Homeschooling in New Jersey
Equivalent Instruction
New Jersey law requires that a child receive 'equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school'. This gives parents immense freedom, as there are no reporting requirements, no mandatory testing, and no teacher qualifications.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
4
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Provide 'equivalent instruction' to public school
- No Notice of Intent required to start
- No standardized testing
- Record keeping is optional but highly recommended
Legal Framework
N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 states children must receive equivalent instruction.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in New Jersey
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school and 1 kindergarten in New Jersey, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Waldorf School of Princeton, Princeton
- Believers Learning Center, Glenwood
Required Subjects
Must be 'equivalent' to public school instruction.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Filing Requirements
**NO notification required**. Per State v. Massa, parents provide 'equivalent instruction' - defined broadly. Burden of proof is on the STATE to prove you are NOT providing instruction (not on you to prove you are). If withdrawing, send a courtesy withdrawal/transfer letter to prevent truancy confusion - this is NOT a 'permission' request. Proposed bills (A5825/S1796) aim to add mandates but as of 2025, law remains minimal. Sports access is discretionary (no Tebow Law).
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from School (If Applicable)
If your child is currently enrolled, simply withdraw them.
- •Inform the principal in writing to avoid truancy issues
- •Request transfer records (optional)
Tip: Save a copy of your withdrawal letter as proof of compliance.Immediately upon stopping attendance
- 2
Start Teaching
Begin your program of equivalent instruction.
- •Select curriculum
- •Start keeping voluntary records
Tip: Review NJ Student Learning Standards for guidance on what 'equivalent' might look like.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No paperwork to file
- ✓Complete freedom over methods
- ✓No testing
Cons
- •'Equivalent' is a vague legal standard (though rarely challenged)
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary**. It is fully up to the local district. There is no "Tebow Law" mandating access.
Questions about homeschooling in New Jersey
Do I have to register with the district?
No. The state asks districts to 'encourage' registration, but it is not mandatory.
What does 'equivalent instruction' mean?
It means the education should be comparable in breadth and scope to public school. It does NOT mean you must copy their schedule or textbooks.
Can my child play sports?
It is up to the local district. There is no state law mandating access.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your New Jersey records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. New Jersey tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NJ homeschool law guide