The battle for homeschool freedom is intensifying across America, with New Jersey becoming the latest battleground. In a recent episode of “The Homeschool How-To” podcast, host Cheryl spoke with Mariama, a New Jersey homeschooling mother of two who is actively monitoring and fighting against proposed legislation that threatens homeschooling freedoms in the state.
Currently, New Jersey is one of twelve states with no oversight requirements for homeschooling families. Parents don’t need to file a letter of intent, submit registrations, or provide assessments. This educational freedom has served families well for decades. However, four new bills threaten to dramatically change this landscape, potentially creating a ripple effect that could impact homeschoolers nationwide.
Assembly Bill 5825 and Senate Bill 1796 would require homeschooling families to file a letter of intent and provide curriculum that aligns with state standards. This raises serious concerns about religious freedom protected under the First Amendment and parental rights protected under the Fourteenth Amendment. Forcing families to adopt state-approved curriculum could compel them to teach topics that contradict their values and beliefs.
Even more concerning are Assembly Bill 5796 and Senate Bill 4589, which would require homeschoolers to meet annually with a school district representative for a “general health and wellness check.” This requirement doesn’t apply to public or private school students, raising questions about equal protection under the law. It also potentially violates Fourth Amendment protections against unwarranted searches and inspections without probable cause.
What’s particularly revealing is that these bills appear to be motivated by a single case of alleged neglect, not by widespread issues within the homeschooling community. In fact, statistics show that homeschooled African American and Latino students outperform their traditionally schooled peers on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT by 20-25 points, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Many suspect the real motivation behind these bills is about control and funding. As homeschooling rates continue to grow (from less than 1% pre-pandemic to 3.7% post-pandemic in New Jersey), public schools lose funding for each student who leaves the system. With national homeschooling rates rising 2-8% annually, educational bureaucracies may be trying to regain control over families exercising their right to educational freedom.
Parents like Mariama aren’t just concerned about government overreach; they’re motivated by providing the best possible education for their children. For many families, homeschooling allows them to provide a values-based education, protect their children from harmful ideologies, and create a learning environment tailored to their children’s needs and interests.
To stay informed about these legislative threats, Mariama recommends following the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) on social media. They provide regular updates on legislation affecting homeschoolers and offer resources to help families take action. She also encourages homeschooling parents to share their stories on social media to counter misconceptions and inspire others who might be considering homeschooling.
As these bills move through the legislative process in New Jersey, homeschooling families nationwide should stay vigilant. What happens in one state often becomes a template for legislation in others. By staying informed and advocating for educational freedom, homeschooling families can protect their right to provide the education they believe is best for their children.