Educational Rights and Choices in Arizona
This is one of the questions we get asked A LOT!
As a parent/ guardian you have the right to determine what kind of educational path your child goes on per A.R.S. § 1-601 (AZLeg, 2026).
In Arizona there are many different choices.
What are the different educational paths?
District Schools /Public School: Publicly funded schools regulated by a school board and the state government.
Charter schools:Publicly funded schools that operate independently of school districts by non-profit or for-profit organizations. May or may not be tuition based.
Private schools:A non-public institution, other than the child’s home. It is tuition based but there are many cost saving measures available (Ex. Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, or even scholarship from the private school)
Educating from Home: A parent or guardian educating in their home while using public funds (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) while abiding by a handbook.
Homeschool: A non-public school with no public funds that is conducted primarily by the parent, guardian, or non-public instruction provider and needs to complete an affidavit of homeschooling.
Any of these options could be paired as online or hybrid option of in-person or online while supplemented with tutoring services.
What about special needs education?
You still have the right to determine the best educational option for your child.
For more support with your options go to loveyourschool.org/arizona/
Love Your School Arizona helps provide Parent Support Specialists to help you with ESAs, Special Education Evaluations, Homeschool Support, and School Search!
An additional Resource: Educational Freedom in Arizona | Center for Arizona Policy