New Jersey Homeschool Information

✅ New Jersey Homeschool Law – Key Points

1. Compulsory Education (Ages 6–16)

• NJ requires that children ages 6–16 either attend public/private school or receive “equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school” (NJSA §18A:38‑25)

• “Equivalent instruction” means academically comparable to peers in public school—social/socialization aspects don’t strictly apply .

2. Notification & Approval

• No general prior notice or registration is required to homeschool

• If withdrawing a student from public school or if a district refuses enrollment, you must complete a transfer form indicating intent to homeschool

• Districts may request proof of equivalent instruction if there’s concern, but the legal burden lies with them to show you’re not compliant

3. Teacher Qualifications, Curriculum, Hours, Records

• No restrictions on who can teach—parent, tutor, or unlicensed instructor is fine .

• No specific hourly requirements, record-keeping policies, or mandatory assessments/testing

4. Penalties for Non‑Compliance

• Failure to instruct qualifies as “disorderly person” with fines up to $25 for first offense, $100 for subsequent offences

5. Diploma & Public School Access

• Homeschoolers don’t receive a traditional public school diploma.

• However, they may earn a state-recognized diploma by passing the GED or completing 30 college credits at an accredited institution plus meeting HSPA/misc. assessment requirements

• Districts aren’t required to allow homeschoolers access to extracurricular or vocational programs unless discretion allows it r

📡 Enrolling in an Accredited Online School: Responsibilities Impact

If you choose an accredited online school (such as a virtual charter, private online academy, or other):

1. Legal Status

• You remain in compliance with NJ compulsory education law, fulfilling “equivalent instruction.”

• No separate homeschool notification is required—enrollment in the accredited program serves as educational compliance.

2. Documentation & Records

• The accredited school manages records, transcripts, and graduation documentation.

• This significantly reduces parental burden for curriculum planning, assessment, and record-keeping.

3. Credits & Transferability

• Courses are typically more readily accepted by public schools and colleges.

• However, acceptance—even from an accredited school—is at the receiving institution’s discretion. Placement and credit acceptance vary by school

• Some schools may still require placement exams or limit credit transfer despite accreditation .