Homeschooling Regulations by State: New Jersey

by Christina Yeager

There are many families homeschooling their children in New Jersey to provide them with education standards they can’t get in public or private schools. You would be amazed to know that home-based education is actually more beneficial!

However, certain rules, regulations and laws pertaining to homeschooling apply in each state. Learn about homeschooling regulations by State New Jersey!

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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Compulsory School Age	Though New Jersey Education Department has not concluded any separate law specifically for homeschooling, it instructs that children between ages six and sixteen must attend public, non-public, private, or equivalent instructional hours anywhere else (homeschool).
Homeschooling	Homeschooling your child yourself in New Jersey does not require you to submit or file any documentation. However, notifying your local school district of your intent to teach your child at home is recommended to avoid any truancy misunderstandings.
Formally Withdrawing from Public School	If your child is already enrolled in a public-school program, make sure to formally withdraw him from school before starting the homeschool program. Each public, as well as private school, has its own protocols and procedure to provide withdrawal letter during or after the academic session. In simple words, you will be provided with adequate documentation or form to fill up and then start your homeschool program.
Curriculum	Parents/guardians have all the rights to select an adequate curriculum for the child. However, it is recommended to include all core subjects in the curriculum to maintain an optimal educational standard at home. You can also consult a professional or headmaster of the nearest public school to devise an ideal curriculum per child’s grade and age. Subjects below are advised: Science Mathematics History Social Studies Government
Recordkeeping	Recordkeeping is important and may come in handy at any time. It is recommended to keep complete records of quizzes, assessments, instructional hours, curriculum detail, and anything related to the program. In the future when your child decides to take admission into a public high school or college, the records may be useful in the interview.
Testing	The New Jersey Department of Education has not devised any standardized testing for homeschooled students. But this doesn’t mean homeschooled students are not required to take tests. ​ Parents/guardians can administer certain tests, quizzes, assignments, and final term exams at home to measure the child’s progress and educational development.
Returning to Public School	Homeschool programs often start or end at the end of each academic year. Though most children are tasked with the intent to continue the program until graduation. In case your child decides to return to public any reason, note that each school would have its own criteria and process in placing homeschoolers in proper grades, which may or may not include interviews, evaluations and testing.

Still have questions? Visit the New Jersey Department of Education website to learn more!

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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