Homeschooling in New Jersey
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in New Jersey site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in New Jersey
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in New Jersey
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in New Jersey
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in New Jersey
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what New Jersey has to offer!
Resources
New Jersey Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding New Jersey.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in New Jersey, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in New Jersey
Homeschool associations in New Jersey aim to help promote homeschooling and protect parents’ rights to home educate children. New Jersey is home to many homeschooling families, and more and more families are choosing this path.
There is one homeschooling association in the state: The New Jersey Homeschool Association (NJHA).The NJHA is a nonpartisan group that serves all homeschool families in the state regardless of race, religion, disability, or reason for homeschooling. The NJHA provides homeschooling families with support and legal information.Support groups and co-ops are also popular in New Jersey. These groups can help families with homeschooling support, legal advice, resources, and other information. Here are a few options for support groups and co-ops in New Jersey:
- Homeschool Connections of Monmouth County
- Homeschoolers of Atlantic Co., NJ (HACk)
- Homeschoolers of Cumberland County, NJ
- Hudson County Homeschoolers
- Jersey Shore Homeschoolers
- Morris County Homeschoolers
- Skylands NJ Homeschool Group
- Somerset County Homeschooling
Support groups and co-ops are organizations often started by parents to share resources, advice, and information about homeschooling with one another. These groups also offer activities and meet-ups, which provide students and parents with socialization with like-minded individuals. Some of these groups also offer field trips and other special events.
Co-ops are typically more focused on academics; they may offer weekly learning opportunities. In co-ops, parents might alternate teaching either general subjects or have a more specific focus like STEM or fine arts.
Both of these groups can help you home educate your child based on their age and interests. Family values often come into play as well. While many groups are secular, others are based on religious beliefs. You are also free to join any of these groups that you please.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Get Started Homeschooling in New Jersey
If you are considering homeschool for your child, you are probably wondering how to get started. The first place to start is obviously researching the regulations in New Jersey. It is critical that homeschooling families follow all of the laws for homeschooling to prevent children from being considered truant, which could land the parents in legal trouble.
Curriculum can be a huge cause of stress for homeschooling parents. With Power Homeschool, you will receive a curriculum that aims to make the homeschooling process as easy as possible for both parents and students. Power Homeschool can help you get started on the right foot. If you have questions about our program, please call or email us.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in New Jersey
Field trips are often associated with public and private schools, but these outings can also be used in homeschooling. In fact, homeschool families often have more flexibility to go on field trips and can better tailor field trips into their lessons.
Here are a few field trip options for homeschoolers in New Jersey:
- Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island at Ellis Island: More than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. See what laid in store for these immigrants at the Ellis Island Museum and tour the Statue of Liberty.
- Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale: The Historic Village at Allaire is a living history museum that you can tour to better understand life in the 1800s. Children can even see what school was like during this time period.
- Liberty Science Center in Jersey City: Participate in science experiments at Liberty Science Center. There are activities for children of all ages in many different fields of science.
- Monmouth Museum in Lincroft: History, science, nature, and art collide at the Monmouth Museum. Different areas of the museum are better for different age groups of children, but there is something for everything at this unique museum.
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan: Monmouth Battlefield State Park is the location of one of the largest battles of the American Revolution. The park includes a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and hiking and horseback riding trails.
- Cheesequake State Park in Matawan: This unique park lies between the middle of the urban north and suburban south, where it lies between two different ecosystems. In the park, you will find open fields, both saltwater and freshwater marshes, Pine Barrens, a white cedar swamp, and hardwood forest.
- Montclair Art Museum in Montclair: This art museum is home to American and Native American pieces of artwork. In addition, the museum offers educational programs to help guests explore relationships between both of these artistic traditions.
- Bergen County Zoological Park in Paramus: Visit the Bergen County Zoological Park for the opportunity to view some of the rarest animal species in the world. While at the zoo, your student can take the time to learn about all of these special animals.
- Terhune Orchards in Princeton: Visit Terhune Orchards for a unique experience on a working farm. Your student will learn how to seed and harvest crops. The farm also teaches about sustainability. Students can also help pick produce, which varies depending on the season.
- New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood: Explore a variety of plant species at the New Jersey Botanical Garden. You can also tour the Skylands Manor home.
These are just a few of the many field trip options in the state of New Jersey. There are more opportunities to learn about wildlife, history, culture, art, and science in New Jersey.
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