Homeschooling is a growing trend in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of homeschoolers has grown from 77 million in 1999 to
35 million in 201 This increase of nearly 30 percent has been attributed to various reasons ranging from a desire for a more personalized learning environment to avoiding certain religious or political viewpoints included in the traditional public school system.
For those looking to remove their child from public school in New Jersey to homeschool, there are several steps to consider.
What is the process for withdrawing a child from public school to start homeschooling?
What are the homeschooling laws in New Jersey?
Are there any additional rules or supports homeschooling families should be aware of?
Are there any curriculums or other educational materials parents should consider when starting homeschooling?
How does homeschooling work for children who need special education services or therapies?
How can homeschooling families access extra-curricular activities or enrichment options?
How can parents ensure their children are on track with school-aged peers?
What socialization options are there for homeschooled children?
How are homeschooling records kept?
What is the cost of homeschooling in New Jersey?
1 What are some tips for successful homeschooling?
1 Are virtual schools or online classes available for homeschoolers in New Jersey?
1 Can children re-enter public schools if they’ve been homeschooled?
1 Are courses and tests available for credit or graduation?
1 What are some available homeschooling groups in New Jersey?
What is the Process for Withdrawing a Child from Public School to Start Homeschooling?
The process for withdrawing a child from public school in New Jersey to homeschool is spelled out in detail by the New Jersey Department of Education. Parents must submit a written, signed and dated notice of intent and an official withdrawal form to the child’s current school district.
These forms are usually provided by the school district, but can also be downloaded off the NJDOE website. Proof of the parent’s identity, such as a driver’s license or passport, and the child’s birth certificate will be required in order to process the form. Once the forms are accepted, the district must provide the parent with written confirmation of their acceptance tailored to the parent’s needs and requested timeline.
When a student withdraws from public school, they are also removed from other services such as special education, Title I services and lunch programs. These programs can still be accessed by homeschoolers, but the parent must work with their local district to determine eligibility and process for enrollment.
What are the Homeschooling Laws in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, homeschooling falls under the umbrella of private education, and is legally defined as “the provision of regular, successive instruction of an educational program for a period of at least 175 days during any 12-month school period by a parent, a legal guardian, or any other person approved by the parent or legal guardian having control of the child, provided in the child’s home or other place for a program in family home instruction. ” In other words, the parent or legal guardian has ultimate authority over the instruction and educational decisions. New Jersey considers homeschooling to be a legitimate form of private education, so parents must either comply with the core curriculum standards established by the state, or use a nationally recognized program such as Calvert, Keystone, or K1
Courses must also follow a set schedule of at least 180 days, based on the academic year, with instruction taking place between 8am and 4pm. Parents must also keep an educational portfolio and assessment records to document all course work, materials and testing results, as well as a physical record of the child’s attendance and progress.
These portfolios should be submitted to the child’s local district for review once a year.
Are There Any Additional Rules or Supports Homeschooling Families Should Be Aware of?
New Jersey offers some additional resources to families considering homeschooling. All qualified homeschoolers not enrolled in school or virtual programs can apply for an Individual Education Account (IEA) to receive funds for educational expenses. This publicly-funded program gives parents up to $8,000 per student per year to purchase learning materials, educational resources, and other educational services from approved vendors.
Parents must apply each year to renew their IEA awards and remain eligible. Parents can also apply for the Direct Education Services Program at their local district.
This program connects parents with educational advisors and providers who are offering specialized services such as tutoring, remedial education, intervention classes, and more. Parents must check with their district to see what services are available through this program.
Are There Any Curriculums or Other Educational Materials Parents Should Consider When Starting Homeschooling?
There are a variety of curriculums and educational materials available to parents looking to start homeschooling their children. It is important for parents to look for materials that meet New Jersey’s standards of instruction and requirements for a “successive, sequential, progressive course of study. ” Parents can find accredited and approved course materials for homeschooling through publishers such as Calvert, Consortium for Public Education, K12 and Keystone National.
Many publishers also provide online courses and virtual classrooms, which parents can use as supplemental materials to their homeschooling programs.
How Does Homeschooling Work for Children Who Need Special Education Services or Therapies?
Parents of children who need special education services or therapies can still pursue homeschooling in New Jersey. Parents should first consult with the school district’s special education department to discuss their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and what options are available for continued services in a homeschool setting. Parents should also inquire about any funding or programs that could be used to help pay for services or therapies.
Once it is determined that the child will receive services and therapies, the parent should then select an appropriate curriculum that meets the child’s needs and complies with state standards. The district’s special education department should be available to assist if the parent needs help selecting a curriculum.
How Can Homeschooling Families Access Extra-Curricular Activities or Enrichment Options?
Homeschooling families can access extracurricular activities and enrichment programs through local organizations and governments, as well as online and distance learning opportunities. Parents should look for resources and events at their local libraries, community centers and parks, as well as check listings with their county and state parks and recreation departments. Many organizations catering to homeschooling families also list their services online.
In addition, some colleges and universities offer courses, clubs, or seminars for homeschoolers that can be taken for credit or as extracurricular activities. These include the Rutgers University College Program for High School Students, which offers 10-week courses in mathematics, science, technology, and more; the Penn State World Campus, which provides online courses for homeschooled students; and the Rutgers University Home School Arts Program, which provides classes in music, theater, and visual arts.
How Can Parents Ensure Their Children are on Track With School-Aged Peers?
Homeschooling can be a great way to give children a personalized approach to learning. Parents should stay in contact with their children’s teachers and fellow homeschoolers in order to stay up-to-date and compare notes on what course materials are being used and how each student is progressing.
Parents should also take advantage of the numerous resources and services available for homeschoolers and explore options for enrichment activities and activities to assist with socialization. Parents should also research state, national and international tests and assessments their children can take to ensure they are on track with school-aged peers. Some examples of these include the TerraNova tests and the Stanford Achievement Test.
Taking these tests can help parents and their children identify gaps and areas of focus, while also validating the child’s educational progress.
What Socialization Options are There for Homeschooled Children?
Homeschooled children do not have to miss out on social activities or group learning experiences. Many communities have events and activities tailored to homeschoolers. Parents should check with their county and state parks and recreation departments, as well as their local libraries, museums, and community centers to discover available activities, clubs and groups.
In addition, many organizations specifically designed for and catering to homeschoolers also host events such as mini-sports leagues, field trips, holiday events, and more. Socialization for children can also be taken advantage of in the home.
Homeschoolers can join lettered clubs or reader circles, or even host their own book clubs to get together with like-minded peers. There are also options for online clubs and activities that connect homeschoolers from around the world, opening up opportunities for learning and socialization.
How are Homeschooling Records Kept?
Parents of homeschoolers should keep a detailed record of their child’s educational journey. This includes a log of the number of hours studied, the topics and texts used, tests taken, and any field trips taken or events attended. Portfolio inspection is a common way of record keeping, where parents compile a physical or digital portfolio of the student’s work which is then reviewed by the district at least once a year.
Assessment records should also be kept and should include any tests taken, evaluations, samples of the student’s work and resumes of their educational experience. These records should be stored in a safe and secure manner for easy access when needed.
What is the Cost of Homeschooling in New Jersey?
Homeschooling costs in New Jersey will vary from family to family. Generally speaking, some of the upfront costs associated with homeschooling include curriculum materials, enrollment and registration fees, and any costs associated with testing and assessments. In addition, parents should factor in the cost of books and other learning materials as well as any sessions with tutors or additional educational services.
Some of these costs can be reduced with the use of public libraries, used materials, or other resources for homeschoolers. New Jersey offers a publicly funded Individual Education Account (IEA) program for qualified homeschoolers where parents can receive up to $8,000 per student per year for educational expenses.
What are Some Tips for Successful Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. Here are some tips to ensure a successful homeschooling journey for the entire family:• Research state standards and guidelines: Knowing the rules, regulations and core curriculum standards set by the state of New Jersey is key to setting up and maintaining a successful homeschooling program. • Connect with other homeschooling families: Building a support network of like-minded homeschoolers and families can be a great resource to share tips and successes, as well as discuss challenges.
• Take advantage of available resources: Exploring the available resources, especially those tailored specifically for homeschooling families, can help to customize and personalize curriculum and activities to fit the student’s needs and interests. • Utilize technology: Technology can be a great tool to supplement materials and enhance learning, while online tests and assessments can help to ensure that children are on track with school-aged peers.
Are Virtual Schools or Online Classes Available for Homeschoolers in New Jersey?
Yes, there are options for homeschoolers in New Jersey to take virtual or online classes through their local school district or through accredited course providers. Taking a virtual course gives children the opportunity to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, all while having access to the same learning material and assessments as their school-aged peers. Families should contact their district to discuss possibilities for enrollment in a course and financial aid options.
Can Children Re-Enter Public Schools if They’ve Been Homeschooled?
Yes, students who have been homeschooled can re-enter the traditional public school system. Parents should contact their local district special education department to discuss enrolling their child and explain their homeschool experience.
The special education department will then assess the child’s records, determine the development needs, and decide on the best course of action. This could include transitioning the student into public school, placement into a special education program, or continuation of homeschooling with additional resources and services.
Are Courses and Tests Available for Credit or Graduation?
Yes, homeschoolers in New Jersey can take courses for credit or graduation. These usually take the form of dual enrollment or distance learning classes through accredited schools, universities or colleges. Additionally, the College Board and other organizations provide a wide variety of standardized and equivalency tests for homeschoolers, such as the TerraNova Test, the GED and the Stanford Achievement Test.
Taking these tests allows parents and students to compare progress to that of their school-aged peers and to track progress.
What are Some Available Homeschooling Groups in New Jersey?
For those looking to find local homeschooling groups, there are several organizations that serve homeschoolers in New Jersey. Some examples include Gifted and Talented of NJ, Home Schoolers of NJ, Home Schoolers of Monmouth County and the Heart of NJ Home Schoolers. These organizations provide information, resources, and support to homeschoolers including curriculum advice, field trips, and additional socialization outlets.
Conclusion
For those looking to take their child out of the public school system in New Jersey and start homeschooling, there are a variety of resources and services available. Parents should familiarize themselves with the laws in their state and the requirements for home instruction in order to ensure success.
Taking advantage of the programs and services offered by the state, as well as exploring the wealth of homeschooling groups and resources available, can ensure that the homeschooling experience is a positive and fulfilling experience for the entire family.