New Jersey Homeschool Funding
Local supports, services, and limits.
NJ
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No statewide ESA or stipend for homeschooling
Admin: Local school districts (discretionary access to services); NJDOE oversees public school options
Typical award
Amount: $0 (no direct state funding for homeschool)
Disbursement: N/A — families self-fund; districts may optionally allow access to classes/activities
Who qualifies
- Residency: New Jersey residents educating “elsewhere than at school.”
- Age/grade: Compulsory school ages must receive “equivalent instruction.”
- Needs/other: Districts must evaluate upon request for special education (Child Find); services are generally tied to public/nonpublic enrollment or district discretion.
Timeline
- Application opens: N/A for homeschooling (no state registration)
- Deadline: N/A; public school choice (if used) follows NJDOE dates
- Fund availability: N/A (no homeschool stipend)
Overview
New Jersey allows parents to provide “equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.” The state does not run a homeschool funding program or ESA. Local districts are not required to supply textbooks, technology, or services to homeschooled students, though districts may choose to allow part-time classes or extracurriculars. Families who want a public option can consider the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program (attend a participating public school outside your resident district), which is separate from homeschooling.
Programs
Local district access (discretionary)
- Type: Access to specific classes, activities, or textbook loans (if district permits)
- Award: No cash benefit; access varies by district policy
- Uses: Part-time enrollment in courses, extracurricular activities, potential textbook/technology loans if offered
- Admin: Your resident school district; policies vary locally
Interdistrict Public School Choice (not homeschool)
- Type: Public school choice across districts (full-time public schooling)
- Award: Tuition covered by state funding to receiving district (no money to families)
- Uses: Attend a participating public “choice” district if accepted
- Admin: New Jersey Department of Education; participating districts
Special education: evaluations & possible services
- Type: Evaluation upon parent request; services generally require enrollment or are at district discretion
- Award: No stipend; potential district-provided services if eligible and permitted
- Uses: Evaluation, IEP eligibility determination; services depend on placement/policy
- Admin: Resident school district Child Study Team
Eligibility
- Residency: Parent/guardian and student reside in New Jersey.
- Age/grade: Students of compulsory school age must receive “equivalent instruction” if not enrolled in school.
- Prior enrollment: Not required; parents may withdraw to homeschool.
- Income / IEP: No income-based homeschool funding; special education eligibility follows evaluation by the district upon request.
- Other criteria: Access to public school classes/activities is a local board decision; there is no right to participate statewide.
How to apply
- Homeschool set-up: New Jersey has no state homeschool registration or portal. Keep records of instruction and materials.
- District access (optional): If you want part-time classes, activities, or evaluations, contact your resident district (superintendent’s office) and follow any local procedures.
- Interdistrict School Choice (optional public alternative): Review participating districts and submit the NJDOE choice application by the posted deadline.
Covered expenses
- No state reimbursements for homeschool purchases
- Curriculum & textbooks (family-purchased)
- Online courses / software (family-purchased)
- Testing & assessments (family-purchased unless district evaluation)
- Learning supplies & materials
- Education-related field trips
- Technology/devices (family-purchased)
- Private tutoring or classes
- Activity/sports fees (only if district allows participation)
- Some districts may voluntarily loan textbooks or allow class access, but it isn’t required statewide.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschool “application” | N/A | No state registration |
| Interdistrict School Choice (student application) | Nov 24, 2025 | For 2026–27 school year (per NJDOE timeline) |
| District evaluations | Rolling | Request through your resident district; timelines follow special education rules |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does New Jersey give homeschool funding or an ESA?
No. NJ has no statewide ESA, voucher, or homeschool stipend. Districts are not required to provide textbooks, technology, or other services to homeschooled students.
Can my homeschooled child take classes or join a school team?
Possibly. Participation in public school classes or extracurriculars is a local board decision. Ask your district about its policy and any requirements.
Can I request a special education evaluation from the district?
Yes. Parents may request an evaluation from their resident district. Services are generally provided to enrolled students; for homeschooled students, services depend on district policy and eligibility.
What if I want a public option without returning to my home district?
Consider the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program. You apply to a participating receiving district and, if accepted, your child attends that public school full-time. This is not homeschooling and does not pay families.
Contacts
Your local school district
Start with the superintendent’s office for policies on class access, extracurriculars, and evaluations.
New Jersey Department of Education
Law & regulations
- N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 (Compulsory education; “equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school”).
- NJDOE Homeschooling FAQ — implementation & district discretion