Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in New Jersey
What to know in New Jersey
Applies to families providing home education to children subject to compulsory attendance.
Compulsory attendance age
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Compulsory attendance applies from age six until age sixteen.
Equivalent instruction standard
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Instruction must be equivalent to public school instruction for children of similar grades and attainments. Families remain responsible for their chosen program, including instruction purchased from others.
Teacher qualifications
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Teachers are not required to hold New Jersey certification.
Curriculum approval and standardized testing
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Districts do not approve homeschool curricula and do not require state or district standardized tests.
High school transfer form
This applies only in certain situations.
When this applies: When removing an enrolled high school student
Read the explanation
The NJDOE FAQ identifies a required transfer form when removing an enrolled high school student.
Verification following enrollment denial
This applies only in certain situations.
When this applies: Following certain enrollment denials
Read the explanation
The NJDOE FAQ identifies required verification following certain enrollment denials.
General notice and withdrawal communication
This is a suggestion, not a legal requirement.
Read the explanation
NJDOE encourages notice generally, but there is no general annual registration requirement. Sending a dated withdrawal letter stating that the family will provide equivalent instruction is a recommended recordkeeping step when leaving school.
Portfolio and recordkeeping
This is a suggestion, not a legal requirement.
Read the explanation
Keeping a written learning plan, reading and resource list, work samples, progress notes, and high school course records is recommended for planning, rather than as an annual state portfolio submission.