New Jersey Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in New Jersey Overview 

Homeschool Registration Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: No

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in New Jersey

In New Jersey, students must begin school or be instructed at home beginning at the age of 6. Parents/guardians are welcome to start homeschooling before this age but are not required to.

New Jersey does not require home educators to register with the state or a local district. However, families should consider contacting their local school district to let them know they’ll educate their child at home. Otherwise, you may accidentally trigger a truancy investigation.

TIP: If you withdraw your child from high school to begin homeschooling, you’ll be required to complete a transfer form. This is used to collect data on high school enrollment in New Jersey. Talk to your local school to learn more.

Qualifications to Homeschool in New Jersey

New Jersey does not require homeschool teachers to have certifications or meet any minimum requirements. You are also not required to register your child as a homeschool student or inform your school that you intend to homeschool.

However, it can be a good idea to let your local school district know that you intend to homeschool to avoid any truancy investigations.

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New Jersey Homeschool Subject Requirements

The state education law says homeschool students must receive “instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments.” However, it does not specify any required subjects or curriculum programs. 

Home educators may wish to review the New Jersey Student Learning Standards to ensure they’re offering the “equivalent instruction” required by law.

New Jersey Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

In New Jersey, the homeschool laws don’t specify a number of days or hours per day a student must receive instruction, only that it must be “equivalent to that provided in public schools.” Home educators may wish to match the 180 days of instruction offered by public schools but are not required to by law.

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New Jersey Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

New Jersey doesn’t require home educators to keep or submit any records. Home educators should consider establishing their own school records for every student. You might include attendance records, courses taken, grades received, assessments and evaluations, and a portfolio of student work samples. 

TIP: Maintaining detailed records can help you provide transcripts for students later.

New Jersey Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

New Jersey homeschool students are not required to participate in any standardized testing. Local schools are not authorized to administer tests to these students. If you’re interested in pursuing private standardized assessments for your homeschool students, you’ll be responsible for any costs involved.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in New Jersey

In New Jersey, immunization requirements apply only to public and private school students. Homeschool students are not required to meet immunization requirements.

Public School Classes for Homeschool Students in New Jersey

New Jersey’s public schools are not required to permit homeschool students to take classes or participate in activities. Homeschooled students may be able to enroll in individual classes in some school districts, but it’s up to them to decide. Contact your local district to see what they offer for homeschooled students.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in New Jersey

Homeschool organizations, groups, and co-ops support many families who educate their children at home. They give students opportunities to socialize with their peers and provide additional educational resources and tools. Here are a few homeschool organizations and groups in New Jersey:

• North New Jersey Home Schoolers Association: This Christian-based group offers activities and events for homeschoolers, as well as support and answers to frequently asked questions.
• New Jersey Homeschool Association: This inclusive, non-partisan organization monitors homeschool legislation, provides information, and hosts occasional events.
• Muslim Homeschoolers Co-op: This organization for Muslim home educators offers families inexpensive educational and social opportunities.

See more New Jersey groups and co-ops at The Homeschool Mom.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in New Jersey

The state doesn’t currently require public schools to permit homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic sports and other extracurriculars. Some schools may let homeschoolers participate, so contact them directly to learn your options.

Fortunately, homeschooled students have many other ways to participate in sports activities. Many local homeschool groups and co-ops offer their own leagues and most communities have multiple youth sports programs. Here are some sports options for homeschoolers in New Jersey:

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New Jersey Homeschool Field Trips 

With its close proximity to so many big cities, New Jersey is a terrific place for field trips. Consider joining other homeschool families to take advantage of group discounts and special programs offered by museums and other sites.

New Jersey has a robust state park system, and homeschoolers can visit places like the Cape May Point Lighthouse or the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park. Get hands-on with science at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, or check out the wide array of collections at the Newark Museum or the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Homeschooling can be a great option for children with different learning needs. New Jersey is one of the most lenient states regarding homeschooling. As such, no legal requirements or restrictions exist around homeschooling students with special needs.

While access to special education services through the public school system may be limited or unavailable, parents and guardians can homeschool their special needs children without oversight. 

If a parent chooses to have their child evaluated for special education services, they may do so through their local school district. By law, the district must identify and create a plan for a student with special needs. However, they are only legally required to provide services to students who enroll in the school. 

TIP: Some districts may choose to provide services to students with special needs despite them being educated elsewhere. 

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New Jersey Homeschool FAQ

Is New Jersey a homeschool-friendly state?

New Jersey makes things very easy for homeschooled families. They can choose any curriculum programs they like as long as they provide “instruction equivalent to that provided in public schools.” No recordkeeping or reporting requirements exist, and home educators don’t need certifications to teach homeschool.

However, homeschool students aren’t guaranteed the right to take classes at public schools or participate in sports or extracurriculars. Families in New Jersey are responsible for arranging and paying for their child’s homeschool education, which can be expensive. Still, New Jersey’s minimum requirements and oversight make it a homeschool-friendly state.

Can New Jersey families borrow textbooks and educational materials from public schools?

Although they’re not required to by law, New Jersey public schools may choose to lend textbooks and other educational materials to homeschool students. Contact your local school if you’re interested in learning about their policies.

What are New Jersey’s mandatory school ages?

New Jersey requires students to begin school or home instruction by the time they turn 6. They must attend a school or be instructed at home until they turn 16.

Can New Jersey home educators issue diplomas and transcripts?

Yes. Neither the state nor local school districts issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschool students. Home educators may determine when and if to issue a high school diploma. Keeping detailed academic records will make it easier to create transcripts for college applications or other needs.

Is unschooling legal in New Jersey?

Unschooling is legal in New Jersey, as it is in all fifty states.

How do you enroll in public school after homeschooling in New Jersey? 

If your family decides to enroll a student in public school, work directly with the school to learn their policies and procedures. Your child will be treated like any other transfer student, and the school may ask to see any records you have available. The school may administer tests or other evaluations to determine proper grade and course placement.

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