Want to learn how to homeschool in New Hampshire? Great choice! The Granite State makes it easy. File one notice. Pick your own curriculum. No testing required. Plus you might get $5,000 in funding. This guide shows you how.
Looking at nearby states? Check our guides for Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
Why Homeschool in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire offers great perks for homeschool families:
- Education Freedom Accounts – Up to $5,000+ per child each year
- Simple paperwork – Just one notice and yearly evaluation
- No teacher rules – You don’t need any degree
- Full curriculum freedom – Pick any materials you want
- Sports access – Many districts let homeschoolers play
- Strong community – Active groups all over the state
The state trusts parents. You decide what to teach and how. That’s real freedom.
New Hampshire Homeschool Laws at a Glance
New Hampshire keeps rules simple. File one notice. Teach the basics. Do a yearly check-in. That’s the deal.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under RSA 193-A |
| Compulsory Ages | 6-18 years old |
| Notification | One-time notice within 5 days of starting |
| Subjects Required | Yes (see list below) |
| Assessment | Yearly evaluation (you keep it) |
| Teacher Qualifications | None required |
| Records | Portfolio kept for 2 years |
| Immunizations | Not required |
Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling in New Hampshire
Ready to begin? Follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Check Ages
Kids ages 6-18 must follow school rules. If your child turns 6 after September 30, you’re off the hook until next year.
Under age 6? You can homeschool with no paperwork at all.
Step 2: Pick Your Contact Agency
New Hampshire wants you to tell someone you’re homeschooling. You have three choices:
- Local superintendent – Most families pick this
- State Education Department – Another option
- Private school – Some schools oversee homeschoolers
Your contact doesn’t approve your plan. They just receive your notice. That’s it.
Step 3: Send Your Notice
Write a simple letter within 5 days of starting. Include:
- Your children’s names, addresses, and birth dates
- Parent names and addresses
- When you started
Send it by certified mail. Keep a copy. The agency must respond within 14 days.
Step 4: Pick Your Curriculum
Once you send the notice, start teaching. No waiting. No approval needed. Pick any curriculum you want:
- Textbooks – Abeka, BJU Press, Saxon
- Online programs – Time4Learning, Khan Academy
- Charlotte Mason – Living books and nature study
- Classical – Grammar, logic, rhetoric stages
- Unschooling – Child-led learning
Try different things. See what clicks. You can change anytime.
Step 5: Keep Records and Evaluate
Throughout the year, save work samples. Do a yearly evaluation. You don’t submit anything. Just keep records for yourself.
Required Subjects in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires these subjects over your child’s education:
- Science
- Mathematics
- Language arts
- Government
- History
- Health
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- U.S. and New Hampshire Constitution history
- Art and music appreciation
You don’t need every subject every year. Cover them over time. The law gives you flexibility.
Yearly Evaluation
Once a year, check your child’s progress. You have options:
Option 1: Teacher Evaluation
Have a certified teacher review your child’s work. They just need to say your child is learning.
Option 2: Standardized Test
Give any national achievement test. No minimum score required. The test just shows progress.
Option 3: State Assessment
Use the same test public schools use in your district.
Option 4: Other Methods
Work out another method with your superintendent. Many families use portfolios.
Here’s the best part. You don’t submit results to anyone. Keep them for your own records.
Record Keeping
Keep a portfolio for at least two years. Include:
- Books and materials used
- Writing samples
- Worksheets and projects
- Anything showing your child’s work
A simple binder works great. Add samples throughout the year. This protects you if questions ever come up.
Education Freedom Accounts
New Hampshire offers money for homeschooling! The Education Freedom Accounts program puts state funds in your account.
What EFAs Cover
Use the money for:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Online learning programs
- Tutoring
- School supplies
- Private school tuition
- Other approved education expenses
Who Qualifies
To get an EFA:
- Be a New Hampshire resident
- Have income up to 350% of poverty level
- Have a child in grades K-12
EFA homeschooling has different rules than regular homeschooling. Check the program details if you qualify. The application opens each year. Don’t miss the deadline.
Leaving Public School
Is your child in public school now? Here’s how to switch:
- Tell the school – Say you’re withdrawing for home education
- Send your notice – File within 5 days of starting
- Get records – Ask for transcripts and shot records
- Return stuff – Give back textbooks and library books
You don’t need permission. Once you file your notice, you’re legally homeschooling.
High School and Graduation
You’re in charge of high school requirements. You decide what your teen needs to graduate.
Setting Requirements
Most families require:
- 4 years of English
- 3-4 years of math
- 3 years of science
- 3 years of social studies
- Electives based on interests
Homeschool Diplomas
You issue your own diploma. It works for:
- College applications
- Jobs
- Military enlistment
Transcripts
Create your own transcript. List courses, grades, and credits. Colleges know how to handle homeschool transcripts. Many have special admissions processes.
College Prep
Many New Hampshire homeschoolers go to great colleges. Start preparing in 9th grade. Take the SAT or ACT junior year. Document activities and achievements.
Field Trips in New Hampshire
The Granite State has great field trip options:
History and Culture
- Strawbery Banke Museum – Colonial and maritime history
- Canterbury Shaker Village – Learn about Shaker life
- State House in Concord – See government in action
- Robert Frost Farm – Visit the poet’s home
Science and Nature
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center – Space and science
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center – Wildlife and nature
- White Mountains – Hiking, geology, ecosystems
- Mount Washington – Weather and alpine environments
New England history surrounds you. Boston and Maine are short drives away. The seacoast offers beach days. Make learning come alive.
Many attractions offer homeschool discounts on weekday visits. Call ahead and ask. You might save money and skip the crowds.
New Hampshire Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition – Statewide support and resources
- HSLDA New Hampshire – Legal help and support
- NH Department of Education – Official state info
Finding Groups
New Hampshire has active homeschool groups everywhere. Find them through:
- NH Homeschooling Coalition’s directory
- Library homeschool programs
- Facebook groups for NH homeschoolers
- Church-based groups
Co-ops and Classes
Many families join co-ops. They offer:
- Group classes
- Science labs
- Art and music
- PE and sports
- Field trips
Co-ops give your kids friends. You share teaching duties with other parents. Some co-ops are small. Others have dozens of families. Find the size that fits your crew.
Libraries
New Hampshire libraries love homeschoolers. Many run special programs just for you. Story times. Science clubs. Book clubs for teens. Check your local library’s schedule.
Libraries also offer free resources. Borrow books instead of buying them all. Use their internet for research. Some even loan educational kits and science equipment.
Special Situations
Special Needs
New Hampshire welcomes all learners. The law says progress must match your child’s ability. This protects kids with disabilities.
You won’t get public school services. But you can:
- Use private therapists
- Get EFA funds for special services
- Find community support programs
Many special needs kids thrive at home. You set the pace. You pick the methods. No one rushes your child through material they don’t understand yet.
Look for curriculum made for different learning styles. Some programs work great for ADHD, dyslexia, or autism. You know your child best. You can find what works.
Dual Enrollment
Some districts let homeschoolers take classes at public school. Policies vary. Call your local superintendent to ask.
Extracurricular Activities
New Hampshire has no statewide law requiring sports access. Each district decides. Many say yes. Ask your local school.
Working Parents
Can you homeschool and work? Yes! Many families do it.
Flexible Schedules
New Hampshire sets no school hours. Teach evenings. Teach weekends. Do lessons before work. Split duties with a spouse.
Programs That Help
Use curriculum that needs less parent time:
- Video-based – Teachers on screen
- Self-paced online – Kids work alone
- Workbook programs – Clear instructions
Older kids can work independently. Younger kids need more help. Plan around their ages.
Making It Work
Single parents homeschool too. So do parents with demanding jobs. The key is planning ahead. Batch your lesson prep on weekends. Use audio books during car rides. Turn chores into learning time.
EFA funds help working parents afford curriculum that needs less hands-on time. Video courses let kids learn while you work.
Tips for New Homeschoolers
Starting out? These tips help:
- Start slow – Don’t buy everything at once
- Join a group – Connect with other families
- Be flexible – What works for one child may not work for another
- Use EFA funds – Apply if you qualify
- Trust yourself – You know your child best
The first year is the hardest. Give yourself grace. By year two, you’ll feel like a pro.
New Hampshire’s homeschool community is welcoming. Veteran families love helping newcomers. Ask questions. Accept help. You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree?
No. Any parent can homeschool. No degree or certificate required.
How many hours must I teach?
New Hampshire sets no required hours. Create a schedule that works for your family.
Do I need curriculum approval?
No. Pick whatever you want. No one reviews your plans.
Can I homeschool year-round?
Yes. No set school calendar. Many families take breaks throughout the year.
What if I move districts?
Just update your address with your contact agency. No need to start over.
How do I get an EFA?
Apply through the state program. Check income requirements. Funds arrive in your account for approved expenses.
Start Your New Hampshire Homeschool Journey Today
New Hampshire makes homeschooling simple. File one notice. Teach your kids. Do yearly evaluations. That’s really all you need.
The key steps:
- Send your notice within 5 days of starting
- Cover required subjects over time
- Do yearly evaluations (keep for yourself)
- Keep a portfolio for two years
Apply for an EFA if you qualify. Join a local group. Connect with the NH Homeschooling Coalition. They have resources for every step of your journey.
The Granite State trusts parents. You have the freedom to teach your way. No bureaucrats looking over your shoulder. No one telling you what books to use. Just you and your kids learning together.
Thousands of New Hampshire families homeschool every year. They come from all backgrounds. Some are teachers. Some never finished high school. All of them are making it work. You can too.
Start your homeschool journey today. Your family will thrive!
Related State Guides
Looking at neighboring New England states? Check these guides:
- How to Homeschool in Massachusetts – Approval required with flexible options
- How to Homeschool in Maine – Annual filing with multiple pathways
- How to Homeschool in Vermont – Enrollment notice with yearly assessment
- How to Homeschool in Rhode Island – School committee approval required
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