In Arizona, you have more options than you may think…
Brick & Mortar Public Schools
Compulsory Attendance
Your child’s age is your first indicator of his or her eligibility for beginning school. Students may start kindergarten if they turn five on or before August 31. A child does not have to enroll in school at age five, but must enroll no later than his or her sixth birthday. see more >
Required Documentation
Arizona school districts set the requirements for what documentation is required prior to enrolling a student in their district. To get that information, contact the district directly here.
Some legal documents are required for Arizona students to attend school:
- Immunization records (or proof that immunization is not required for the child). Click here to view the immunization requirements.
- Proof of Residency – Families must provide two proofs of residency. (Evidence may include landlord-tenant agreements, rent receipts, and utility receipts. Acceptable: Gas, electric, water, notarized statement from owner/renter Not Acceptable: Phone, Cable)
- Certified State Birth Certificate
- Withdrawal Form from Previous School
- Current Transcript
School Fees
Paying some fees is a part of public education, though it is primarily a free education. Students are expected to supply their own basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, and notebooks. Each district has a list of approved expenditures for students. Fee waiver forms can be requested from the school if there is a situation that prevents a family from being able to pay for required materials or events.
Some typical items on that list include:
- Lunch
- Summer school
- Student parking passes (high school)
- Lost textbooks
- Late or lost library books
- Field trips
- Special class-required fees (e.g., science lab fees)
Public Charter Schools
What are Charter Schools?
Charter Schools are tuition-free public schools operated by independent, non-profit governing bodies.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders sign a “charter” or contract with a school district or state agency to create a charter school and give students more educational options than their assigned school. Charter schools have flexibility over classroom hours, curriculum, and employment policies, but are subject to periodic reviews based on student performance. In Arizona, public charter school students are measured against the same academic standards as students in other public schools. Local boards of education monitor the academic and financial performance of charter schools, and, can revoke or refuse to renew a school’s charter.
Arizona Charter Schools
For an entire list on Arizona charter schools go to Arizona Charter Schools Association website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about charters can be found at the Arizona Charter Schools Association.
Enrollment
Most charter schools do not have attendance zones. If you are interested in applying for your child, you must apply directly to the school. The application and selection process can be quite complicated. Make sure to contact the school early to determine the correct next steps to applying.
Virtual Public Schools
In Arizona, thousands of children attend school online in virtual classrooms with state certified teachers. Some virtual programs are open to in-district students only, while others have enrollment open to students across the state.
Private Schools
What makes a school “private”?
Private schools charge tuition, and many have a religious mission. Some private schools offer families assistance to make tuition payments. Click below for the complete list of over 200 private schools across the state.
Private School Review offers free, detailed information on U.S. private schools combined with useful community data (e.g., housing costs) and maps of the surrounding areas.
*Information on non-public school admission requirements should be obtained from the school directly.
Scholarships
If you would like to send your child to a private school, scholarship assistance may be available to you through one of the many school tuition organizations (STOs) in Arizona. STOs use individual and corporate contributions to provide scholarships to families in Arizona to use for private school tuition for grades K-12. Many of these scholarships are based on financial need, and each scholarship organization has a separate application process. Scholarships are also available for preschool children attending a preschool for handicapped children from contributions made for individual tax credits. Individuals and corporations in Arizona can take a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for contributions to STOs.
Educational Choice Programs
An Educational Savings Account or Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is an account similar to a checking account with 90% of the state funding that would have been received by the school the child previously attended.
For more information on policy change or to get involved in the school choice movement in Indiana visit EdChoice.
Private Virtual Schools
George Washington University Online High School is an online college preparatory academy for motivated students who are willing to be challenged to become the best students and persons they can be. Combining award-winning curriculum with small class sizes and intensive college counseling, students receive a flexible, individualized education attuned to their own needs and goals.
International Academy is a K12, Inc accredited, online private school for grades K–12. Students earn a U.S. high school diploma while using award-winning K¹² curriculum
They offer extensive, individualized academic and counseling support keep students on track. The flexibility allows students to explore their passions. Full-time and part-time options are available.
International Connections Academy is a fully-accredited, online, college preparatory private school serving K–12 students worldwide. The program combines a top-rated curriculum with talented teachers, cutting-edge technology, the flexibility to learn at home, and direct family involvement to ensure each student realizes his or her full potential.
The Keystone School offers flexible education programs for high school and middle school students. Whether your student wants to study full-time or just needs individual classes, they offer more than 170 courses from credit recovery to world languages and AP. Students can enroll at any time.
Home Education
Your options
In Arizona, parents have the option to educate their children at home. Below are necessary requirements for each option. learn more >
Requirements:
- File and Affidavit of Intent. The parent or guardian must file a one-time affidavit of intent to homeschool with the county school superintendent within 30 days of beginning to homeschool in the county. The affidavit must include: the child’s name, date of birth, the address of the school the child is currently attending (if any), as well as the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the persons who currently have custody of the child.
- Provide a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Teach the required subjects. You must include reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science in your homeschool curriculum.
- File a letter of termination. If you decide to stop homeschooling, or move out of the county, you should submit a letter of termination to the county superintendent of schools within 30 days of ending your homeschool program.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment courses are offered on a high school campus or joint technical education district campus through an agreement or contract between a school district/charter school and a community college district governing board.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent Enrollment courses are offered on a college campus.More information on Dual and Concurrent Enrollment can be found here.
Course Fees
For courses offered at postsecondary campuses: Unless the student’s high school or postsecondary institution has volunteered to pay the tuition, tuition is the responsibility of the student/parent.
For community college courses offered at high schools, the agreement or contract between the school district/charter school and community college district must specify student tuition and financial aid policies, including if scholarships or grants are awarded to dual enrollment students.