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Home Schooling
Information for Homeschool Families
The following information is being provided to assist you in complying with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) regarding students instructed at home:
- Notification (ARS 15-802)
- Instruction & Curriculum
- Activities (ARS 15-802.01.A)
- Testing
- Apply to College
Notification to the School Superintendent (ARS Section 15-802)
An Affidavit of Intent (PDF) must be filed within 30 days of the beginning of home instruction. The signature on the affidavit must be notarized.
The parent or guardian of the child receiving home school instruction in Cochise County is required to provide one of the following to this office:
- A certified copy of the pupil's birth certificate
- Other reliable proof of the pupil's identity and age, including the pupil's baptismal certificate, an application for a social security number or original school registration records and an affidavit explaining the inability to provide a copy of the birth certificate
- A letter from the authorized representative of an agency having custody of the pupil pursuant to title 8, chapter 2 certifying that the pupil has been placed in the custody of the agency as prescribed by law
Our office must be notified within 30 days of the termination of home instruction. The Home School Withdrawal Form (PDF) may be used. This form may also be used for a change of address.
If you have any questions or require any further assistance, please email Cindy Morales, Homeschool Liaison or call 520-803-3380.
Instruction & Curriculum
The State of Arizona requires that children between the ages of 6 and 16 be instructed in the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, science, and social studies. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website has the standards for each of the subject areas listed.
Some useful websites for home school organizations and curriculum resources
The Cochise County School Superintendent has established a small home school library containing both new and used textbooks. These books are free of charge and no check-out is required. Our library is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm.
Participation in School Activities (ARS Section 15-802.01.A)
Notwithstanding any other law, a child who resides within the attendance area of a public school and who is instructed at home shall be allowed to try out for interscholastic activities on behalf of the public school in the same manner as a pupil who is enrolled in that public school. Registration, age, eligibility requirements, fees, insurance, transportation, physical condition, qualification, responsibilities, event schedules, standards of behavior and performance policies for homeschooled students shall be consistent with those policies established for students enrolled in that public school. The individual providing the primary instruction of a child who is instructed at home shall submit written verification that provides:
- Whether the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject being taught
- Whether the student is maintaining satisfactory progress towards advancement or promotion
Testing
ARS Section 15-745 does not require the testing of children who are homeschooled. You may wish to contact your local school district to inquire if they will accommodate your child during their testing periods.
A child who enrolls in a kindergarten program or grades one through twelve after receiving instruction in a home school program shall be tested pursuant to this article (ARS Section 15-745.B) in order to determine the appropriate grade level for the placement of the child.
How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler
Accredited Schools Online Website
In the guide, we cover the various elements that make up a college application and how homeschoolers should best approach them. There are details about specific scholarships and a ton of advice to help with the transition. We’ve also included information about how homeschoolers get on in college and what online colleges offer.
The guide explains schools by type and allows students to compare the features that matter most to them like support, accreditation, and format. The guide was developed to help families interested in homeschooling compare popular online programs by reading reviews from actual students and alumni, to determine what will work best for them.