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Public Education System

Registration for Maricopa County public schools usually occurs in late spring, but it is also possible to register in August and on the opening day of school. School offices are also open for registration two weeks before the school year begins. Registration takes place at the school your child will attend. You will need proof of age (such as a legal birth certificate or baptismal record) and a current immunization record. The month, day, and year of each immunization must be included and the form must be signed by a physician.

Arizona law requires evidence of up-to-date immunizations for entry into kindergarten and first grade. All school districts must show proof that every student has received the required immunizations or is exempt. If immunizations are incomplete, parents are given 15 days after enrollment to present proof of complete immunization.

Another requirement is a health checkup within 18 months before entering first grade, and no later than 90 days after entering first grade. To enter kindergarten, a child must be at least five years of age prior to September 1 of the current school year (or at least six years of age on or before September 1 for first grade). For more information or answers to your specific questions on education in Arizona, contact the following:

Performance Indicators

Arizona administers state-developed and national achievement tests to monitor the effectiveness of public education and to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in the current curriculum.

Depending upon grade level, students may participate in AIMS (Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards), Alternate State Achievement Test or ASAT, NAEP National Assessment of Educational Programs, or the Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 9). For more information on achievement tests or results by school, district or state, contact:

Charter Schools

Charter schools are public, state-funded schools created through state legislation in 1994. Charter schools contract with the State Board of Education, the State Board for Charter Schools, or a district to provide an education service. These schools do not charge tuition, yet they enjoy freedom from many of the regulations imposed on public schools. Charter schools are designed to offer a learning environment that improves achievement and expands academic choices for parents and students. For further details on charter schools, contact:

Exceptional Student Services

The Department of Education provides a full range of programs for gifted and talented students as well as those with handicaps and disabilities. All Arizona school districts are required under federal and state laws and regulations to ensure that handicapped students receive a free appropriate public education that includes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs.

If some services are not provided by your school district, it is possible that no students have required that particular service or another agency is meeting the need. For answers to specific questions or more information, contact the following offices:

Special Needs Schools

Public School Districts

Community College System

State University System

Private Colleges & Universities

Career & Vocational Schools