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Homeschool laws · New Jersey

How to homeschool in New Jersey

The standard is a good-faith education that fits the child’s age.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for New Jersey. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

New Jersey requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

No. None. Some districts ask, but the law does not require notice or approval.

Minimum school time

None set.

Required subjects

An education academically equivalent to public school; equivalent does not mean identical.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None required.

Records to keep

None required.

Compulsory school ages

6–16

Legal ways to homeschool in New Jersey

  • Home instruction equivalent to school

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    Plan your school year

    New Jersey sets no minimum number of days or hours. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  2. 02

    Track attendance as you go

    Records New Jersey asks for: none required. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  3. 03

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

New Jersey homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in New Jersey?

None. Some districts ask, but the law does not require notice or approval.

How many days do you have to homeschool in New Jersey?

New Jersey does not set a minimum number of days or hours for homeschoolers.

What subjects are required in New Jersey?

An education academically equivalent to public school; equivalent does not mean identical.

Does New Jersey require testing for homeschoolers?

None required.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in New Jersey?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for New Jersey and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states