New Jersey vs New York: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | New Jersey | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | No regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Not required | Detailed plan required — superintendent of the local school district By July 1 annually, or within 14 days of commencing home instruction mid-year |
| Testing | Not required | Required (Composite score above the 33rd percentile on national norms, OR one academic year of growth compared to a prior year's test) |
| Required subjects | None specified | 12 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 900 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | No requirement |
| Recordkeeping | None required | attendance, grades |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Required by July 1 annually (LOI and subsequently IHIP) |
Moving Between These States
Moving from New Jersey to New York
Grace period: 14 days from commencing home instruction in the district (8 NYCRR §100.10)
What changes:
- +New York requires notification (Detailed plan required — superintendent of the local school district By July 1 annually, or within 14 days of commencing home instruction mid-year). New Jersey does not
- +New York requires testing (Required (Composite score above the 33rd percentile on national norms, OR one academic year of growth compared to a prior year's test)). New Jersey does not
- +New York requires required subjects (12 subjects). New Jersey does not
- +New York requires instructional time (900 hrs/yr). New Jersey does not
- +New York requires recordkeeping (attendance, grades). New Jersey does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave New Jersey:
- ▢Withdrawal letter recommended (but not legally required) in New Jersey
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in New York:
- ▢File Letter of Intent with local superintendent within 14 days of commencing instruction. Submit IHIP within 4 weeks of receiving the form from the district.
Within 14 days of starting:
- ▢File within 14 days of starting (8 NYCRR §100.10)
- ▢District has 10 business days to respond with IHIP form. Complete IHIP due within 4 weeks of receiving form.
Moving from New York to New Jersey
What changes:
- -Good news: New Jersey has no notification requirement
- -Good news: New Jersey has no testing requirement
- -Good news: New Jersey has no required subjects requirement
- -Good news: New Jersey has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: New Jersey has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave New York:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in New York
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in New Jersey:
- ▢No notification required in New Jersey
Military families
Neither New Jersey nor New York has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey and New York have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from New Jersey to New York?
When moving from New Jersey to New York, you must comply with New York's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify