How to homeschool in New Hampshire

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: Yes

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New Hampshire homeschooling laws and options

New Hampshire offers parents the flexibility to homeschool their children, but there are specific legal requirements you need to know. In New Hampshire, parents have one primary legal pathway for homeschooling their children.

Here are important notes for homeschooling in New Hampshire:

Notification requirements: Parents must file a one-time notification of intent to homeschool with their local superintendent, principal of a private school, or the New Hampshire Department of Education. This notification should be submitted within 5 days of starting a homeschool program.
Compulsory attendance: Children between the ages of 6 and 18 are subject to New Hampshire’s compulsory education laws.
Required subjects: Homeschoolers in New Hampshire must include instruction in the following core areas: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, history, government, health. Physical education and art are not required but strongly recommended.
Assessment requirements: Homeschoolers in New Hampshire must participate in annual academic evaluations starting at age 10. This can be done through standardized tests, portfolio review, or a written narrative by the parent.
Parent education requirements: In New Hampshire, parents don’t need a teaching certificate or specific qualifications to homeschool their children.

For additional details about requirements, visit the New Hampshire Department of Education website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in New Hampshire

Research homeschooling laws - Familiarize yourself with New Hampshire's homeschooling regulations to ensure compliance.
Submit a letter of intent - Notify your local participating agency of your decision to homeschool within five days of starting.
Choose a homeschool curriculum - Select a flexible and engaging curriculum like Time4Learning that meets your child’s educational needs. Time4Learning covers all core subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies, ensuring a well-rounded education that aligns with state standards.
Set educational goals - Outline specific educational objectives and create a personalized plan for your child’s learning.
Establish a routine - Design a daily or weekly schedule to maintain consistency and focus during homeschooling. Time4Learning's Activity Planner lets you create customizable schedules to help you plan and stay organized.
Record progress - Keep detailed records of your child’s work and complete annual assessments as required. Time4Learning provides automated progress tracking and reporting tools, making it easier to track and document your child's achievements.
Join homeschool groups - Connect with local or online homeschooling communities for support and resources.

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New Hampshire's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in New Hampshire have the freedom to determine their own high school graduation requirements. Parents set the criteria for coursework, credits, and electives needed to graduate. Upon completion, parents can issue a homeschool diploma to their child.

It’s important to maintain a thorough high school transcript documenting completed courses, grades, and other extracurricular activities, as this will be critical for college applications or entering the workforce. Some families choose to use accredited online programs like Time4Learning for high school courses, which can further validate their coursework.

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Standardized test requirements for New Hampshire homeschoolers

New Hampshire homeschoolers must annually assess the progress of their students. Parents have the flexibility to choose one of three options to fulfill this requirement:

Standardized testing: Administer a standardized test, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the CAT test.
Teacher evaluations: A certified teacher can review and evaluate the student's portfolio of work.
Alternative methods: Parents can propose another method of evaluation, which must be approved by their local school district.

There is no mandatory submission of scores or evaluations to the state, though parents are required to keep these records for at least two years.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in New Hampshire

The process of applying to college as a homeschooler in New Hampshire is similar to that of traditional students, with some additional steps to showcase the unique strengths of a homeschool education. Here’s how to prepare:

Create academic transcripts: Include a comprehensive list of courses completed, grades earned, credits awarded, and any extracurricular activities or independent projects. Time4Learning parents can use a printable template to get organized.
Compile letters of recommendation: Request recommendation letters from individuals who know your child’s work, such as tutors, mentors, or co-op instructors.
Prepare for standardized tests: SAT and ACT scores can still play an important role in homeschoolers' applications. Be sure to register early and allocate time for test prep.
Write a strong admissions essay: Highlight unique learning experiences, such as personalized projects or innovative learning methods.

New Hampshire colleges are homeschool-friendly and often provide clear guidelines for homeschool applicants. Check out college-specific admission policies for more information.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program is an Educational Savings Account (ESA) initiative that may allow eligible families to receive financial assistance for homeschooling expenses. Funds from EFAs can be used to cover curriculum costs, online programs like Time4Learning, educational supplies, and even tutoring.

To learn more about applying for an ESA, visit the New Hampshire Education Freedom Account website.