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New Jersey · Light-touch
New Jersey does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from New Jersey's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
New Jersey does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Choose what to teach
New Jersey does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. New Jersey does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Nothing to file
New Jersey does not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.
No testing or assessment
New Jersey does not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No standardized testing required. Schools are not authorized to test home-educated children.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified New Jersey education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking New Jersey Department of Education / Local Board of Education (minimal oversight role for most homeschoolers) directly.
Is homeschooling legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in New Jersey. New Jersey is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.
How many instruction days are required in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.
What subjects are required by law in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.
Does New Jersey require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
No. New Jersey does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in New Jersey?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
New Jersey requires children ages 6 to 16 to attend school or receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25). The Department of Education says the local board may not review or approve your curriculum, may not test your child, and that no teacher certification is required. Keeping your own records is a good idea, since a board that has credible evidence of non-compliance may ask for documentation such as a letter of intent.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with New Jersey's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with New Jersey Department of Education / Local Board of Education (minimal oversight role for most homeschoolers). This is information for families, not legal advice.