After moving from Northern Utah to Southern Arizona in April of 2007, we were was anxious to get back to homeschooling. I researched the laws and was mortified to learn that in addition to filing a form with the district, I had to submit certified copies of each of the kids birth certificates. Ackk!
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 truancy. So the idea of providing an actual birth certificate was a bit disturbing.
However….
After finding out that NOT submitting the paperwork and certificates could result in the charge of a petty offense, I downloaded the affidavit online and filled it out. I then sent it in along with my certified copies of the kids birth certificates.
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. 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.
UPDATE: I never did receive my copy of the affidavit in the mail. I called the office and they said they did indeed have record of me filing it and that my kids were registered as homeschoolers. They said they had mailed me a copy. Apparently it is forever lost somewhere in the mail.
If you live in Pima County, Arizona like we did, you can visit The Office of the Pima County School Superintendent website which includes all of the information you need to register your family.
Pinal County also has a website for homeschoolers: Pinal County School Superintendent
Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool required by the County School Superintendent’s Office:
Pima County School Superintendent’s Office version – download affidavit
Arizona Families for Home Education version – download affidavit
Simply print the affidavit of your choice, complete, notarize and mail in.
Arizona Homeschool Support Sites
Arizona Families for Home Education
Arizona Homeschooling at About.com
Arizona Homeschool Laws
Arizona Homeschool Groups
Arizona Christian Homeschoolers
Arizona Families for Home Education
Arizona Liber Association of Families
Flagstaff Home Educators
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers
If you would like to add your group, please let me know.
