Homeschooling in New Jersey: A Beginner’s Guide 📚
- Christine Aungst
- Aug 22
- 5 min read
Deciding to homeschool can feel overwhelming at first — especially if you’re just beginning your journey in New Jersey. Between state requirements, curriculum choices, and figuring out where to start, it’s easy to feel lost. The good news? Homeschooling in New Jersey is flexible and there are countless resources to help you along the way.
This guide is packed with reliable references, helpful organizations, and practical steps so you can feel confident about starting (or continuing) your homeschooling journey.
📚 Websites and Resources for Homeschooling Parents
If you’re new to homeschooling, these organizations and platforms are excellent starting points:
A non-profit advocacy group offering legal defense, homeschooling resources, and support. They also lobby for homeschool-friendly legislation.
A state-specific resource for local information, events, and support.
A general hub for homeschooling articles, tips, and curriculum support.
A site full of planning tools, articles, and curriculum reviews.
Free, world-class education for all ages. Includes math, science, history, arts, and more.
A free Christian curriculum that covers preschool through high school. Designed to be simple, flexible, and accessible.
A Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum with literature-rich lessons.
An online platform offering live and self-paced classes for ages 3–18 on nearly any subject you can imagine.
🏫 10 Homeschool Curriculums I Like
Choosing a curriculum is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Here are popular and highly recommended programs for homeschoolers:
Blossom and Root (Secular, Nature based)
• Stem centered Nature based studies that incorporate literature, art and music. This is one of the curriculums we use at Firefly in addition to our own unit studies.
The Good and the Beautiful (Faith-Based)
• Gentle, visually beautiful, integrates language arts, science, and art.
Wondergarten ( Waldorf, age 3-7, faith-neutral)
• whole child philosophy, 3 day schedule , seasonal learning through arts. Another curriculum we use at Firefly.
Sonlight (Faith-Based, Literature-Rich)
• A full boxed curriculum centered on high-quality books.
Oak Meadow (Secular, Waldorf-Inspired)
• Creative, arts-integrated, perfect for nature-loving families.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (Faith-Based, Free)
• Fully online, covers all subjects, budget-friendly.
BookShark (Secular version of Sonlight)
• Literature-rich, 4-day schedule, open-and-go. Faith neutral.
The Waldock Way (Unit Study, Eclectic)
• Flexible, themed unit studies (Harry Potter, space, animals, etc.).
Build Your Library (Secular, Literature-Based)
• Charlotte Mason-inspired, strong history and literature components.
Pandia Press ( Secular, Hands-on)
• Immersive History & Science Curriculums
Common Homeschooling Philosophies 🧠
One of the most freeing (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of homeschooling is realizing there isn’t just one right way to do it. Families often choose a blend of philosophies depending on their children’s needs and their own lifestyle. Here are some of the most common approaches:
1. Charlotte Mason
• Focus: Living books, nature study, short lessons, and cultivating good habits.
• Best for: Families who love literature, nature walks, and gentle structure.
2. Classical Education
• Focus: The “trivium” stages of learning — grammar (foundation of knowledge), logic (reasoning), and rhetoric (expression). Heavy on history, Latin, and critical thinking.
• Best for: Families who value structure, deep thinking, and traditional academics.
3. Montessori
• Focus: Child-led, hands-on learning with carefully prepared environments and practical life skills.
• Best for: Independent learners who thrive with tactile, real-world materials.
4. Waldorf/Steiner
• Focus: Rhythm, imagination, storytelling, the arts, and nature. Academics are introduced gently, with emphasis on creativity and holistic growth.
• Best for: Families seeking a slower, seasonal, art-filled approach to early education.
5. Unit Studies
• Focus: Learning centered on one theme (like “dinosaurs” or “space”) with reading, writing, science, and art all tied together.
• Best for: Creative families who like to deep-dive into interests and learn across subjects.
6. Unschooling
• Focus: Child-led learning based on curiosity and real-life experiences, with little to no formal structure.
• Best for: Families who want maximum freedom and trust in the child’s natural drive to learn.
7. Eclectic/Relaxed Homeschooling
• Focus: A mix-and-match style, pulling from multiple philosophies and resources. Very common among modern homeschoolers.
• Best for: Families who want flexibility without being tied to a single method.
8. Online/Virtual Schooling
• Focus: Using structured online platforms, often with certified teachers and digital classrooms.
• Best for: Families who prefer accountability and ready-made lesson plans but still want the flexibility of home learning.
🔄 Part-Time Homeschooling Options
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many families in New Jersey take a hybrid approach:
• Homeschool for part of the year and attend public school for the rest.
• Withdraw during one semester, then re-enroll later.
• Homeschool during travel, sports seasons, or breaks.
Key advantage: flexibility. You can withdraw your child mid-year and re-enroll at any time. There is no limit to how many times or when you can withdraw your child and re-enroll
📝 Withdrawing Your Child from Public School in New Jersey
If you’re ready to begin homeschooling, you’ll need to officially withdraw your child. Here’s a simple letter template to use:
Subject: Withdrawal from Public School for Homeschooling
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to notify you that I am withdrawing my child, [Child’s Name], from [School Name], effective [Date of Withdrawal].
[He/She/They] will be homeschooled in accordance with New Jersey law, which allows parents to provide an equivalent education at home.
Please confirm the withdrawal in writing and let me know if there are additional forms to complete.
Thank you for your support and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
🔁 Steps to Re-Enroll Your Child in Public School
If you ever decide to re-enroll your child, here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Contact the district office and request re-enrollment requirements.
2. Provide documents: proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, prior school records.
3. Discuss grade placement: schools may ask for test scores, work samples, or a placement test.
4. Complete enrollment paperwork just like a new student.
5. Optional meeting with staff (sometimes requested for smoother transitions).
⚠️ Things to Consider:
• Multiple transitions can be disruptive. Try to align with natural breaks like semesters.
• Schools may question frequent transitions, but New Jersey law protects your right to homeschool.
• Keep clear records of your homeschool curriculum and progress.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in New Jersey is incredibly flexible. You can choose a faith-based or secular curriculum, switch between homeschooling and public school if needed, and find community support through online platforms and local associations.
The most important thing to remember: you are not alone. Thousands of families across the state are making the same choice to provide their children with an education that fits their family’s values, pace, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re just beginning or adjusting along the way, know that you can create a learning environment that feels both approachable and inspiring — right from your own home.
What homeschooling Philosophy would you like to learn more about? What philosophy do you think you’ll follow? Drop your comments below! 👇🏼