Yes, homeschooling is legal in New Jersey under the state’s compulsory education laws, provided families comply with statutory requirements. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) does not directly oversee homeschooling but mandates adherence to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, which permits alternative education models. Local school districts retain limited oversight, and recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to standardize reporting protocols for homeschooling families.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in New Jersey
- Annual Notification Requirement: Parents must submit a written notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent by September 1 of each school year, or within 14 days of withdrawing a child from public school. The notice must include the child’s name, age, and proposed curriculum.
- Instructional Time and Content: Homeschool programs must provide instruction equivalent to public school in duration (180 days per year) and cover core subjects: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. The NJDOE does not approve curricula but may review samples upon request.
- Assessment and Recordkeeping: While no formal testing is mandated, homeschooling families must maintain attendance records, samples of student work, and annual progress reports. Local districts may request these documents during compliance reviews, particularly under proposed 2026 transparency amendments.