Arizona Tim Tebow Law & Homeschooling: What Parents Need to Know

by | Mar 24, 2026 | Homeschooling in Arizona

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Arizona Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide

The Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool is the only required legal document to start homeschooling in Arizona. It’s simple, straightforward, and takes about 15 minutes to complete. This guide walks you through exactly what to do.

Key Takeaways

  • The Affidavit of Intent must be filed within 30 days of starting homeschool instruction
  • It must be notarized (at your bank or a local notary)
  • You must include a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate
  • File with your county school superintendent
  • File a new Affidavit each school year you homeschool
  • Total cost: $3-$15 for notarization plus a couple of dollars for certified birth certificate if needed

What Is the Affidavit of Intent?

The Affidavit of Intent is a notarized letter declaring that you intend to provide home-school education for your child. It’s:

  • A legal notification, not a request for permission
  • Short and simple (typically one paragraph)
  • Required by Arizona law (ARS §15-802)
  • Filed with your county school superintendent
  • Required annually for each year you homeschool

The Affidavit is NOT:
– A detailed curriculum plan
– A request for approval
– Subject to rejection
– Reviewed for quality or appropriateness

It’s simply notice to the school district that you’re homeschooling.

Arizona Affidavit of Intent Template

Here’s a basic template you can use:

AFFIDAVIT OF INTENT TO HOMESCHOOL

STATE OF ARIZONA
COUNTY OF [YOUR COUNTY]

I, [YOUR FULL NAME], being duly sworn, depose and state:

I am a resident of [County], Arizona, and am the parent/guardian of [CHILD’S FULL NAME], who was born on [BIRTH DATE] and is currently [AGE] years old.

I intend to provide a home-school program for my child beginning on [START DATE], which will include instruction in the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated this _ day of __, 20_.

Signature of Parent/Guardian

[Notary Seal Below]

Notary Acknowledgment:

Subscribed and sworn to before me this _ day of __, 20__.

Notary Public
[Commission Number and Expiration]

Print this template, fill in the blanks, and have it notarized.

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Child’s Birth Certificate

You need a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate to file with the Affidavit. If you don’t have one:

  1. Contact your state’s vital records office (this is different from your school district)
  2. Request a certified copy (it will have an official seal)
  3. Cost: typically $10-$25
  4. Processing time: Usually 1-2 weeks, faster if in-person

Save time: If you already have a certified copy from another purpose (passport, school enrollment), use that.

How to start homeschooling in arizona

Step 2: Complete the Affidavit

Using the template above, fill in:

  • Your full name (first, middle, last)
  • Your child’s full name (first, middle, last)
  • Your child’s date of birth
  • Your child’s current age
  • The county where you live
  • The date you’re starting homeschool
  • Today’s date (when you sign)

Important: Leave the notary section blank. The notary public will complete that after you sign.

Step 3: Get the Affidavit Notarized

Your Affidavit must be notarized. This means a notary public witnesses your signature and stamps/seals the document.

Where to get notarized:

  • Your bank (often free for account holders)
  • Law offices
  • UPS Store
  • FedEx Office
  • Local notary public (search “notary” + your city)
  • Some title companies or real estate offices

What to bring:
– Your completed, signed Affidavit
– A photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
– Your child’s certified birth certificate

Cost: $3-$15, depending on location

Time: 5-10 minutes

Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm the notary is available and ask about hours. Some banks have limited notary availability.

Step 4: Gather Documents

You now have:
1. Your notarized Affidavit of Intent
2. Certified copy of child’s birth certificate

Step 5: File with County School Superintendent

Mail or deliver your Affidavit and birth certificate to your county school superintendent within 30 days of starting homeschool.

How to find your county superintendent’s address:

  1. Search “[Your County] Arizona School Superintendent”
  2. Visit the county education website
  3. Call your county school system main office and ask for the superintendent’s mailing address

What to send:
– Original notarized Affidavit
– Certified copy of birth certificate
– Optional: A cover letter with your name, phone number, and email

Mailing address: [County] School Superintendent, [Address]

Keep copies: Make 2-3 copies of everything before mailing. Keep one for your records.

Important Deadline

File within 30 days of starting homeschool instruction. Arizona law is clear on this timeline. If you’re starting September 1st, file by October 1st. If you’re starting January 1st, file by January 31st.

It’s better to file early than late.

Filing Annually

You must file a new Affidavit each school year you homeschool. This means:

  • If you homeschool grades 1-2, you file twice
  • If you homeschool grades 3-8, you file six times
  • If you homeschool high school, you file four times

Each August/September, complete a new Affidavit and file it by early October.

Arizona homeschool withdrawal letter

Multiple Children

If you’re homeschooling multiple children:

  • File a separate Affidavit for each child
  • Each Affidavit can be notarized at the same time
  • Mail all Affidavits together in one envelope

Alternatively, some counties allow you to list multiple children on one Affidavit. Call your county superintendent’s office to ask if this is permitted in your county.

Changes During the School Year

If you add another child to homeschooling mid-year, simply file an Affidavit for that child. There’s no penalty for adding students during the year—just file the paperwork at that time.

If you withdraw a child from homeschooling mid-year to return to public school, notify the school district in writing.

Documentation Tips

The law requires:
– The Affidavit to be notarized (non-negotiable)
– A certified birth certificate to accompany it (non-negotiable)

It does NOT require:
– A letter explaining your teaching methods
– Curriculum descriptions
– Your educational credentials
– Proof of your parental authority
– Your teaching philosophy

Keep the Affidavit simple and straightforward. Don’t over-explain or provide extra information. The form does what it needs to do: notify the district that you’re homeschooling.

If You’re Uncertain

If you’re unsure about:
– Your county superintendent’s address
– Whether to include multiple children
– The exact formatting needed
– Deadlines for your situation

Call your county school superintendent’s office directly. They handle homeschool Affidavits regularly and can answer specific questions about your county’s process.

Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) also provides support and can answer questions about the filing process.

That’s It

The Affidavit of Intent is genuinely simple. It’s a one-paragraph notification to your school district. Get it notarized, mail it with the birth certificate, and you’re legal.

This low-burden filing process is intentional. Arizona wants families homeschooling, and it removes barriers to make that possible.

Once you’ve filed, you’re free to focus on teaching and learning without bureaucratic oversight. The state has done what it needs to do: acknowledge that you’re educating your child at home.