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Embarking on the journey of homeschooling can feel both exhilarating and daunting, especially when navigating the legal requirements. In Maricopa County, Arizona, the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool serves as an essential document for parents wishing to educate their children at home. This form must be notarized and submitted to your County School Superintendent, along with a certified proof of your child's birth. It includes vital information such as the student's name, date of birth, and residence, as well as details about the parents or guardians. It is important to note that if your child is enrolled in a virtual charter school or has an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), filing this affidavit is not necessary. Additionally, parents who choose to delay formal education until their child reaches the age of eight may indicate this on the form. Privacy is a key aspect, with a clear prohibition against the release of personal information without consent. Completing this affidavit is not merely a formality; it marks the beginning of a personalized educational experience tailored to your child’s needs and interests.

Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County Example

AFFIDAVIT OF INTENT TO HOMESCHOOL

Send the notarized original document to your County School Superintendent. Keep a copy for your records.

A.R.S. §15-802 defines a homeschool as “a non-public school conducted primarily by the parent or guardian, or non-public instruction provided in the child’s home.”

Please do not file an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool for your child if he/she is enrolled in a virtual charter school/public-school-at-home program or has an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) contract with the State of Arizona.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Last Name:

_______________________________ First Name: _______________________________ Middle Name: _____________________

Date of Birth:

_________________________________ (Proof of birth is required according to A.R.S. §15-828. See below)

Address:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City:

__________________________________________________________________, AZ

Zip Code: __________________________

Phone:

_________________________________________________

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

 

Last Name:

__________________________________ First Name: ________________________________ Middle Name: ____________________

Last Name:

__________________________________ First Name: ________________________________ Middle Name: ____________________

My child is not yet eight years of age and I elect not to begin formal education at this time.

PROOF OF BIRTH

Please include a certified copy (not a photocopy) of your child’s birth certificate or other acceptable proof of birth as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes §15-828.

PRIVACY NOTICE

The undersigned expressly prohibits the release of any and all information contained in this form including directory information as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1232g (a)(5)(A), without prior written consent by the undersigned. See 20 U.S.C. §1232g (a)(5)(B) and ARS §15-141.

Under penalty of law, I attest the information provided on this form is true to the best of my knowledge.

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ____________________________________________________________

Subscribed and sworn before me this __________ day of _______________________________, 20_________

NOTARY SEAL

by _________________________________________________ Commission expires: ___________________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Arizona Families for Home Education | www.afhe.org

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Fact Details
Definition of Homeschool A homeschool is defined by A.R.S. §15-802 as a non-public school primarily conducted by a parent or guardian, or as non-public instruction in the child's home.
Filing Requirement The notarized original Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool must be sent to your County School Superintendent for proper documentation.
Proof of Birth Requirement According to A.R.S. §15-828, proof of birth is required. A certified copy of the child's birth certificate must be included.
Age Limit for Registration Parents may choose not to begin formal education if their child is not yet eight years of age, indicated by a specific checkbox on the form.
Privacy Protection The form includes a privacy notice, prohibiting the release of any information without prior written consent, as outlined in 20 U.S.C. §1232g.
Notary Requirement Completion of the affidavit requires a notarized signature, substantiating that the information provided is true to the best of the parent's knowledge.

Guidelines on Utilizing Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County

After you complete the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form, you will need to submit the original document to the County School Superintendent. It is crucial to keep a copy for your personal records. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately to avoid any delays in processing.

  1. Gather all necessary information before starting the form. This includes your child’s proof of birth, such as a certified copy of their birth certificate.
  2. Open the form and locate the STUDENT INFORMATION section. Fill in the following fields:
    • Last Name
    • First Name
    • Middle Name
    • Date of Birth
    • Address
    • City
    • Zip Code
    • Phone Number
  3. Complete the PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION section with the following details:
    • Last Name
    • First Name
    • Middle Name
    • Last Name (Second Parent/Guardian)
    • First Name (Second Parent/Guardian)
    • Middle Name (Second Parent/Guardian)
  4. If your child is under eight years of age and you wish to delay formal education, check the provided box.
  5. Attach a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or another acceptable proof of birth as required.
  6. Review the PRIVACY NOTICE section and ensure it is understood. This is essential for protecting your child's information.
  7. Sign the form where indicated as PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE.
  8. Have the document notarized. Write the date and have the notary apply their seal.
  9. Make a copy of the completed form for your records.
  10. Send the notarized original document to your County School Superintendent.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool in Maricopa County?

The Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool is a legal document that parents or guardians must submit to notify the County School Superintendent of their intent to homeschool their child. This form confirms that education will occur primarily at home and must be notarized before submission. Keeping a copy for personal records is strongly advised after obtaining the notarization.

Who is eligible to file this affidavit?

Any parent or guardian who intends to educate their child at home is eligible to file this affidavit. However, it is important to note that if your child is currently enrolled in a virtual charter school, a public-school-at-home program, or is covered under an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), you should not file this affidavit.

What information is required on the form?

The affidavit requires several key pieces of information: the child's full name, date of birth, and address. Additionally, parents must provide their own names and contact information. If applicable, parents may indicate if their child is under eight years of age and that formal education will not commence at this time.

What proof of birth is necessary for submission?

A certified copy of the child's birth certificate must accompany the affidavit. Other acceptable forms of proof of birth are listed in Arizona Revised Statutes §15-828. It is crucial to submit a certified copy rather than a photocopy to ensure compliance.

Where should the completed affidavit be sent?

The notarized original of the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool should be mailed to the County School Superintendent's office in Maricopa County. It is essential to ensure that the document reaches the correct office to avoid any delays in processing.

What happens if the information on the form is inaccurate?

Providing inaccurate information on the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool can have legal implications. The undersigned must attest that the information is true to the best of their knowledge. Any discrepancies could lead to issues with the homeschooling process or potential legal consequences.

What privacy protections does this affidavit include?

The affidavit includes a privacy notice that explicitly prohibits the release of any information contained within the form without prior written consent from the undersigned. This ensures that personal information remains confidential and protected under federal and state laws.

Is notary service required for this affidavit?

Yes, a notary public must witness the signing of the affidavit. This step is necessary to authenticate the document legally. Both parties should ensure that the notarization takes place before submitting the form to ensure it meets all requirements.

What should I do if I have more questions about the homeschooling process?

If you have further questions regarding the homeschooling process in Maricopa County, you can reach out to local education officials or visit websites like Arizona Families for Home Education for additional resources and support.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form can be straightforward, but several common mistakes can hinder the process. Awareness of these pitfalls is essential for a smooth submission. One frequent error occurs when individuals neglect to provide accurate student information. Omitting or misspelling the last name, first name, or middle name can lead to complications and might delay the approval of the homeschooling request. It’s imperative to double-check this information for accuracy.

Another mistake is related to the proof of birth requirement. Arizona law mandates a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or another acceptable form of identification, as specified in the relevant statutes. Submitting only a photocopy will not suffice and can result in immediate rejection of the application. Ensure that the original document is secured and included with your submission.

Some parents mistakenly think that submitting an affidavit for a child enrolled in a virtual charter school is permissible. This is not the case. A child participating in such programs, or those who have an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) contract, should not file this affidavit. Therefore, confirming your child’s current school status is crucial before proceeding.

Inaccurately filling out the parent or guardian information can also lead to issues. Parents often forget to include both guardians’ names if applicable. Representation of all guardians is necessary to maintain clear records. Failing to do so may draw questions or require additional documentation later in the process.

Additionally, signatory errors are common. The affidavit requires a clear signature from the parent or guardian. Skipping this step or not signing in the designated area can render the document invalid. Similarly, forgetting to subscribe and swear the document before a notary can result in complications. Proper notarization is essential for the affidavit to be legally recognized.

Some individuals overlook the need for providing complete contact information. Providing an incomplete address or omitting the phone number can create challenges in communication with the school superintendent’s office. Clear and precise contact details foster an efficient review process.

Finally, there exists a misunderstanding of the privacy notice section. Individuals sometimes forget to acknowledge this section, leading to concerns about whether their information is safeguarded. This acknowledgment is vital as it emphasizes the commitment to privacy and the requirement for written consent before the release of any information.

In summary, when filling out the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form, careful attention to detail is crucial. By avoiding these mistakes, parents can ensure a more streamlined process in initiating their homeschooling journey.

Documents used along the form

When you file the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool in Maricopa County, there are several important documents you might need to include or consider. Each has its own role in the homeschooling process. Understanding these can help ensure your homeschooling journey starts on the right foot.

  • Proof of Birth: This document is essential. You will need to provide a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or another form of acceptable proof as required by Arizona law. This verifies your child’s identity and age.
  • Notification of Intent to Homeschool: This is often a simple letter sent to your County School Superintendent, reaffirming your intention to homeschool. It helps establish formal communication about your educational plans.
  • Attendance Record: Keeping track of your child’s attendance is crucial. While there's flexibility in how you log this, having a record can show your commitment to schooling at home and may be requested by the school district.
  • Curriculum Outline: This document details the subjects and materials you plan to use for your child's education. It serves as a guide and shows that you are following a structured approach to homeschooling.

Gathering these documents along with your Affidavit can smooth the process of establishing your homeschool. Being well-prepared helps you focus more on teaching and nurturing your child’s education rather than navigating paperwork.

Similar forms

  • Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool: Similar to the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form, this document asserts the parent's intent to educate their child at home. It is also submitted to educational authorities and must include specific information, such as the child's name and proof of birth.

  • Letter of Withdrawal from Public School: This document formally notifies a public school that a student will no longer be attending. Like the homeschooling affidavit, it should contain student information and ideally be submitted to appropriate educational officials.

  • Homeschool Educational Plan: This plan outlines the curriculum and educational strategies that will be used in the home setting. It complements the affidavit by providing additional details about the educational intent and resources, demonstrating a structured approach to learning.

  • Student Registration Form for Home Education: While the affidavit signals the intent to homeschool, this form provides information on the student and their educational background. It's often used to register a child with the relevant education authority and may include requirements like proof of identity.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here is a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do provide accurate student information, including full names and date of birth.
  • Do include a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or acceptable proof of birth.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed affidavit for your records.
  • Do send the notarized original to your County School Superintendent.
  • Do read the entire form carefully before signing.
  • Don't submit the affidavit if your child is enrolled in a virtual charter school or has an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA).
  • Don't use a photocopy of the birth certificate or proof of birth; only certified copies are acceptable.
  • Don't forget to sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; all information must be completed.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: An affidavit must be filed regardless of school enrollment.

Some parents believe they must submit an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool regardless of whether their child is already enrolled in a virtual charter school or a public school-at-home program. This is incorrect. If a child is enrolled in these types of educational programs or has an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), filing an affidavit is not necessary.

Misconception 2: Proof of birth is optional.

Another common misconception is that providing proof of birth is optional when submitting the affidavit. In fact, Arizona law requires parents to submit a certified copy of their child’s birth certificate or an acceptable proof of birth when filing the affidavit. This ensures that the child’s age is verified as part of the homeschooling process.

Misconception 3: The affidavit does not require notarization.

Some individuals assume that notarization is not a necessary step in the process of submitting the affidavit. However, the form must be notarized to be considered valid. This requirement serves to confirm the identity of the person filing and ensures that the information provided is truthful.

Misconception 4: The affidavit can be submitted electronically.

Many parents think they can submit the affidavit electronically to their County School Superintendent. This is not accurate. The notarized original document must be sent via mail or delivered in person, while retaining a copy for personal records. Following these procedures ensures that the submission complies with state requirements.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Affidavit Homeschool Maricopa County form involves several important steps and considerations. Understanding these aspects can help ensure a smooth process for families choosing to homeschool their children.

  • Submit the Form Properly: Always send the notarized original of the affidavit to your County School Superintendent. It is essential to keep a copy for your own records.
  • Know the Definition of Homeschooling: According to A.R.S. §15-802, a homeschool is defined as a non-public school primarily conducted by a parent or guardian. Ensure that this definition aligns with your educational plans.
  • Check Enrollment Status: Avoid submitting an affidavit if your child is already enrolled in a virtual charter school, public-school-at-home program, or has an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) contract with the state. This is crucial for compliance.
  • Provide Required Documentation: Include a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or other acceptable proof of birth, as mandated by A.R.S. §15-828. This documentation is necessary for verification.