In accordance with New Jersey law, specifically, N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7, titled Parent's statement of conflict with conscience, any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school principal a signed statement that any part of the instructions in health, family life education or sex education is in conflict with their conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given, and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result therefrom.

Please see Board of Education Policy 5250:  Excusal from Class or Program and Board of Education Policy 2422:  Comprehensive Health and Physical Education which further outline the process to request excusal. 

Our schools inform parents of the family life education curriculum annually before being taught. Please click here for Parental opt-outs that fall within the scope of N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7.

The Haddonfield School District also recognizes that there may be occasion for a parent or student to request excusal from limited content that falls outside the scope of  N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.7.  In those circumstances, a meeting with the school’s principal is required to actively engage in dialogue to understand the request's nature better and allow the principal to share more in-depth instructional content to answer any questions or concerns.  Following the meeting, the principal will notify the parent of their options. 

Please note this form is required to be submitted by parents annually each school year