HOMESCHOOLING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering home schooling your child in New Hampshire, but don’t know where to start regarding state regulations and administrative rules. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program legally in New Hampshire. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in New Hampshire, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in New Hampshire
In the mid-1980s, a landmark case, Appeal of Peirce, helped establish New Hampshire homeschool laws. In this case, the court ruled that a parent had the right to home educate their child and “approval requirements for non-public school education may not unnecessarily interfere with traditional parental rights.” This decision set the stage for the state legislature to pass New Hampshire homeschool laws in the late 1980s that officially recognized and regulated home schooling.
Since then, the home schooling movement in the state has grown steadily. According to the NH Department of Education, the number of home educated students in the state has more than tripled over the past two decades, with an estimated 7,000-8,000 students currently being homeschooled.
Current New Hampshire Homeschool Laws and Regulations
In NH, compulsory education applies to a child between the ages of 6 and 18. A parent must ensure that their child attend a public school, a private school, or a home education program.
New Hampshire homeschool laws are outlined in NH Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 193-A, which was originally passed in 1990 and has been amended several times since. Under New Hampshire homeschool laws, a parent has the legal right to establish a home education program for their student as an alternative to sending them to a public or private school.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In New Hampshire
To set up a NH homeschool, follow these steps before you start homeschooling:
Submit a written notification to a participating agency including the NH Department of Education, the resident district superintendent, or nonpublic school principal within five business days of starting a home education program. The notification should include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the student, as well as the name of the parent. There is no specific form required, but the State Education Department provides a sample notification letter here.
Develop a home education program that includes instruction at the appropriate grade level in the following subjects: science, mathematics, language arts, government, history, health, social studies, the history of the constitutions of NH and the United States, and an exposure to and appreciation of art and music.
If moving to NH from another state, you should submit the same written notification to the participating agency as described above within 60 days.
No teacher credentials are required under New Hampshire homeschool laws. The laws place the responsibility for the child’s education squarely on the parent.
Maintaining Your New Hampshire Homeschool
The state does not require any specific paperwork or filing with a participating agency to maintain homeschooling programs each school year. However, home educators must maintain a portfolio of records and materials for each child, which will be used for the annual evaluation.
In this portfolio parents should include a log of reading materials used, work considered complete, examples of creative materials, and records of any assessments given. The portfolio serves as a record of the child’s progress and accomplishments throughout the year.
It’s a good idea for home educators to develop a system for organizing and maintaining these materials, such as using folders for each subject area or child. They should also keep detailed records of the curriculum, as well as the number of instructional hours completed each week or year.
While not required by law, many homeschooling parents in New Hampshire also keep attendance records, develop curriculum overviews, and create transcripts to document their child’s educational progress. These practices can be helpful in preparing for the annual evaluation and ensuring that the homeschool program remains on track with the participating agency.
New Hampshire Homeschool Reporting Requirements
New Hampshire home education rules require homeschooling parents to provide an annual evaluation of their child’s educational progress. This evaluation can be done through one of the following methods:
Assessment by a certified teacher, whether in-state or from a state that is part of an interstate agreement, or a teacher currently employed in a nonpublic school.
Utilization of a national student achievement test, administered by an individual meeting the qualifications stipulated by the test provider, or a state student assessment test endorsed by the local school district.
Employment of any other legitimate assessment tool agreed upon by both the parent and either the Commissioner of Education, the superintendent of the resident school district, or the principal of a nonpublic school.
The evaluation does not have a specific deadline, but if a family begins homeschooling in New Hampshire midway through the academic school year, they are not obligated to undergo evaluation until a year from their commencement according to home education rules.
A family should maintain a portfolio of records for each child, including a log of reading materials used, samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests. This portfolio will be used as the basis for the annual evaluation, whether it is a standardized test or a portfolio review.
It’s important for a family to choose a qualified evaluator, such as a certified teacher with experience in homeschooling or a reputable testing service. The evaluator should be familiar with the state’s homeschooling laws and requirements, and should provide a detailed written report of the evaluation results for the current school year.
For more information and practical advice, you can refer to the New Hampshire Home Education Advisory Council’s website or the State Education Department’s New Hampshire homeschooling page.
Homeschool Testing In New Hampshire
In NH, there are no mandatory testing requirements for homeschooled students. The homeschooling New Hampshire law does not stipulate any legal requirements to administer standardized tests. This approach aligns with the state’s philosophy of providing flexibility and autonomy to home educators who choose to educate their children at home. However, some home educators may opt to use standardized tests to track their children’s progress and ensure they are meeting educational goals and the composite score. Ultimately, the decision to test home educated students in New Hampshire remains at the discretion of the home educator.
Funding Your New Hampshire Homeschool
The Education Tax Credit scholarships are managed by the NH Children’s Scholarship Fund to allow New Hampshire homeschoolers to attend educational pathways such as a private school, online school, or homeschool that is a better fit for them and their learning needs.
There are a few more ways that students can potentially offset some of the costs associated with home education:
Tax deductions and credits: The specific deductions and credits available can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it’s important for home educators to consult with a qualified tax professional to understand their options.
Educational resource providers: Many participating agencies that specialize in homeschool curriculum offer discounts, payment plans, or used options to help make their products more affordable for families.
Community resources: Local libraries, museums, parks, and community centers often offer free or low-cost educational programs, field trips, and resources that homeschoolers can take advantage of. Parents should explore the opportunities available in their local area and statewide.
Dual enrollment: High school students in New Hampshire may be eligible to take courses at local community colleges or universities through dual enrollment programs, which can help offset some of the costs of higher-level coursework and earn college credits while still in high school.
While homeschooling in NH can be a significant financial commitment for families, many find that the costs are manageable, especially when compared to the costs of private school tuition. With some creativity and resourcefulness, home educators can find ways to make their educational investments go further.
Federal Tax Breaks
Home educators may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for New Hampshire homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, home educators should review the following pages containing information and resources provided by the IRS. Consulting with a qualified tax professional is also advisable to understand eligibility and properly claim any benefits.
New Hampshire Immunization Requirements
New Hampshire does not have any specific immunization requirements for home educated students. The state’s laws and regulations regarding immunizations apply primarily to public and private schools.
However, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommends that all children, including those who are homeschooled, follow the recommended immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This schedule outlines the recommended vaccines and timing for children from birth through age 18.
While home educated students are not required to provide proof of immunization to the state or local school district, parents should maintain accurate records of their child’s immunizations and discuss any concerns or exemptions with their healthcare provider.
Some homeschool families may choose to delay or decline certain immunizations based on personal beliefs or medical concerns. In these cases, it’s important for parents to carefully weigh the risks and benefits, and to understand the potential consequences of not following the recommended schedule, such as increased risk of contracting and spreading preventable diseases.
Ultimately, the decision to immunize or not immunize a homeschooled child rests with the parents. However, the state strongly encourages all families to prioritize the health and safety of their children and communities by keeping their immunizations up to date.
New Hampshire State Graduation Requirements
New Hampshire does not have specific graduation requirements for home educated students. Unlike public and private schools, which must adhere to state standards for course credits and subject areas, home educators have the freedom to determine when their child has completed their home education program and is ready to graduate.
That said, many home educators choose to follow an educational plan that aligns with the state’s graduation requirements for public schools. This can help ensure that their child receives a well-rounded education and is prepared for college, career, or other post-secondary opportunities.
The New Hampshire Department of Education outlines the following required subjects for graduation of public high school students:
4 credits in English language arts.
3 credits in mathematics.
2 credits in science (including biology and one additional science course).
1 credit in U.S. and New Hampshire history.
0.5 credit in world history or global studies.
0.5 credit in economics.
0.5 credit in civics and government.
2 credits in physical education.
0.5 credit in health education.
0.5 credit in arts education.
0.5 credit in computer education.
6 credits in elective courses.
While not mandatory for homeschoolers, these requirements can serve as useful guidelines for home educators in planning their child’s high school education. Many home educators also create a transcript or diploma for their graduating student, documenting the courses and credits completed including online curriculum.
Ultimately, the decision of when a homeschooled student has met the necessary requirements for graduation rests with the home educators. By providing a comprehensive and well-rounded education, home educators can ensure that their child is prepared for whatever path they choose after completing their home education program.
New Hampshire Homeschool Charters
NH does not have any homeschool charter schools. Charter schools in the state are open-enrollment public schools that operate independently from traditional school districts, but they are not specifically designed or structured for homeschooled students.
Homeschooled students in New Hampshire are not required to participate in any standardized testing unless they choose to use a nationally standardized achievement test for their annual evaluation. There is no state-mandated standardized testing for homeschoolers.
Some homeschooling families may choose to have their child participate in standardized testing for their own assessment purposes or to fulfill requirements for certain programs or opportunities (such as dual enrollment courses). However, this is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of the parent.
Local New Hampshire Homeschooling Resources
While the state does not fund homeschool charters or virtual schools, there are several New Hampshire homeschool groups and resources available:
New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition (https://www.nhhomeschooling.org/): A non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families in New Hampshire. They offer a variety of services, including a statewide email list, local support groups, educational workshops, and a lending library.
The New Hampshire Home Education Advisory Council | Department of Education: A statewide organization that offers information, resources, and networking opportunities for New Hampshire homeschooling. They host an annual homeschool convention and support local homeschool groups across the state.
Local New Hampshire homeschool groups: Many towns and cities in New Hampshire have their own local homeschool support groups that organize educational and social events, field trips, co-ops, and other activities for homeschoolers. These groups can be an invaluable resource for connecting with other homeschoolers in your community.
Community resources: Local libraries, museums, parks, community centers, and colleges often offer educational programs, co curricular programs, classes, co ops, and resources that can be utilized by homeschoolers.
Dual enrollment programs: High school students in New Hampshire may be eligible to take courses at local community colleges or universities through dual enrollment programs.
Online learning platforms: There are many virtual academies and educational technology tools that homeschoolers can utilize to supplement their homeschool in NH.
By tapping into these local and statewide resources, homeschooling families in New Hampshire can enrich their educational experience, connect with other homeschoolers, and access a wide range of opportunities and support to help their children thrive while New Hampshire home schooling.
