Homeschooling in New Hampshire: A-Z Guide 2025

Homeschooling in New Hampshire is legally approved for residents aged 6–18 with simple requirements. Families need to file a one-time Notice of Intent within 5 days of starting, include the required subjects, and perform annual assessments. There’s no set hours or mandated curriculum, but keeping portfolios and following basic rules is key.

Key Takeaways:

• File a Notice of Intent with NHDOE, your district, or a private Participating Agency within 5 days of starting or relocating homeschooling.

• Homeschool children aged 6-18, with kindergarten optional for those under 6.

• Required subjects include reading, writing, math, science, social studies, government, health, constitutions, art, and music appreciation.

• Choose one of three assessment methods: standardized test, teacher review of portfolio, or alternative.

• No attendance rules; teach based on your child’s needs.

• No teaching certificate is required for parents.

• Maintain a portfolio for at least two years.

Is Homeschooling Legal and Popular in New Hampshire?

Homeschooling in NH is a well-established and legally supported option. With clear rules, minimal bureaucracy, and no requirement for teacher certification, it continues to attract families seeking flexibility and control over their child’s education.

Homeschooling in New Hampshire has seen steady growth in recent years. During the 2022–23 school year, 6.21% of K–12 students were homeschooled statewide, and this number rose slightly to 6.34% in 2023–24, reflecting a continued shift toward parent-directed education. This upward trend highlights families’ increasing interest in flexible, personalized learning options across the state.

Why More Families Are Choosing to Homeschool in NH:

• One-time Notification: File a Notice of Intent within 5 business days of starting.

• Covers Ages 6–18: Required for children in compulsory education years.

• No Annual Re-Registration: Once filed, no need to re-submit each year unless the student re-enrolls in public/private school.

• Full Curriculum Freedom: Parents choose how and what to teach, as long as core subjects are included.

• Protected Rights: NH law limits state interference, ensuring family autonomy in education decisions.

Now that we know homeschooling is legal, let’s take a closer look at the state’s laws and requirements for homeschooling families.

New Hampshire Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Homeschooling in New Hampshire is governed under RSA 193‑A and Ed 315, providing a clear legal framework. Parents must file a Notice of Intent within 5 business days after starting, but no annual renewals are required unless the student switches participating agencies. 

The program is valid until revoked or altered. Families must teach required subjects, maintain portfolios for at least two years, and complete annual assessments—yet have full autonomy over how they educate their children.

What NH Parents Need to Know:

• One-Time Notification File with your local school district, NHDOE, or a private school that serves as a Participating Agency within 5 days of starting.

• Required Subjects Cover: reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, science, government, social studies, health, U.S./NH constitutions, plus art and music appreciation.

• Recordkeeping Maintain a portfolio with reading logs and work samples for every school-aged child; store for at least two years.

• Annual Evaluation Choose one method: standardized test, certified teacher review of portfolio, district testing, or a custom evaluation agreed upon in writing ; results can stay private.

• No Set Attendance or Schedule Requirements Home education isn't bound to public school calendars, hours, or specific timelines.

• Parental Qualifications There is no need for parents to hold teaching credentials—anyone can legally homeschool in New Hampshire

With these laws in mind, it’s important to understand the flexibility in curriculum choices and the various assessment options available to homeschoolers in New Hampshire.

Curriculum Flexibility & Assessment Options

Homeschooling in NH allows complete flexibility in educational approach, while requiring parents to teach specific subjects and annually assess student progress. This ensures both freedom and accountability.

Curriculum Freedom

Parents have full control over the learning process:

• Choose any curriculum format—online programs, textbooks, unschooling, project-based learning, or co-ops.

• No approval required as long as required subjects are taught.

• Customize instruction to match your child’s learning style and interests.

Annual Assessment Methods

Each year, families must complete one of the following according to RSA 193-A and Ed 315 :

1. Standardized Test Student scores must meet at least the 35th percentile in the nine core academic areas.

2. Certified Teacher Portfolio Review A qualified teacher (NH-certified or comparable credential) reviews the student’s portfolio and provides written feedback.

3. Approved Alternative Evaluation A method agreed upon by the parent and Participating Agency, documented in writing (e.g. checklist, interview, or custom assessment).

These options let you choose the best way to measure learning outcomes while meeting legal requirements.

Alongside curriculum and assessments, homeschooling families must also adhere to recordkeeping and graduation requirements, which we’ll examine next.

Recordkeeping & Graduation Requirements

New Hampshire keeps homeschooling flexible, but some documentation is required to ensure you're compliant, especially if your child plans to transition back to public school or pursue college.

Recordkeeping Basics

• Portfolio Required: Maintain a portfolio of reading materials used and student work samples.

• Retention Period: Store each portfolio for at least 2 years, per Ed 315 guidelines.

• No Submission Required: Unless requested for legal review or by a Participating Agency (e.g., during assessment), you do not need to submit the portfolio to the state.

Struggling to manage homeschool records? The School House Anywhere offers ready-made templates and tracking tools that make it easy to stay organized and compliant.

Graduation & Diplomas

• Parents Set Graduation Standards: You decide when your student has met high school requirements.

• Diplomas Issued by Parents: The state does not issue homeschool diplomas; instead, parents or umbrella schools do.

• Create Transcripts: Include subjects, credits, grades, and GPA. These are essential for college or employment.

• College Acceptance: Most colleges accept homeschool transcripts; strong SAT/ACT scores and clear documentation improve admissions chances.

Health and attendance are key components of homeschooling, so let’s review the immunization and health-related requirements for homeschooling in New Hampshire.

Immunization, Health & Attendance Requirements

Home-educated students in New Hampshire face minimal health and attendance mandates, making homeschooling more accessible and less bureaucratic than public schooling.

Health & Immunization Rules

• No submission of immunization records, physical exams, or health screenings is required for homeschoolers.

• Parents may opt for independent health checkups, but are not mandated to do so.

• When enrolling in public school again, students must meet the district’s standard health requirements.

Attendance

• There are no specific attendance hours or days required by state law.

• Parents determine the school calendar and daily schedule based on what works best for their students and educational goals.

Next, we’ll look at the financial aspects of homeschooling, including potential costs and support options available to New Hampshire families.

Financial Considerations & Support Options

Homeschooling in New Hampshire is self-funded, meaning families cover all expenses related to instruction, curriculum, and enrichment. However, there are practical ways to reduce costs while maintaining a strong educational experience.

Key Financial Takeaways:

• No Direct State Funding New Hampshire does not reimburse or subsidize homeschool expenses through public education funds.

• Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) Eligible low- and middle-income families may apply for an EFA through organizations like Children’s Scholarship Fund NH, which can help pay for tuition, curriculum, and educational services.

• Smart Ways to Save:

  • Use free or low-cost curriculum providers like Easy Peasy (faith-based) or The School House Anywhere (TSHA) for structured programs.

  • Public libraries for books, audiobooks, and free educational events.

  • Local homeschool co-ops to split costs for group classes, labs, or tutoring.

  • Purchase used materials via Facebook homeschool groups or curriculum resale websites like Homeschool Classifieds.

For families considering alternative learning methods, online curriculum options are available; let’s explore these next.

Online Curriculum Options for New Hampshire Families

For families homeschooling in New Hampshire, choosing the right curriculum can simplify planning and ensure a consistent learning path. Below are three trusted programs that support a range of educational styles and family needs.

1. The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

A secular, K–6 curriculum built on the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), TSHA is designed for homeschoolers, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs.

• Offers developmentally aligned, scientifically grounded instruction

• Includes a robust library of educational films and printable materials

• Features 24/7 live support for parents and educators

• Focuses on hands-on, screen-free learning adaptable to any location

2. Time4Learning

A subscription-based, online curriculum for PreK–12 that emphasizes flexibility and self-paced learning.

• Covers core subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies

• Delivered via interactive videos, quizzes, and worksheets

• No live teachers—parents act as the primary instructors

• Allows customized lesson plans and progress tracking

3. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

A free, Christian-based online curriculum covering preschool through high school.

• Offers complete daily lesson plans for all subjects

• Based on freely available online content

• Integrates Bible studies and a Christian worldview

• User-friendly and flexible which is ideal for independent learners

Also read: Ultimate guide to homeschooling kindergarten: tips for success

Next, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of starting homeschooling in New Hampshire to ensure a smooth transition.

How to Start Homeschooling in New Hampshire: Step-by-Step

Starting your homeschooling journey in New Hampshire is a straightforward process with clearly defined steps. Here's how to begin and stay compliant with state law:

Step 1: Choose a Participating Agency

You must notify one of the following:

• Your local public school district superintendent

• The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE)

• A private school that agrees to act as your Participating Agency

This agency will be your point of contact for compliance and recordkeeping.

Step 2: File a Notice of Intent

• Submit your Notice of Intent within 5 business days of starting home education.

• Include the child’s name, birth date, address, and the parent/guardian’s name.

• You only need to file this once, not every year.

Step 3: Teach Required Subjects

New Hampshire requires instruction in the following areas:

• Reading, writing, spelling, grammar

• Mathematics, science

• Government, history, health

• Art, music appreciation

• New Hampshire and the U.S. constitutions

Step 4: Maintain a Portfolio

• Keep a record of reading materials and work samples.

• Store portfolios for at least 2 years in case of review.

Step 5: Complete an Annual Assessment

Choose one of the following evaluation methods:

• National standardized test

• Certified teacher review

• District-administered exam

• Parent-designed method agreed upon with Participating Agency

You are not required to submit results unless requested or when transferring your child to a public school.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in New Hampshire gives families the flexibility to create a learning environment that works, without unnecessary red tape. With clear guidelines and freedom to choose your curriculum and assessment, you can shape your child’s education based on what truly matters.

Looking for a secular, print-first program that supports real learning at home?

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a curriculum built on the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), blending proven learning science with the best of traditional education. With printable materials, educational films, and live support, TSHA helps families, micro-schools, and educators deliver structured, high-quality learning anywhere.

Register as both a Parent and an Educator to explore TSHA and build a program that grows with your child.

FAQs

1. Do I need to notify the state before starting homeschooling in New Hampshire?

Yes, you must file a Notice of Intent with the NHDOE, your school district, or a private Participating Agency within 5 days of starting or relocating homeschooling.

2. What subjects are required for homeschooling in New Hampshire?

Homeschoolers must cover reading, writing, math, science, social studies, government, health, NH/US constitutions, as well as art and music appreciation.

3. What are the annual assessment options for homeschooling?

You can choose from three methods: a standardized test, a certified teacher’s review of the portfolio, or an alternative agreed-upon method.

4. Are there any attendance requirements for homeschooling?

No, there are no set hours or minimum days. You can teach based on your child’s individual needs.