New Hampshire homeschooling requirements explained. Learn about New Hampshire homeschool laws, notification procedures, required subjects, testing rules, parent qualifications, and local support resources.
New Hampshire is a moderately regulated state for homeschooling with a well-defined legal framework. Families must notify the state, teach required subjects, and provide annual evaluations of student progress. However, parents enjoy significant curriculum freedom and the state offers multiple evaluation options to accommodate different teaching styles.
Homeschooling is legal in New Hampshire under RSA 193-A, the Home Education statute enacted in 1990 and amended several times since. New Hampshire provides a clear, structured legal framework that balances parental freedom with educational accountability.
New Hampshire offers two primary legal pathways for homeschooling:
The standard homeschooling option under which most families operate:
Families may alternatively enroll in a non-public school that offers a home-based component:
True to New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" motto, the state's homeschool law is designed to respect parental rights while ensuring children receive an adequate education. The 2012 amendments to RSA 193-A significantly simplified the notification process and expanded evaluation options, making homeschooling more accessible for families.
New Hampshire requires homeschooling families to provide written notification before beginning home education. The notification can be sent to one of three entities, giving families flexibility in their reporting relationship.
Parents must provide written notification within 30 days of beginning a home education program. The notice may be sent to the resident district superintendent, the New Hampshire Department of Education, or a non-public school.
The notification must include:
The notification is simple and straightforward. It does not require curriculum descriptions, teaching credentials, or any supporting documentation.
You can send your notification to any one of three recipients:
This flexibility was added to give families options, especially those who may have strained relationships with their local districts. Your annual evaluations will also be submitted to the same entity you notify.
New Hampshire law specifies required subjects that homeschooling families must include in their instruction. The subject list is fairly comprehensive, covering a well-rounded education.
RSA 193-A requires instruction in:
While the subjects are specified, families have broad freedom in:
New Hampshire does not require families to follow the state curriculum frameworks or any specific educational standards.
New Hampshire's approach to homeschool curriculum is based on the concept of providing a "sound basic education." The required subjects reflect this goal, covering the core areas that the state considers essential.
Families are encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements and tailor their curriculum to their children's interests and abilities. Many families also include foreign languages, physical education, and vocational skills.
New Hampshire does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific credential to provide home education.
Any parent or legal guardian may educate their children at home in New Hampshire without regard to their own educational background. The state places its emphasis on accountability through evaluation rather than on instructor qualifications.
Parents may also engage tutors or other individuals to assist with instruction, and these individuals likewise do not need teaching certificates.
While no qualifications are required, New Hampshire homeschooling parents may benefit from:
New Hampshire has a strong homeschool community that is welcoming to newcomers.
The bottom line: no teaching certificate, degree, or training is required to homeschool in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire requires an annual evaluation of each homeschooled student's educational progress. However, families can choose from multiple evaluation methods, providing significant flexibility.
The evaluation must be completed by July 1 of each year and the results provided to the entity you notified (superintendent, DOE, or non-public school). Families may choose from the following evaluation options:
The multiple options allow families to choose the evaluation method that best fits their educational approach.
In addition to annual evaluations, college-bound students should prepare for:
UNH and other state universities accept homeschool graduates with appropriate credentials.
If the evaluation indicates the child is not making adequate progress, the parent will receive notification and may be given a period to address the concerns. The superintendent or DOE may require additional evaluations.
However, inadequate progress on a single evaluation does not automatically end your right to homeschool. The law provides for a collaborative process to address educational concerns.
New Hampshire requires homeschooling families to maintain a portfolio of records and materials for each child. This portfolio may be reviewed as part of the annual evaluation process.
The portfolio should include evidence of the instruction provided and the student's progress. While there is no mandated format, the portfolio serves as documentation of your homeschool program.
The portfolio does not need to be submitted to anyone unless requested as part of the evaluation. Keep it organized and accessible.
New Hampshire does not specify a minimum number of instructional days or hours for homeschoolers. However, instruction should be regular and consistent enough to demonstrate meaningful progress during the annual evaluation.
For high school students, maintain detailed records of courses, grades, and credits. Parents issue their own diplomas and transcripts in New Hampshire.
A comprehensive transcript, combined with standardized test scores and the annual evaluation records, provides a strong foundation for college applications.
New Hampshire's oversight of homeschooling is structured around the notification and annual evaluation process. The level of interaction with authorities depends on which entity receives your notification.
The entity receiving your notification (superintendent, DOE, or non-public school) has limited authority:
The receiving entity does not have authority to:
New Hampshire law does not authorize home visits or inspections of homeschooling families. School officials cannot enter your home or demand to observe instruction.
Your primary obligation is to file the notification and provide the annual evaluation. As long as these requirements are met and the child is making progress, there is no basis for further government intervention.
New Hampshire provides strong legal protections for homeschoolers:
Be aware of these potential concerns:
Missing the evaluation deadline
Annual evaluations must be completed by July 1. Missing this deadline can trigger follow-up from the receiving entity and potential truancy concerns.
Inadequate progress findings
If your evaluation shows inadequate progress, you may face additional requirements or scrutiny. Choose an evaluation method that fairly represents your child's learning.
Failing to file notification
Not filing the required notice within 30 days of beginning homeschooling can lead to truancy issues. Always file promptly.
New Hampshire's homeschool law is well-defined and provides clear boundaries on what authorities can and cannot require. If you encounter requests beyond the scope of RSA 193-A, cite the statute and consult a homeschool advocacy organization.
The ability to choose your notification recipient gives you options if you have a difficult relationship with your local school district.
New Hampshire has a well-established homeschool community with organizations providing advocacy, resources, and social connection for families.
NHHC is the primary statewide homeschool advocacy organization:
CHENH serves the Christian homeschooling community:
New Hampshire has active local homeschool groups offering:
Groups are active in the Seacoast area, Concord, Manchester, Nashua, the Lakes Region, and throughout the state.
Legal resources for New Hampshire homeschoolers:
Our AI-powered tools can help New Hampshire homeschoolers plan curriculum, create engaging content, and build comprehensive portfolios for annual evaluations. Generate customized worksheets, quizzes, and lesson plans covering all required subjects while tailoring instruction to your child's needs.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist New Hampshire homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping New Hampshire homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of New Hampshire's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required New Hampshire subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for New Hampshire homeschoolers.
These curriculum providers, apps, and services are available to homeschool families in New Hampshire:
Award-winning early learning app for ages 2-8 covering reading, math, art, and more.
Apps & Software SubscriptionChristian textbook and video-based curriculum trusted by schools and homeschoolers since 1972.
Curriculum Providers PaidMajor retailer of Christian homeschool curriculum, books, and educational materials.
Supplies & Materials PaidAlternative to SAT/ACT for college admissions, embraced by homeschool families.
Testing & Assessment Services PaidNational network of classical Christian homeschool communities meeting weekly.
Co-ops & Learning Communities PaidLast Updated: March 23, 2026