ever had to provide but I guess the bright side is that Arizona is not as strict as many other states.
If you need help obtaining or completing the homeschool affidavit, the Arizona Families of Home Education has detailed information on doing both.
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