English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →New JerseyHomeschool
New Jersey homeschool law in plain words
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
New Jersey homeschool laws come down to one statute, N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, which lets children aged 6 to 16 receive equivalent instruction at home. The school board cannot approve or review your curriculum, you need no teaching certificate, and no state test is required. Parents must show academic equivalency, and they issue their own diploma.
The statute
N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 requires every parent or guardian of a child between 6 and 16 to have the child attend school or receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school. The Department of Education's FAQ says that phrase has long allowed instruction at home. In State v. Massa (1967), the court held that parents need to show academic equivalency with the local public school, not equivalency of social development.
The FAQ itself says it is guidance and not legal advice or a state directive, so families with an unusual situation, such as a dispute with a district, often read the statute and the Massa decision directly or ask a lawyer.
What you do not have to do
The Department's FAQ lists several things New Jersey law does not require of homeschool families.
- Have your curriculum reviewed or approved by the board of education
- Hold a teaching certificate
- Sit a state or district standardized test
- Follow a set school calendar or hours
When notice is needed
Withdrawing a child to homeschool is not, by itself, a sign of a problem, though a board may ask for documentation such as a letter of intent. Notice is needed after a registration denial, and when removing an enrolled high school student, who must complete a transfer form. In other cases the Department encourages, but does not require, a note to the local board.
Diplomas, transcripts and returning to school
A child educated at home does not receive a state-endorsed diploma from the board of education, so most families issue their own diploma and transcript. The Department describes a New Jersey State High School Diploma, earned by passing the GED or by completing 30 general education credits toward a degree at an accredited college and reaching proficiency on the state test. Check the current test rule with the Department.
A child who returns to public school is treated like any other new student for credit and grade placement. There are no special provisions for children educated at home, and they may not be held to a higher standard than similar students.
| Question | New Jersey answer |
|---|---|
| Ages covered | 6 to 16 |
| Curriculum approval | Not required |
| Teacher certificate | Not required |
| Standardized tests | Not required |
| Diploma | Parent-issued; State High School Diploma route exists |
What this means for college plans
Because New Jersey sets so few rules, the parent's records carry the weight. Keep a course list, grades, reading lists and work samples, and describe any college-level work clearly. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, and New Jersey's own TESU admits students from 16 who show self-direction. Ask the college in writing how it will treat each course before you plan around it.
A good homeschool transcript for New Jersey lists each course by year, the credit you assign it, the grade, and a one-line description. Mark college-level courses clearly and note where any outside credit came from. Admissions offices read many parent transcripts and value a clear, honest record over a long one.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask TESU, or the college your teen plans to attend, in writing how it will treat each course before you enrol, and confirm the State High School Diploma route with the Department of Education.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Do New Jersey homeschoolers have to take state tests?
No. The Department of Education's FAQ says a child educated elsewhere than at school is not required to sit for a state or district standardized test. Some families choose a test anyway for their own records or for college applications.
Can the school district check my homeschool curriculum?
The Department's FAQ says the law does not require or authorise the local board of education to review and approve a homeschool curriculum. The parent is responsible for the child's education and must show academic equivalency.
What age does New Jersey compulsory education cover?
N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 covers children between 6 and 16. Many families keep homeschooling through high school and issue their own diploma and transcript when the student finishes, often adding college-level courses in the last two years.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
US History 1
Self-paced online US History 1 course (HIST 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Intro to Biology 1
Self-paced online Intro to Biology 1 course (Biology 100). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Start English, maths and history at college level at home, then move any credit via a college transcript when your teen enrols.
Sources
- NJ Department of Education: Frequently Asked Questions, Homeschooling (official)N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 covers children between 6 and 16 and allows equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school; the board may not review or approve the curriculum; parents need no teacher certification; no state or district standardized test is required; homeschoolers do not receive a state-endorsed diploma from the board; State High School Diploma by GED or 30 general education credits plus state test proficiency; State v. Massa (1967) academic equivalency. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- HSLDA: New Jersey homeschool lawSummary of New Jersey homeschool law for families. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- TESU: Admission Requirements (official)Applicants must be 20 or older, or at least 16 and show self-direction (for example 6 credits from an accredited institution with a C or higher, 12 credits through a TESU Professional Learning Review, or 6 AP credits), or complete a no-cost online orientation course; students 16 to 20 are limited to 9 credits in the first semester; a high school diploma, GED or secondary home school diploma meeting state requirements is needed. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.