Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in New Jersey

This is general guidance based on New Jersey law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in New Jersey. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Your child's IEP ends when you withdraw in New Jersey, but your district must evaluate your child under Child Find and provide some proportionate share services to parentally placed nonpublic school students. The scope of services depends on your district's funding and formula.

No specific statutory obligation for homeschool families to receive IEP services.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

District must locate and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities, including homeschooled children. Free evaluations available.

How to request: Contact your local school district's special education office to request an evaluation.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services

Proportionate share services available to parentally placed nonpublic school students under NJAC 6A:14-6.1 and 6.2.

How to request: Contact your local school district to inquire about available proportionate share services.

NJAC 6A:14-6.1; NJAC 6A:14-6.2

Dual enrollment

Not a clear right for homeschool families to access special education services through dual enrollment.

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: May be available through proportionate share
Occupational therapy:: May be available through proportionate share
Behavioral therapy:: Limited; private providers

NJAC 6A:14 governs services for parentally placed private school children.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
Your state does not require filing a notification to homeschool. You can begin homeschooling once you withdraw.
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in New Jersey?

Yes. Parents in New Jersey have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in New Jersey.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in New Jersey?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see New Jersey's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026