Homeschooling in New Jersey: 5 Tips to Get Started on Right Foot

Welcome to homeschooling. There's no need to be intimidated or even worried. Just remember to do a few simple things when you switch your child from the public school system to your homeschool.

First off, before you start, you need to decide if you're going to use a purchased curriculum (there are many) or design your own. Purchasing a curriculum is the easiest to begin with. Don't just buy the level that matches their grade level in public school. Buy the diagnostic tests for the program you are looking at. Administer the tests over a period of several weeks. (Too much testing at a time will burn your kids out.) When testing, start at least 2 grade levels below the public school level. And don't be shocked by the results.

Secondly, be prepared to supplement. Some programs come on CD; others are workbooks and still more are online. Don't be fooled. You'll find areas where the program just isn't enough. Then you'll need to come with supplementary workbooks, etc. For example, perhaps the explanation for matter -- solids, liquids, and gases -- just doesn't click and leaves your student with more questions than answers. If you're using a workbook based program, supplement with internet resources. (Chemistry4kids.com is a good one.) If you're using a computer or internet program, supplement with book work - a trip to the library. Alternate your sources so your student isn't always working on a computer. Give them variety in sources, too. Don't overlook some of the value in some of the software and computer games. As an example, Age Of Empires has some history value to the game as well as geography types. Age of Mythology offers insight into Egyptians, Romans, etc. Ceasar is another good game that imparts some knowledge.

Third, research your state's laws regarding homeschooling. Visit www.hslda.org for a summary by state. New Jersey doesn't require that you notify the school system, however, if they have already attended public school, you need to notify to avoid dealing with truant officers. Notification is simple. Many homeschool organizations recommend sending a copy of New Jersey's FAQ on homeschooling. The page can accessed through the www.hslda.org website. I covered all bases by making two copies of the FAQ, and two copies of letter simply stating that I would be homeschooling my child and he would no longer be attending the school. One copy went to the local board of education; the other went directly to the school. (Obviously, don't send the letter until you are ready to start.) Send it via certified or return-receipt mail. Keep the signed card for your records.

Fourth, plan the transition. We switched mid-year due to threats of gun violence in the school. We had planned for a summer transition but ended up making the move about two months earlier. But we had planned ahead and were ready. Have your curriculum, books, supplies, all on hand and ready to go. Have the first few weeks of covered topics set up and planned out. Just be flexible with your plans. If your child has a hard time grasping a concept, then slow down and make sure it's understood. That's the beauty of homeschooling.

Fifth, stay on top of it. Don't let the paper work part of it get overwhelming. Keep things filed; mark papers at regular intervals-whether you do it daily, nightly, or weekly. Keep a database or chart of test scores. The papers can easily get out of hand; keep them tamed on a steady basis. Computer programs that track grades are handy in that way; but don't forget to track your supplementation as well.

Now go and make your plans. Research your curriculum. Plan your first few weeks of schooling. Write your letters. And happy schooling.