If your family is considering homeschooling your child in New Jersey, you’ll need to be aware of the rules, regulations, and requirements the state imposes. States differ on their regulations and requirements for homeschooling, so you won’t be able to do the same thing in New Jersey as you would in, say, Massachusetts or California.
While it may seem daunting to navigate the requirements and paperwork, the process isn’t as hard as you might think. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the process of enrolling in homeschooling in New Jersey, from academic requirements to the notification process. Let’s dive in.
Do I have to notify my local school district when I take my child out of public school?
Yes. If you’re homeschooling, you need to inform your local school district by completing the Notification of Intent to Home School (Form HS) and submitting it to your school district no later than 30 days following the start of your home instruction program. In New Jersey, home instruction programs need to commence within 10 days of the receipt of the completed notification.
The school district can also request additional information in addition to the form. When you submit form HS, you also need to include a detailed planned course of study outlining the areas your child will be instructed in, such as mathematics, reading, and writing.
The curriculum for each subject needs to be identified, as well as the materials you are using. Additionally, you need to estimate the amount of time you plan to spend teaching each subject.
Your school district is allowed to review the progress of the home instruction program, including curricula, materials, and your schedules, at least twice each year.
Who can teach my child in a homeschool setting?
In the state of New Jersey, the parent or guardian is considered the primary teacher when it comes to home instruction. However, in certain conditions, an approved home instructor may be used.
These instructors must be highly qualified, but they do not need to be certified or licensed teachers. In addition, any person you bring in to teach in a home-instruction program must complete a criminal background check and child abuse record clearance. If you wish to use any home instructor, you need to include their qualifications when submitting the Form HS.
If you plan to utilize instructors other than yourself, you need to submit the name, address, and contact information of the person(s) you have chosen to the local school district.
Who needs to approve my children’s home instruction program?
Your school district is required to approve the program proposed in the Notification of Intent. In order for the home instruction program to satisfy the compulsory education law, your proposed program needs to demonstrate a chance for your child to “progress effectively” in a variety of subjects. The school district may request additional information in order to make a determination.
New Jersey’s Board of Education also provides additional guidance and oversight of the home instruction program. When the school district approves your program, they coordinate with the New Jersey Department of Education in order to ensure that the plan meets the state’s standards of education.
What assessments do I need to do?
Each year, you must conduct a progress evaluation to determine the progress of your child’s home instruction program. These evaluations need to be provided to your local school district. In the case of elementary school (grades K-5), you must provide an evaluation of your child’s academic performance in a variety of areas, including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
For junior high (grade 6-8) and high school (grade 9-12), you need to provide an evaluation of your child’s academic performance in the areas of mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and elective courses. You are required to evaluate your child’s progress in each of these areas at the end of each yearly instructional period.
You can use assessments such as standardized tests to fulfill the progress evaluation. If your child participates in standardized tests, you must submit the results of the test to the local school district.
Are there any course requirements I need to meet?
Yes. Outside of the progress evaluation requirement, there is also a goal that students participating in home instruction programs should meet a passing rate on the state assessment tests. To assist with meeting this goal, the state of New Jersey provides a list of topics that should be covered for each grade for mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
For example, in math for grades K-5, the list of topics includes shapes and space, numbers, measurement and patterning, and addition and subtraction, among others. For language arts, the list of topics is more varied and includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, all language conventions, and using media and technology.
What other resources are available for home instruction?
In addition to the guidance offered by your local school district and the New Jersey Department of Education, there are a variety of resources available to you as a parent who is homeschooling their child in the state. New Jersey has a few organizations and support groups committed to the promotion and progression of homeschoolers in the state. These organizations and groups exist to provide support services to homeschoolers, such as networking, legal advice, and special classes and activities.
Additionally, there are many online resources, such as online forums and webinars, for you to take advantage of. These resources help provide families with the information and support they need to successfully homeschool their child.
What process is in place if a home instruction program is not being implemented as required?
If you are not following the regulations or requirements that are outlined above, your local school district has the right to investigate, and they may impose certain corrective measures if they feel that your program is failing. The school district may require additional information or assessments, or they may refer the case to the Board of Education if they believe the home instruction program is not providing the student with an appropriate education. If the Board of Education finds that a home instruction program is not meeting the requirements of the state, they may impose penalties, such as requiring the student to participate in the local public school and attend classes, or taking other legal actions as appropriate.
Can I use online educations programs and resources?
Yes. The state of New Jersey allows you to use online educational tools to supplement your home instruction program. Whether your child is enrolled in a traditional public school or taking part in a home instruction program in New Jersey, it is possible to access online educational resources.
Several online programs provide New Jersey students with the opportunity to access a large selection of online educational tools, including online textbooks, videos, audio files, websites, and other digital media. Additionally, students are able to take part in virtual classes, participate in online discussion forums, and find tutors.
What happens if my child needs or wants to return to public school?
If your child decides they want to return to public school or transfer to another school during a school year, you are required to notify the local school district in writing. The school district is then responsible for determining what course of action is best for the student, such as enrolling them in classes or providing a change of school assignment.
If your child wishes to return to public school after participating in a home instruction program, they may need to take an evaluation test to determine their age-appropriate grade level. The school district may also put your child on an “accelerated program” if they feel the student is behind their age-appropriate grade level.
Do I need to report anything to the state?
Yes. In addition to completing the Notification of Intent to Home School (Form HS) and notifying your school district, you are also required to file an Evaluation of Student Progress at the end of each school year with the NJ Department of Education.
You are also required to provide any other information requested by your school district in order to ensure that your home instruction program meets the state’s standards of education.
Do I need to file any legal documents or forms?
Yes. In order to homeschool in the state of New Jersey, you need to notify your local school district by completing the Notification of Intent to Home School (Form HS).
You also need to file an Evaluation of Student Progress at the end of each school year with the NJ Department of Education, and provide any additional information as requested by your school district.
Are there any special accommodations I need to make for my child with special needs?
Yes. It is possible for parents to homeschool children with special needs.
If you plan to homeschool your child with special needs, you need to contact your county office of education to discuss available services, resources, and accommodations. In addition, you should contact any school districts that your child within the past three years. These districts are responsible for providing appropriate special education services.
Do I need to comply with any other laws or regulations concerning homeschooling?
In addition to the regulations outlined above, all home instruction programs are subject to a variety of other general laws and regulations in the state, such as laws concerning minors’ health insurance, immunization requirements, juvenile justice, and emergency medical treatment. Additionally, you are required to ensure that your home instruction programs meet health and safety standards.
Conclusion
Homeschooling your child in New Jersey is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations put in place by the state. From notifying your local school district to filing the proper paperwork and assessments, there’s a lot to consider when homeschooling in New Jersey.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with a better understanding of the process and helped you confidentially guide your family through the process of homeschooling.