Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords.
New Jersey statutes require homeschools to provide instruction “equivalent” to the instruction provided by the public schools. Although homeschoolers are not required to provide an identical list of classes, New Jersey public schools generally offer the following coursework:
- Language arts
- Math
- Science
- World History
- Civics and United States and New Jersey history
- Health/Safety/Physical Education
- Financial/Economic or Business/Entrepreneurial
- Visual or Performing Arts
- Foreign Language
- Career/Technical/Vocational
Additionally, public school core classes contain components from several other subject areas. These topics include:
- Technological Literacy
- Civics
- Economics
- Geography
- Global Content
New Jersey Homeschool Mandates
New Jersey compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from the age of 6 through 16. Homeschool parents are not legally required to file a notice of intent to homeschool with the school district, teach for a specified number of days each year, or meet any teaching qualifications.
New Jersey has no immunization requirement for homeschools.
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in New Jersey
School districts in New Jersey cannot legally demand approval or written notice of a family’s intent to homeschool. However, you will need to withdraw children currently enrolled in a public or private to begin homeschooling them. Contact your school to learn which procedures they require.
Special Education Provisions
New Jersey has no additional requirements for parents wishing to homeschool their special needs children. There is no law requiring school districts in New Jersey to provide special education services to homeschoolers. However, if a school district provides special education services to students in private schools, homeschoolers may also be entitled to those services.
Record Keeping
The state of New Jersey does not have specific record-keeping requirements for homeschools. However, it is wise to maintain a file for each student containing school district correspondence, attendance records, samples of your child’s work, and any standardized test scores.
With a clear understanding of New Jersey homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting New Jersey’s homeschool requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing.
Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
