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.

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.