How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Arizona

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Arizona requires to start

   Notice only, no approval. The parent files an affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent with the child's name, date of birth, current address, and custodian contact information (ARS 15-802). ARS 15-828(B) also asks for proof of the child's identity and age within 30 days.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute does not describe withdrawing from a public school; it only sets the county filing. County pages (for example Yavapai, a county page) describe their own forms and steps, and the sources found do not require a separate withdrawal form, so telling the school in writing is common courtesy.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   File within 30 days of beginning homeschooling; it is not required annually. If homeschooling stops, notify the county within 30 days, and file a new affidavit if it restarts (ARS 15-802).

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   ARS 15-141 ties access to education records to federal law. FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and review the child's education records (34 CFR 99.10), and the school must respond within a reasonable time, not more than 45 days.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   Arizona statute 15-802 does not address IEPs, and no state-specific form or wait was found in primary sources. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent can revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends the services after the district gives prior written notice.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Arizona: the items Arizona asks to be included are listed in it. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The county school superintendent of the county where I live [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. 15-802, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Arizona asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Statement the child is being provided instruction in a homeschool [fill in]
- Child's name [fill in]
- Child's date of birth [fill in]
- Current address of the school (the home) [fill in]
- Custodian names, phone numbers and addresses [fill in]

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Arizona

County school superintendent (example: Yavapai County Education Service Agency, a county page), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions