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Alternative Educational Options

Alternative Educational Options in Pima County

If you’re a parent exploring new ways to support your child’s learning outside of traditional public schools, you’re in the right place. This page connects families with resources and information about microschools, homeschooling, and virtual educational models available in Pima County.   Whether you’re just starting to consider these options or looking for practical steps to get started, you’ll find clear explanations, local contacts, and up-to-date guidance to help you navigate the diverse and growing landscape of alternative education in Tucson. 

Alternative Educational Options

VIRTUAL OR ONLINE SCHOOLS

Virtual or online schooling allows students to learn primarily online, with certified teachers delivering instruction remotely. Unlike homeschooling, parents don’t have to design the curriculum.  Virtual schools provide certified teachers who guide and teach students remotely, while parents support and monitor their child’s progress at home. Virtual schooling offers flexible schedules, more time for family and activities, and a structured yet adaptable environment with live lessons and online assignments. 

For Pima County families, virtual options are plentiful and include free public schools, charter schools, and tuition-based private programs—both locally and nationwide—so you can find the best fit for your child’s needs. 

Finding a Virtual School:   
Click here to view a wide variety of virtual schools on the MySchoolsTucson school locator.  

HOMESCHOOLS

Some parents prepare their own materials and design their own programs of study, while others use materials produced by companies specializing in homeschool materials.  

Arizona law allows for a child being instructed at home who resides within the attendance area of a public school to be allowed to participate in interscholastic activities A.R.S. 15 § 802.01. Homeschooled students are welcomed at Arizona’s institutes of higher education and are eligible for merit-based scholarships. 

STEPS TO HOMESCHOOL YOUR CHILD: 

  1. Register Your Child:  Parents of homeschooled students ages 6-16 are required to file a notarized Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool with the County School Superintendent within 30 days of starting to homeschool (or within 30 days following the child’s 6th birthday for children who’ve been homeschooled prior to age 6) A.R.S. §15-802 (B)(2). You will need to provide child’s birth certificate  Click Here for to file affidavit with Pima County School Superintendent 
  2. Teach Required Subjects:  Arizona requires you to teach reading, grammar, mathematics, science, and social studies.  
  3. No Testing or Reporting Required: There are no requirements for standardized testing, reporting, or specific instructional hours in Arizona. 

FUNDING FOR HOMESCHOOLING IN ARIZONA:
Families in Arizona can fund homeschooling using state-provided resources through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The ESA allows families to receive state funds-typically between $4,000 and $9,000 per student per year, with the amount varying based on grade level and whether the student has special needs-to pay for a wide range of educational expenses. These expenses can include curriculum, books, online courses, tutoring, educational supplies, and even therapies.
Click here to learn more about Arizona’s ESA program.

The average ESA funding for students is:

  • Kindergarten:  $4000-$5000 annually
  • 1st – 12th grade: $7,000 and $8,000 annually. 
  • Students with Disabilities:  Can receive significantly more funding, ranging from $19,000 to $43,000. 
  • ESA Funding Chart to see Estimated Funding Amount for Children with Special Needs

OTHER HOMESCHOOLING INFO:

  • Children in Arizona must attend school from ages 6 to 16. However, parents can choose to delay formal education until age 8 by indicating this on the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool
  • Homeschooled students are also eligible for Dual Enrollment, which allows them to attend up to 3 college courses tuition free while still being homeschooled. 
  • There are no requirements for minimum instructional days or hours, recordkeeping, or standardized testing.
  • No minimum teacher qualifications or certifications are imposed on a parent to homeschool under Arizona laws. The child’s home is not subject to inspection by school authorities under Arizona homeschool laws.
  • There are no credit requirements for issuing a diploma. Each homeschool family is allowed to issue their own legally valid diploma.

Homeschooling Resources for Parents: 

MICROSCHOOLS

A microschool is a small, alternative learning environment, often described as a modern version of a one-room schoolhouse, that emphasizes personalized instruction and flexibility. They typically enroll a small number of students, often fewer than 15, and operate outside of the traditional public school system.  

ESA funds can be used to pay for microschools tuition or curriculum in AZ.   

Finding a Microschool:  
Southern Arizona Microschool Collective:  https://www.sazmicroschoolcollective.org/ 
National Microschooling Center:  https://microschoolingcenter.org/parents 

Resources for Parents: 
Prenda How to find, start or run a microschool.  Curriculum provider. 
Kaipod Learning:  How to find, start or run a microschool. Curriculum provider 
Outschool:  Offers classes and 1:1 tutoring 
ESA Connection: Central hub for information, support, and resources for those involved in ESA program. 
KindlED:  Podcast explores how we can create learning environments and adult-child relationships that foster strong mental health, academic excellence, and intrinsic motivation. 

How To Apply for Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) in Arizona 

ESA funds can be used to fund Homeschooling or Microschooling in Arizona.   
For more information on ESA and how to apply click here