Hours / Days
Academically equivalent to public school
State Code
NJ
Subjects
1 required
Filing Requirements
Withdrawal Letter (if applicable)
None for homeschool specificallyFile with school principal only if withdrawing from public school.
How to Comply with New Jersey's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in New Jersey
Legal Classification
Home Instruction Program (Equivalent Instruction)
Compulsory Education Ages
6-16
Steps to Get Started
Understand the Equivalent Instruction Requirement
New Jersey law requires that you provide 'equivalent instruction' to what is offered in public schools. This means your homeschool should cover similar breadth and depth of learning as a public school education. However, there is no approval process, parent qualifications, curriculum mandates, testing requirements, or notification requirements. You simply must provide equivalent instruction.
- Equivalent means comparable in scope and quality to public school
- No specific subjects are mandated
- No approval needed before starting
- No annual renewal or reporting required
New Jersey's 'equivalent instruction' standard is intentionally flexible and parent-friendly.
Optional: Notify Your School District
While New Jersey does not require notification, the state education department recommends that you notify your local school district. This prevents any misunderstandings about your child's educational status and clarifies that they are receiving instruction elsewhere. It's optional but recommended.
- Contact your district superintendent's office
- Request the Intent to Homeschool or Home Instruction notification form
- Complete and submit the form
- Keep a copy for your records
Even though optional, notification provides documentation that you're complying with compulsory education laws.
Plan Your Curriculum
Design an educational program covering subjects equivalent to what public schools teach. While there are no mandated subjects, good practice is to include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and the arts. Integrate or separate subjects however works best for your family.
- Language arts (reading, writing, grammar, literature)
- Mathematics (age-appropriate computation and problem-solving)
- Science (life, earth, and physical science topics)
- Social studies (history, geography, civics)
- Physical education and health
- Arts (visual art, music, or creative expression)
Your curriculum can be traditional, classical, eclectic, unschooling-based, or any approach—the requirement is only that it's equivalent to public school.
Select Your Teaching Materials and Methods
You have complete freedom in choosing curriculum, textbooks, online programs, or materials. There are no curriculum approval requirements, no required programs, and no testing mandates. Select resources that fit your teaching style and your child's learning needs.
- No curriculum approval process
- Any textbooks, online programs, or materials are acceptable
- You determine pace and teaching methods
- Eclectic, unit-based, classical, unschooling approaches all acceptable
New Jersey's lack of curriculum mandates gives you exceptional freedom in designing education.
Maintain Records of Instruction
While New Jersey doesn't require submission of records, it's wise to maintain documentation showing that equivalent instruction is occurring. Keep records of what you've taught, materials used, and your child's progress and learning.
- Attendance records showing regular instruction
- Curriculum materials and resources used
- Samples of completed work and projects
- Books read and topics studied
- Field trips and enrichment activities
Know Your Freedoms
New Jersey is one of the least regulated states for homeschooling. There are no parent qualifications, teaching credentials, hour requirements, or assessments. Your job is simply to provide an education equivalent to public school. That flexibility is your greatest asset.
Use New Jersey's trust in parents to create an education truly customized to your child.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school and you're transitioning to homeschooling, notify the school of your intent to homeschool (not formally required, but recommended). If your child is a high school student, complete a transfer form with the school. If you later return to public school, contact the enrollment office.
Public School Access
New Jersey homeschoolers may be able to participate in some public school activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your athletic director or superintendent's office to inquire about specific opportunities.
Special Education
New Jersey allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an IEP or has been identified for special education, coordinate with your district about services you want to maintain or supplement.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Keep a folder or binder with samples of your child's work from each subject area
- Maintain a reading list of books read in each subject throughout the year
- Save receipts and invoices for curriculum and educational materials purchased
- Document field trips, museum visits, educational classes, and activities attended
- Create a simple learning log noting what subjects were covered each week or month
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
No testing required.
Record Keeping
Recommended: attendance, textbooks used, work samples, correspondence, portfolios, test results.
Key Facts About New Jersey
Only requirement is 'equivalent instruction'
No filing needed unless withdrawing from public school
Very parent-friendly state
No testing mandated
Ages 6-16
“Every family's homeschool journey in New Jersey is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'equivalent instruction' mean?
Your homeschool should provide instruction equivalent in time and quality to what public schools offer. You have flexibility in how you achieve this.
Do I need to file anything with New Jersey?
No filing is needed for homeschooling. If you are withdrawing from public school, provide a withdrawal letter to the school principal.
Does New Jersey require testing?
No. New Jersey does not mandate standardized testing.
What records should I keep?
While not required, keep attendance records, descriptions of textbooks and materials used, work samples, and any test results you use to track progress.
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