The state says. •New Jersey asks for equivalent instruction.•That means schoolwork equal to what the local public school gives.•None of the law's words set a number of days or hours.

You do. •Pick your own days and hours.•The Lesson Planner can count the days you teach, if you want a count.

The state says. •New Jersey has no separate homeschool law.•The school law lets a child be taught "elsewhere than at school."•The state says that lets a parent or guardian teach at home.•The teaching must be equivalent to the public schools.•This is the one route.

You do. •Teach your child at home.1.Cover the main school subjects.2.Keep pace with what public schools teach at that grade.•You do not need approval to start.

The state says. •The law covers children between 6 and 16.•In those years, a child goes to school or gets equivalent instruction elsewhere.•Home is one of those places.

You do. •Start by your child's 6th birthday.•The duty under this law ends at the 16th birthday.

The state says. •Most families do not have to tell anyone to start.•The state encourages a note to your local board of education.•That board runs the public schools where you live.•Two cases do need paper.1.Taking a child out of a public high school takes a transfer form.2.You try to enroll your child in a public school, and the district says no.•If you do not appeal, you must tell the district where your child will learn.

You do. 1.Is your child in a public high school now?•Fill out the district's transfer form first.2.Did a district refuse to enroll your child, and you will not appeal?•Tell the district in writing where your child will learn.3.In any other case, a short letter to the board is a good idea.•It heads off questions later.4.

The state says. •A parent or guardian does not need a teaching certificate.•Neither does any other person who teaches your child.

You do. •Teach your child yourself, or pick another teacher or program.•There is nothing to get first.

The state says. •New Jersey gives no list of subjects.•The teaching must be equivalent to the local public school.•A court said that means equal in schoolwork.•It does not mean equal in social life with a group.•The board of education does not review or approve your plan.

You do. •Choose your own subjects and books.•To show your teaching is equivalent, cover the main subjects.•Public high schools usually teach language arts, math, science and history.•The Academic Planner shows what colleges expect.

The state says. •New Jersey does not require a test.•The board of education may not test your child.•Your child may go back to school later.•If so, the school places your child like any other new student.•It may not hold your child to a higher standard.

You do. •There is nothing to schedule.•Keep your records ready in case your child goes back to school.

The state says. •The school law that allows homeschooling does not mention shots.•The state shot rule covers children in child care centers and schools.•Colleges have their own shot rule.

You do. •There is nothing to file to homeschool.•Your child may join a school, child care or college later.•If so, bring the shot record.•Or bring an exemption. An exemption excuses a child from shots.•For medical, a doctor or advanced practice nurse fills out state form IMM-53.•For religious, you write and sign your own letter.