Want to learn how to homeschool in New Jersey? You’ve picked one of the easiest states to homeschool in. The Garden State asks for no notice, no testing, and no curriculum approval. Families have full freedom to educate their children their own way, making New Jersey a top destination for homeschool families seeking educational liberty.
This guide covers everything you need to know to start homeschooling in New Jersey in 2026, including the legal framework, getting started, record keeping, and local resources.
New Jersey Homeschool Laws at a Glance
New Jersey is a low-regulation state for homeschooling. The state just asks that children get “equivalent instruction” to public school. But it lets families decide how to provide it.
This hands-off approach makes New Jersey one of the top states for homeschool freedom. You won’t deal with forms, approvals, or check-ins.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal |
| Notification | Not required |
| Approval | Not required |
| Required Subjects | Not specified |
| Testing | Not required |
| Record Keeping | Not required (but a good idea) |
| Compulsory Ages | 6-16 years old |
What Does “Equivalent Instruction” Mean?
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25) says children must get “equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.” This is kept vague on purpose. You get to decide:
- What curriculum to use (or if you use one at all)
- How to set up your school day
- Which subjects to focus on
- How to check your child’s learning
The state doesn’t define what “equivalent” means. There’s no one checking on you. Families are trusted to give a good education.
In practice, this means you have total control. You can use textbooks, online programs, library books, or hands-on projects. You can follow a strict schedule or let learning happen naturally throughout the day.
How to Start Homeschooling in New Jersey
Starting in New Jersey is simple. There’s no red tape to cut through.
Step 1: Make Your Decision
That’s truly the first step. In New Jersey, you don’t need anyone’s OK to teach your kids at home. You just start.
Take time to think about why you want to homeschool. Research different approaches. Talk to other homeschool families if you can. But know that legally, you’re ready to go whenever you decide.
Step 2: Leave Your Current School (If Enrolled)
If your child goes to public or private school now, send a short letter saying you’re pulling them out. You don’t need to explain why or share any plans. Keep it simple:
Dear [Principal’s Name],
This letter informs you that [Child’s Name] will leave [School Name] on [Date]. [He/She] will be taught at home under N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25.
Please send all school records to our home.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Send this by certified mail if you want proof it was received. Keep a copy for your files.
Step 3: Pick Your Teaching Style
Decide how you want to run your homeschool:
- Curriculum-based – Using a set program with textbooks
- Eclectic – Mixing different resources together
- Unschooling – Following your child’s interests
- Classical – Using the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric)
- Charlotte Mason – Rich books and nature study
New Jersey’s freedom means any approach works. Pick what fits your family. You can always change later if something isn’t working.
Step 4: Start Teaching
Begin your homeschool. There’s no wait time. No approval process. No reports due. You’re free to start right now.
Many families start in September like regular schools. But you can start in January, June, or any time that works for you.
Step 5: Keep Records (Smart Move)
The law doesn’t require records. But keeping them helps you. They show what your child learned. They’re useful for college or if you go back to public school.
What New Jersey Does NOT Require
Let’s be crystal clear. New Jersey homeschoolers do NOT have to:
- Tell the school district or state you’re homeschooling
- Show your curriculum to anyone
- Have a teaching degree or any degree at all
- Teach any specific subjects
- Follow a set schedule or calendar
- Give standardized tests
- Turn in portfolios or progress reports
- Let anyone visit your home
If someone—even a school official—tells you otherwise, they’re wrong about New Jersey law.
When Schools Ask Questions
Some school districts may contact you after you withdraw. They might ask about your homeschool plans. You can be polite, but you don’t have to share:
- Your curriculum
- Your lesson plans
- Proof of teaching
- Access to your home
A short, friendly reply works. Say your child is getting equivalent instruction at home. You don’t need to prove it or explain your choices.
If a district pushes too hard, reach out to HSLDA for help.
Smart Record Keeping
You don’t have to keep records in New Jersey. But it’s wise to do so anyway.
What to Save
- Attendance log – Simple list of school days
- Resource list – Books and materials you used
- Work samples – Papers and projects from each subject
- Reading lists – Books your child has read
- Activities – Field trips, co-ops, sports, music
- Tests – Any assessments you choose to give
Why This Matters
- College apps – You’ll need transcripts
- Going back to school – If your child re-enrolls
- Legal backup – Proof if anyone questions you
- Seeing growth – Tracking progress over time
Store records in a binder or digital folder. Some families use apps or software to track everything. Pick a system that’s easy for you to maintain.
High School and College Prep
New Jersey homeschoolers can make their own diplomas and transcripts. For students heading to college:
- Keep clear records of high school courses and grades
- Make a neat, organized transcript
- Have your child take the SAT or ACT
- Look into dual enrollment at community colleges
- Track activities and volunteer work
Many New Jersey colleges welcome homeschool students. This includes Rutgers, Princeton, and state and community colleges across the Garden State.
Start thinking about college during 9th grade. Keep detailed records of all courses. Consider having your child take some standardized tests to show academic readiness.
Ways to Homeschool in New Jersey
Option 1: Teaching on Your Own
Most New Jersey families do this. You teach at home without any outside oversight. You pick books, set schedules, and run everything yourself.
Option 2: Homeschool Co-ops
Many families join groups where parents share teaching. Kids get group classes and friends. Parents split the work. Co-ops often meet weekly and cover subjects like science, art, or foreign languages.
Option 3: Hybrid Programs
Some private schools offer part-time options. Homeschoolers go to class one or two days a week. They learn at home the rest of the time. This gives you structure plus flexibility.
Option 4: Online Schools
Virtual schools give full curriculum and teaching online. Note: if it’s a public virtual school, your child may count as enrolled in public school, not homeschool.
New Jersey Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- HSLDA New Jersey – Legal help and state law info
- New Jersey Department of Education – State education facts
- ENOCH – Education Network of Christian Homeschoolers of New Jersey
Local Groups
New Jersey has homeschool communities in every part of the state:
- North Jersey – Groups in Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties
- Central Jersey – Networks in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Somerset
- South Jersey – Groups in Burlington, Camden, and Atlantic
- Shore Area – Ocean and Cape May county homeschoolers
Search Facebook for local homeschool groups. Ask other families for recommendations. Many towns have active communities with regular meetups and activities.
Co-ops and Classes
Look for local co-ops with group classes. Many offer science labs, art, foreign language, and PE. Some areas also have homeschool sports leagues and drama groups.
Special Cases
Kids with Special Needs
In New Jersey, homeschooled kids with special needs can’t use public school services unless they enroll part-time. Some districts may help anyway, but it’s not required. Private therapists and tutors are available throughout the state.
Many parents find they can better address their child’s unique needs at home than traditional school settings could. The flexibility to adjust pace, incorporate sensory breaks, and tailor learning approaches makes homeschooling effective for children who struggled in classroom environments.
Gifted Students
Homeschooling lets gifted kids move at their own speed. No grade-level limits hold them back. Many New Jersey homeschoolers finish high school early or take college classes as teens.
Military Families
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst brings many military families to New Jersey. The state’s lack of paperwork makes transition incredibly easy. You can start homeschooling the day you arrive—no notification, no registration, no waiting periods.
Military families appreciate homeschooling for the consistency it provides during frequent relocations. New Jersey’s hands-off approach means no bureaucratic delays when you move. Keep thorough records even though the state doesn’t require them—your next duty station may have stricter requirements, and good documentation makes transitions smoother.
Dual Enrollment
New Jersey community colleges welcome homeschool students for dual enrollment. County colleges across the state, including Bergen, Middlesex, and Camden County College, offer programs for high school-age students. Contact admissions offices directly to learn about enrollment requirements and available courses.
Dual enrollment allows students to earn college credits while completing high school, reducing future tuition costs and giving advanced learners appropriate academic challenges. Credits typically transfer to four-year institutions, giving homeschoolers a head start on their college education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell anyone I’m homeschooling in New Jersey?
No. You don’t need to notify the school district, state, or anyone else. Just start teaching your children at home.
Can my child play on public school sports teams?
Maybe. Each district sets its own rules. Some let homeschoolers join teams or take classes. Others don’t. Ask your local district about their policy.
Do I need a teaching degree?
No. New Jersey has no qualifications for homeschool parents. Anyone can teach their own children.
What if a truant officer shows up?
Stay calm. Tell them your child is learning at home under N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25. You don’t have to show curriculum or let them inside. If they keep pushing, call HSLDA or a lawyer who knows homeschool law.
Can I homeschool some kids while others go to school?
Yes. You decide for each child. You can have one child in public school and homeschool the others.
Start Your New Jersey Homeschool
New Jersey makes homeschooling as easy as it gets. You don’t ask permission. You don’t file papers. You don’t wait for approval. If you’ve decided to homeschool, you can start today.
Find local homeschool groups for support and ideas. Get to know how your child learns best. And enjoy the freedom New Jersey gives you to shape your child’s education.
Curious how New Jersey compares to other states? Check out our guides to homeschooling in New York for a neighboring state with different requirements, or explore homeschooling in Texas and homeschooling in Florida for other popular options.
Official Resources
- HSLDA New Jersey Homeschool Laws
- N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 – New Jersey law covering the homeschool exemption
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