Everything you need to know about homeschooling in New Hampshire - a moderately regulated state with multiple oversight options and an excellent Education Freedom Account program. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
New Hampshire has moderate regulation for homeschooling, but offers families significant flexibility in how they comply. The state provides three different oversight options, allowing parents to choose the participating agency that works best for their family - the local school district, a state-approved non-public school, or the State Commissioner of Education.
The legal foundation for homeschooling in New Hampshire is RSA 193-A, which defines "home education" as instruction of a child by the child's parent or guardian in the child's home. The law requires notification within 5 business days, annual evaluation of student progress, and instruction in 11 subject areas.
New Hampshire also offers a major financial benefit: the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, which provides approximately $4,700+ per student for qualifying education expenses.
New Hampshire focuses on outcomes rather than inputs. The state does not mandate specific hours or days of instruction. Instead, the annual evaluation is the primary way student progress is assessed. You have full freedom to choose your curriculum, materials, and teaching methods.
New Hampshire offers three oversight options for homeschool families. You choose a "participating agency" to receive your notification and (if requested) your evaluation results. Each option has the same legal requirements, but the experience can differ.
| Oversight Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Option 1: Resident District | Submit notification to your local school district superintendent. Most common choice. Local contact, familiar process. |
| Option 2: Non-Public School | Submit notification to a state-approved private school. Alternative to district oversight. May have fees. |
| Option 3: State DOE | Submit notification to the NH Department of Education (State Commissioner). State-level oversight, not local district. |
New Hampshire homeschool law is codified in RSA 193-A, which establishes parent-directed home education as a legally recognized form of instruction. The law provides explicit rights including curriculum freedom, multiple evaluation methods, and access to public school courses.
| Requirement | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | RSA 193-A |
| Notification | Within 5 business days |
| Attendance | No minimum days or hours |
| Teacher Qualification | None required |
| Required Subjects | 11 subject areas |
| Curriculum Approval | Not required |
| Annual Evaluation | Required (multiple methods) |
| Record-Keeping | Evaluation results maintained by parent |
Most families use the resident district because it is the most straightforward. However, if you prefer distance from local school officials, the State Commissioner (DOE) option provides state-level oversight instead. The non-public school option works well for families wanting a private school affiliation.
Starting homeschool in New Hampshire involves a few clear steps. The process is straightforward once you understand the notification and oversight structure.
Decide which oversight option works best for your family:
Submit notification to your chosen participating agency within 5 business days of withdrawing from school or before beginning home education.
Choose materials covering all 11 required subjects. No approval of your curriculum is needed - you have full freedom to select your own materials and methods.
Follow your curriculum and document progress throughout the year.
At the end of each school year, complete your chosen evaluation method and maintain the results.
The 5 business day deadline is critical for families withdrawing from public school. File your notification promptly to avoid any truancy concerns. Keep a copy of your notification and any confirmation from the participating agency.
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New Hampshire requires parents to notify their chosen participating agency before or shortly after beginning home education.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 5 business days of withdrawal (or before starting) |
| Submit To | Your chosen participating agency |
| Frequency | Annual (some agencies require yearly renewal) |
| Approval Needed | No - notification only, not approval |
New Hampshire uses a notification system, not an approval system. You are informing the participating agency of your intent to homeschool - you do not need their permission. They cannot deny your right to homeschool or dictate your curriculum.
New Hampshire requires instruction in 11 subject areas. Parents have complete freedom to choose their own curriculum, textbooks, and teaching methods - no curriculum approval is required.
This is a unique New Hampshire requirement. Instruction must include both the United States Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution. This can be integrated into your government, history, or civics curriculum.
This does not require formal art or music lessons. Appreciation can be taught through museum visits, listening to music, watching performances, art projects, or studying art history. The key word is "appreciation" - exposure and understanding, not necessarily performance skills.
While 11 subjects may sound like a lot, many naturally overlap. A history unit can cover government, reading, writing, and Constitution requirements simultaneously. A nature study covers science, reading, and possibly art appreciation.
New Hampshire does not specifically mandate a minimum number of school days or instructional hours for homeschoolers. The state focuses on outcomes through annual evaluation rather than counting hours or days.
You set your own schedule. You can school year-round, take breaks whenever you choose, and adjust your daily hours based on what works for your family.
Even though attendance tracking is not legally required in New Hampshire, many experienced families keep a basic log for their own reference. This is helpful if your child returns to public school, applies to college, or if you want to demonstrate a consistent educational program. Most families log between 160-180 days of instruction per year.
The annual evaluation is the most important ongoing requirement for New Hampshire homeschoolers. Every homeschooled student must be evaluated annually, but families have several methods to choose from.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Standardized Test | Any nationally normed test (Iowa, Stanford, CAT, etc.) |
| State Test | If offered to homeschoolers |
| Written Evaluation | Conducted by a certified teacher |
| Portfolio Review | Reviewed by a certified teacher, person with a higher education degree, or person designated by the participating agency |
| Other Method | As determined by the parent and participating agency together |
Standardized tests are objective and straightforward - administer the test and keep the results. Portfolio reviews allow more flexibility and can showcase your child's work in ways a test cannot. Choose the method that best reflects your child's learning style and your teaching approach.
New Hampshire's record-keeping requirements are relatively light. The primary requirement is maintaining your notification documentation and annual evaluation results.
| Record Type | Required? | Submit? |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | Yes | Yes - to participating agency |
| Evaluation Results | Yes | Upon request only |
| Curriculum Records | Recommended | No |
| Portfolio | If using for evaluation | If requested |
| Attendance | Recommended | No |
Use Blue Folder to track your evaluation schedule, upload work samples for your portfolio, and maintain all your compliance records in one place. When evaluation time comes, everything is organized and ready. Try it free →
New Hampshire offers one of the most generous ESA programs in the country through Education Freedom Accounts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | ~$4,700+ per student (varies) |
| Eligibility | Income-based (expanding over time) |
| Administrator | Children's Scholarship Fund NH |
EFA participants must still meet all standard homeschool requirements including notification and annual evaluation. The EFA program may have additional reporting requirements. Check current eligibility limits, as the program has been expanding over time.
Under RSA 193-A:5, homeschoolers may request enrollment in public school courses: "may, upon request, be enrolled in a public school in any program, course, or activity." Access to extracurricular activities and sports is at district discretion.
Homeschoolers can access special education evaluation through their local district. Full services typically require enrollment, but some services may be available to homeschool students. Contact your district for details.
New Hampshire homeschool law is manageable, but new families commonly make these avoidable mistakes.
The 5-day notification deadline is the most time-sensitive requirement. If you are pulling your child from public school, have your notification ready to submit immediately. Late notification can create truancy concerns.
Don't make these mistakes
Blue Folder tracks every requirement and keeps your records organized automatically.
Track New Hampshire ComplianceMost families use the resident district because it is the most straightforward. If you prefer distance from local school officials, consider the State Commissioner of Education (DOE). The non-public school option works well for families wanting a private school affiliation.
It depends on your family. Standardized tests are objective and simple. Portfolio reviews offer more flexibility and can better showcase a child's work. Choose the method that aligns with your teaching style and your child's strengths.
There may be follow-up required by your participating agency, but the focus is on educational progress rather than specific scores. Continue working at your child's pace and document the growth you see.
It depends on your participating agency. Some require annual notification renewal. Check with your specific agency for their requirements.
If you meet the income requirements, yes. The program has been expanding over time. Check current eligibility through the Children's Scholarship Fund NH, which administers the program.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the New Hampshire Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For legal support, see HSLDA New Hampshire. Last updated February 2026.