Homeschooling in New Hampshire
Complete 2026 guide to homeschooling in New Hampshire. Learn about RSA 193-A requirements, annual evaluations, Education Freedom Accounts, and equal access laws.
At a Glance
New Hampshire homeschool law overview
- Compulsory Ages
- 6 (by Sept. 30) through 18
- Notification
- Within 5 business days of starting
- Regulation Level
- Low-moderate (annual evaluation required)
- Teacher Qualifications
- None required
- Annual Evaluation
- Required (multiple options)
- Education Freedom Account
- ~$4,266/year for eligible families
Important Notice
Requirements
What you need to know to start homeschooling in New Hampshire
Legal Basis
Home education in New Hampshire is governed by RSA 193-A, the state's dedicated home education statute. This law establishes the requirements for notification, curriculum, evaluation, and recordkeeping that every New Hampshire homeschool family must follow.
Compulsory Attendance
Under RSA 193:1, children who are 6 years old by September 30 of the school year and under 18 must attend school or an approved alternative, including a home education program. New Hampshire allows parents to request permission from the school board to end their child's compulsory education after age 16 under certain conditions.
Notification Requirements
You must file a Notice of Intent within 5 business days after starting your home education program. You may send your notification to one of three entities — your choice:
- Your local school district superintendent
- A participating nonpublic school principal
- The Commissioner of Education at the New Hampshire Department of Education
Whichever entity you notify becomes your participating agency for evaluation purposes. You do not need to file a renewal annually unless you switch your participating agency. However, you do need to submit your annual evaluation results to this agency.
Required Subjects
RSA 193-A:4 requires instruction in the following subjects:
- Science
- Mathematics
- Language (reading, writing, and spelling)
- Government (civics)
- History
- Health
- Art and music appreciation
- United States and New Hampshire constitutions
This is a broader list than many states require, but you have complete freedom in how you teach these subjects and which materials you use.
Teacher Qualifications
New Hampshire does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific credential. Any parent, guardian, or person having custody of a child may provide home education.
Portfolio and Recordkeeping
RSA 193-A:6 requires you to maintain a portfolio of records and materials related to your home education program. The portfolio must include:
- A log designating by title the reading materials used
- Samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the child
You must preserve this portfolio for 2 years from the date instruction ends for each school year. This is one of the more specific recordkeeping requirements among homeschool-friendly states, but it is manageable with minimal effort.
Proposed Changes: HB 1268 (2026)
House Bill 1268, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, proposes significant changes that would eliminate most current requirements — including notification, recordkeeping mandates, and exempting homeschool students from the compulsory attendance law entirely. As of February 2026, this bill is under consideration and has received mixed reviews from the homeschool community. Current law remains in effect until any changes are enacted.
Evaluations
Annual evaluation and assessment options
Annual Evaluation Required
New Hampshire is one of the states that does require an annual evaluation of your homeschool student's progress. However, you have several options for how to satisfy this requirement, giving you meaningful flexibility.
Evaluation Options
Under RSA 193-A:6, you must complete one of the following each year:
- Standardized test: Administer a nationally normed standardized achievement test. Your child must score at or above the 40th percentile on the test composite score.
- State assessment: Have your child take the statewide student assessment used in public schools.
- Evaluation by certified teacher: Have a New Hampshire certified teacher evaluate your child's portfolio and provide a written assessment of the student's progress.
- Evaluation by another method: Use another evaluation method mutually agreed upon by you and your participating agency (superintendent, nonpublic school, or DOE).
What Happens If Your Child Does Not Meet Standards
If your child scores below the 40th percentile on a standardized test, or receives an unsatisfactory evaluation, you must work with your participating agency to address the areas of concern. You may implement a remediation plan and be re-evaluated. The state does not automatically require your child to enroll in public school based on a single unsatisfactory evaluation.
Submitting Results
You must submit your evaluation results to your participating agency by a mutually agreed-upon date. If you are working with your local superintendent, contact them early in the year to confirm the deadline and preferred format.
Financial Resources
Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits
Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs)
New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program is one of the most significant financial resources available to homeschool families in the state — and it is a model that many other states are watching closely.
For the 2025–2026 school year, eligible students receive at least $4,265.64 per year, an amount equal to the state's per-pupil adequacy aid. This money can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, including:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Online learning programs
- Tutoring services
- Educational therapy
- Standardized testing fees
- Educational supplies and materials
Eligibility
Following the passage of Senate Bill 295 in June 2025, EFA eligibility was expanded significantly. The income cap was removed, but a 10,000 student annual cap was imposed for families earning more than 350% of the federal poverty level. Families at or below 350% FPL are not subject to the enrollment cap. The program is open to students ages 5–20 entering grades K–12.
Program Scope
The EFA program has grown rapidly. In the 2025–2026 school year, approximately 10,510 students are participating, nearly double the previous year. The state is spending approximately $51.6 million on the program. Applications are administered by the Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire (CSFNH) — contact them at 603-755-6751 or csfnh@scholarshipfund.org.
Other Financial Resources
Beyond EFAs, New Hampshire homeschool families can use:
- Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: Save up to $2,000 per child per year with tax-free growth for qualified educational expenses
- 529 Plans: Tax-free growth for education savings, with up to $10,000 per year available for K-12 expenses under federal rules
New Hampshire has no state income tax on earned income, so there are no state tax deductions for educational expenses — but there is also no state income tax burden on your homeschool family's earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about homeschooling in New Hampshire