Founded by four homeschool moms with about two decades in homeschool experience. Our #1 priority is ensuring our members feel empowered in the health, educational, and developmental decisions of their own children. This includes providing access to any and all resources and tools that would benefit our homeschooling community.For more information on our Founders and Board of Directors, or to find opportunities to be involved, click the link below!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been homeschooling?
Cumulatively, we’ve homeschooled for about two decades, with half of our founders actively teaching and managing co-ops. In addition to homeschooling, our founders have been active participants in other forms of individualized education outside of public schooling.
Why did you start the SJHA?
Although there are many co-ops and homeschool organizations, we felt that there was a gap in the opportunities available for our children. Each of us brought an individual need into the mix, from wanting to have more secular opportunities, to needing more specific activity needs. We decided to bring our heads together and create an organization that provided for the needs of our homeschool community.
Why do I have to pay? Aren’t other options free?
There are many great free options available. However, SJHA has opted to charge a low annual fee to ensure that we are always able to provide as many opportunities as possible to our members.
What is your stance on…?
Our official stance on every decision is that you, as the parent, are the authority on what is best for your child. We understand that in certain situations you may agree or disagree with activities we host, or opportunities we offer, or they may extend outside your comfort zone. While we are certainly happy to host activities that are within your comfort zone, we also do not ban activities or create regulations outside of your comfort zone. There are opportunities for everyone.
What’s the difference between your SJHA full membership and your other memberships?
The SJHA membership ($40/year) includes access to early bird registration for events,
discounted registration for events, some free events, member only exclusive events, field
trips, co-op registration, and our Collaborative Enrichment Program.
The only additional memberships that you can signup for is a clubs membership. The clubs
membership gives you access to our free clubs, as well as occasional full priced
opportunities.
I don’t homeschool, but I would like to participate in…
We understand homeschooling may not be for everyone, you may be a relative of a homeschool family, or a family with young children who intends to homeschool. The SJHA is intended for homeschool families, but we do make exceptions for families who can benefit from and will benefit our community. Please reach out to info@sjhomeschool.com for more information.
What makes this association different from existing ones?
There are several things that set us apart from existing associations.
- We don’t require a statement of faith for you to join, which will naturally allow for more diversity in our group.
- Our interest based clubs meet weekly, which is more frequent than what we’ve seen with other associations.
- Many homeschool activities in other associations cater to the younger elementary ages (k-2nd), our goal at SJHA is to provide older kids and teens a thriving homeschool network as well.
- We have an all inclusive opportunities for our homeschool families that go beyond education and children’s socialization.
Are you a school/curriculum?
No, we are not a school or curriculum. We are also not a substitute for homeschooling in New Jersey in concordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, but rather a source of community and enrichment for your homeschool.
How do I homeschool in New Jersey?
New Jersey is one of the easiest states to homeschool in! We recommend checking out the most up to date regulations here.