Homeschooling in New Jersey
The homeschool rules in New Jersey, from official sources: your options, any notice, what to teach and record, testing, official forms, the law and who to contact.
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Last checked: October 25, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page: New Jersey official page.
Broad level: No notice – our own rough summary, what the levels mean.
Your options
Equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25). There is no separate homeschool statute.Notice or letter of intent
NO NOTICE REQUIREMENT in general, though the DOE encourages voluntary notice to the district. Notice is required in two cases: a verification statement or intent to appeal if a district refuses enrollment (N.J.A.C. 6A:22-4.2(d)), and a transfer form when withdrawing an enrolled high school student. A board may ask for documentation, such as a letter of intent, only with credible evidence of non-compliance; withdrawal alone is not evidence.Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.
Subjects, time, assessment and records
- Subjects
- None listed. Instruction must be academically equivalent (State v. Massa, 1967). The board cannot review or approve curriculum.
- Days or hours
- None stated.
- Testing or assessment
- None. Boards are not required or authorized to test homeschooled children.
- Records
- None required. A board may create a record solely to document that the child is being educated.
Parent qualifications
None. Teacher certification is not required.Other rules
Compulsory ages are 6-16. Failure to provide equivalent instruction is a disorderly persons offence (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-31). Once a parent shows evidence of an exception, the State bears the burden of persuasion (State v. Vaughn, 1965).Official forms
None for homeschooling.The law
N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25; N.J.S.A. 18A:38-31; N.J.A.C. 6A:22-4.2(d) – read the law
Who to contact
- New Jersey Department of Education – Non-Traditional Schooling (homeschooling guidance)No email published · 609-376-3500 · Official page · More from this officeWho handles notices: Local district (only in specific cases); the state DOE publishes guidance only
Special education and public school classes and sports
Under IDEA, a written request triggers a child study team evaluation. FAPE is provided only if the child enrolls, and the district may offer services under a plan otherwise. Sports and activities are at the board's discretion, and textbook loans are optional. County vocational shared-time programs: the child applies annually and becomes a public school student.Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.
Going back to public school in New Jersey
To enroll your child in a public school in New Jersey, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school. Ask how it decides grade placement and whether it accepts credits from homeschooling before your child starts, and bring the records you choose to share. We didn’t find a state rule on this for New Jersey in the official sources we checked – see the New Jersey official page and ask the district.
See going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.
Last checked: October 25, 2026. Report a change to this page
Official sources
- U.S. Department of Education: State regulation of private and home schools
- New Jersey Department of Education: official page
- New Jersey Department of Education: official page
Last checked against these sources: October 25, 2026.
This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page. This page sums up official sources in our own words. Homeschool laws differ from state to state and can change. Check your state’s official page and your local school district’s guidance, and get qualified advice for your situation. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, any state education agency, school district, College Board, ACT, the GED Testing Service, HiSET, CLT or the Common App.