Homeschooling in New Jersey: Everything Parents Should Know

More families in New Jersey are opting for homeschooling as their schooling method. One reason for this could be the fact that there are very lenient regulations regarding homeschooling in the Garden State. Parents have a remarkable amount of freedom to shape their child's education around what actually works for their family. 

However, this flexibility can lead to many homeschooling questions from parents homeschooling for the first time. What does New Jersey law actually require? Is there anything you need to do before you start? How would you homeschool a child with special education requirements? Here's everything you need to know about homeschooling in New Jersey.

Is Homeschooling Legal in New Jersey?

Homeschooling is fully legal in New Jersey, and the laws regarding it are far less stringent than those in many other states. In New Jersey, homeschooling laws fall under the same compulsory education laws that apply to public and private schools, which require all children aged 6-16 to attend some form of school unless they've already graduated high school.

Beyond that baseline, New Jersey doesn't require much else. Parents who want to homeschool do not need to be licensed teachers, and you do not have to go through any application or approval process before you can homeschool your kids.

This makes New Jersey one of the more accessible states to begin homeschooling in, but it's still worth understanding exactly what the law expects, so you start on solid footing.

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New Jersey Homeschool Laws and Requirements

New Jersey's homeschooling regulations place very few demands on parents compared to those in many other states. These are the details you need to know:

1. No Required Documentation: Parents who choose to homeschool their children in New Jersey do not need to submit paperwork, such as educational qualifications, attendance records, progress reports, or a list of subjects taught. This puts the state among the least restrictive in the country in terms of homeschool oversight.
2. No State Testing: Homeschooled children in New Jersey don’t have to take the standardized state tests. Public school students must complete the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) in English language, arts, and mathematics each spring from grades 3 through 8, and high school juniors must pass the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA). These don’t apply to homeschooled children.
3. Equivalent Instruction Required: Even though New Jersey does not have a required list of subjects for homeschooling students, it requires the equivalent of the education provided in public schools, which includes math, science, English/language arts, and foreign language, among others.
4. No Set Attendance Hours: New Jersey does not require a specific number of instructional hours or days per year. You have the freedom to build a schedule that genuinely works for you.

How to Start Homeschooling in New Jersey

Step 1: Decide to Homeschool

In contrast to most states, New Jersey has no legal requirement that parents formally inform the state or their local school district before starting homeschooling. It's completely up to you whether you wish to inform your school district's local school board.

Step 2: Notify the School District 

Although it isn't necessary, it's wise to let your child's school know you're starting homeschooling if you're withdrawing them from school in the middle of the year. This simple step will help avoid future concerns about truancy. Some parents send an official letter to the school alone, whereas others send one to both the school board and the school itself. Whatever you choose, keep a copy of any notice you send.

Step 3: Complete a Transfer Form (High School Students Only)

If your child is enrolled in a high school and you wish to withdraw them, the school will typically require a transfer form to complete the withdrawal. The simplest way to do this is to write a letter that includes your child's name and birth date, as well as the date you will withdraw them from school and begin homeschooling.

Step 4: Choose A Curriculum for Your Homeschool Education

Now that you've gotten past the hurdle of notification, you're free to pick a curriculum that provides your child with instruction equivalent to what's taught in New Jersey public schools. 

Step 5: Start Homeschooling

With everything done now, all that remains is to begin homeschooling. You're not required to give reports to the state or school district. However, many parents choose to keep informal records anyway. For more tips, read our blog on how to start homeschooling.

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Building a Homeschool Curriculum in New Jersey

New Jersey gives homeschooling parents significant freedom in their curriculum. The only benchmark is that the instruction is similar to that in New Jersey public schools. While some homeschooling parents choose to create a unique curriculum from scratch, combining resources, books, and materials, others want an organized online curriculum. Most homeschooling families often opt for something in the middle, using a core program as a foundation and supplementing with additional resources.

One resource worth exploring early in your homeschool journey is our Homeschool Hub. It was created with the belief that education does not stop with textbooks. This hub provides various resources that help children learn to think and analyze critically and develop the foundational knowledge that serves them well into adulthood.

Storybooks That Go Beyond the Classroom

For younger homeschoolers, the Tuttle Twins learning resources are a natural starting point. The books are very entertaining, but they also introduce children to topics that go beyond the typical school curriculum. They also inspire discussions long after the book is put away.

For instance, in The Tuttle Twins Learn About the Law, kids are encouraged to ask themselves questions that most of them, and even many adults, have never been encouraged to consider:

• What are individual rights?
• Where do they actually come from?
• What's the difference between a fair rule and harmful control?

The book offers children a comprehensive approach to learning about laws without lecturing or oversimplifying the subject.

Homeschool Bundles for Every Age

For those who want a more organized approach to learning, the Tuttle Twins Homeschool Hub provides curriculum bundles based on your child's age and stage. We offer:

• Toddler bundles
• Bundles for kids
• Teen bundles

The bundles are designed to work with whatever else you're already doing. It's not meant to replace your existing routine but to add depth to it.

Tuttle Twins Academy for Teens

If you have a teen at home, you may want to consider our Tuttle Twins Academy. The Academy offers more than 300 lessons for students ages 12–18, on economics, civics, history, and critical thinking. If you've been looking for an online program that takes the ideas of teaching teens seriously, then this is a strong option.

Using ESA Funds Toward Tuttle Twins

Based on where you live, you might be able to use state Education Savings Account (ESA) funds to pay for Tuttle Twins resources through initiatives such as ClassWallet and Odyssey. Currently, families residing in New Jersey cannot use ESA funds to access Tuttle Twins resources. However, if you come from states such as Missouri, Louisiana, or Arizona, you can use ESA funds for Tuttle Twins resources.

Special Education Rights for Homeschoolers in New Jersey

Homeschool students with disabilities in New Jersey may be eligible for special education services through their local school district. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students with disabilities have a right to receive appropriate special education services. 

To get started, contact your local school district and request an evaluation. If your child qualifies, the district will work with you to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specifically for them. You can contact your local school board if you have any further questions.

Homeschool Support Groups and Co-ops in New Jersey

New Jersey has a growing and well-connected homeschool community, with one state-level association and numerous local associations. The main homeschooling association in the state is the New Jersey Homeschool Association (NJHA). The NJHA offers families a range of resources, legal information, and general support to help them navigate the homeschooling process with confidence.

Apart from the association, homeschooling support groups and co-ops are common in New Jersey. Support groups are parent-led groups where families share resources, advice, and firsthand experience, while co-ops are more academically oriented. If you're new to homeschooling, joining a local support group from the very beginning can be really helpful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Necessary to Notify Anyone Before I Start Homeschooling in New Jersey?

No. In New Jersey, there is no obligation for parents to file a Notice of Intent with the state and local educational authorities before starting homeschooling. However, if your child is being withdrawn from school in the middle of the year, it's highly advised that you inform the school in writing to avoid truancy problems. High school students need a transfer form upon withdrawal.

Does New Jersey Require Homeschool Students to Take Standardized Tests?

Homeschooled children in New Jersey are not required to sit for standardized tests. It's up to the parents to choose how to evaluate their child's academic performance. Maintaining a portfolio of your child's work is strongly recommended, though.

Can Homeschooled Students in New Jersey Participate in Extracurricular Activities or Sports at Public Schools?

There is no statewide law in New Jersey that requires public schools to offer extracurricular activities or sports to homeschooled students. Participation is determined at the local school district level, so it's worth reaching out to your local school board directly to find out what's available in your area and what the process looks like.

Conclusion

The relaxed nature of New Jersey's home schooling law makes it very easy to get started. There are no rigid curriculum requirements or standardized tests, just the freedom to tailor your child's education according to their needs and your family's values. 

The Tuttle Twins Homeschool Hub is a great resource to consider when building your curriculum. From storybooks for little children to the Tuttle Twins Academy for teenagers, there are resources for all ages.