Schooling Options in Arizona

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Arizona law states that every child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall attend a school. The parent, or person who has custody of the child, can choose a public district, public charter, private or home school option.

In Arizona, district schools are public schools, and school districts are governmental entities. They are funded by the state on a per-student basis, have limited taxing authority and may also receive federal funding. Click on these links for more information:

Some district schools have adapted over the years to include new models such as academies with specific philosophies and homeschool enrichment programs.    This is in part due to competition and loss of students to charter schools and to homeschooling. Examples are the Gilbert Classical Academy, which has an educational philosophy similar to some charter schools, operated by the Gilbert Public Schools, and Eagleridge, a homeschool enrichment program operated by the Mesa Public Schools.

• District Boundaries - check the Unified School Districts box and uncheck the rest of the boxes to see school district boundaries

In Arizona, charter schools are public schools. They are funded by the state on a per-student basis and may be operated by for-profit or non-profit charter holders. The state of Arizona operates an oversight board, and charters complete the same financial reporting information to the state as do district schools. Click on these links for more information:

• Gilbert Area Charters – a listing of the names, addresses and phone numbers of charter schools in Gilbert
• Arizona Charter Schools Association – nonprofit membership and professional organization
• Parent Guide to School Choice from the Arizona Charter Schools Association.

Add text describing private schools. Mention tax credit eligibility (much more tax credit money available than for public).

• Arizona Private School Information – Private School Review website  

 Add text describing online schools. Can be run by districts or charters.

 • Arizona Online School Listing – from azcentral.com, publication date unknown  

Today’s homeschooling parents have a multitude of options to help them design a customized education that fits their child and their family circumstances. Scores of curriculum products are available, from traditional to classical to online programs to unit studies. 

Arizona Families for Education (AFHE) holds an annual summer conference in Phoenix with speakers teaching about different styles of homeschooling, and vendors offering a firsthand look at their educational products.

Homeschooling parents pay for their own supplies and curriculum. For socialization and added accountability, parents can join with other homeschooling families for co-ops and field trips.

See our Laws & Regulations page for laws on homeschooling in Arizona.