What Many NH Families Don’t Know About Their Education Options
At nearly every EdOpt event, we hear the same sentence from parents:
“I didn’t know that was an option!”
New Hampshire families actually have far more flexibility in education than many people realize. The challenge isn’t that options don’t exist — it’s that many families simply haven’t heard about them.
Here are three of the most common things parents tell us they didn’t know.
1. Charter schools are public, free, and open statewide
Many people assume charter schools are private schools or that they charge tuition. In New Hampshire, charter schools are public schools. That means they are free for families and funded with public dollars.
Another common misconception is that families must live in a specific district to attend one. In fact, charter schools in New Hampshire are not district-bound. If a school has seats available, students can attend regardless of where they live in the state (transportation is usually the family’s responsibility).
Charter schools are also intentionally different from one another. Each school has its own mission and educational approach — some emphasize project-based learning, some focus on the arts or STEM, and others specialize in students who just don’t fit into their traditional school.
These schools are spread across New Hampshire, and many families are surprised to discover there may be one closer than they thought.
2. Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) can help families customize learning
Another option many families haven’t heard of is Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs).
EFAs allow the state education funding for a child to be placed into a family-controlled account that can be used for approved educational expenses. Families can use EFA funds for things like:
- Private school tuition
- Tutoring or specialized instruction
- Online courses
- Educational materials and curriculum for homeschooling
- Learning programs and services
For the upcoming school year, 12,500 families will receive up to about $4,200 per student. Priority groups (including low-income families, students with special needs, and siblings of EFA students) can always get them, even if the cap is reached.
Applications are currently open for the upcoming school year, and the deadline to apply is July 15.
For some families, EFAs make education options possible that they previously assumed were out of reach.
3. Homeschooling is far more flexible than most people imagine
When many people picture homeschooling, they imagine a child sitting at a kitchen table doing schoolwork for eight hours a day.
In reality, homeschooling often looks very different.
Many families find that two focused hours of academic work can accomplish what might take much longer in a traditional classroom setting. The rest of the day can be used for reading, projects, outdoor learning, community activities, or exploring a child’s interests.
Homeschooling also doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Across New Hampshire there are:
- Homeschool co-ops where families share teaching responsibilities
- Support groups that organize field trips, classes, and activities
- Informal networks of families who learn together
For many families, homeschooling becomes a flexible learning lifestyle, not simply school moved into the house.
The real challenge: awareness
New Hampshire offers families an unusual amount of flexibility in how children learn. Charter schools, EFAs, homeschooling communities, microschools, private schools, and learning centers all exist across the state.
But if families don’t know these options exist, they can’t explore them.
That’s why EdOpt exists — to help families discover, understand, and navigate the many ways children can learn in New Hampshire.
Because when parents understand their options, they can choose the learning environment that truly fits their child.
Open a door for people — tell your friends about EdOpt.
EdOpt Fairs!
Save the dates. Some education providers have already registered, but it’s just the beginning — check them out!
Candia
- Monday, May 4 from 5-7pm
- Candia Congregational Church, 1 South Road, Candia
- Co-organized by Jesse Remington High School!
- 11 Registered education providers and services include:
ACTS Homeschool Group, Children’s Scholarship Fund of NH (EFAs), Camp Constitution, Classical Conversations (learning center), Curious Minds Educational Services (learning center), Daniel Learning Services (learning center), Education Options (education navigator), Friends Forever International (youth leadership), New Hampshire Timber Owners Association (adult ed), Pinkerton Academy, Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies (charter school), more coming… - Providers and attendees can register here.
Goffstown (reg now limited!)
- Wednesday, May 13 from 5-7pm
- Grasmere Town Hall, 87 Center St, Goffstown
- Co-organized by Goffstown Homeschool Community!
- 16 Registered education providers and services include:
ABA Centers of America (autism services), ACTS Homeschool Group, Children’s Scholarship Fund of NH (EFAs), Daniel Learning Services (learning center), Education Options (education navigator), Goffstown Homeschool Community, Makin’ it Happen, Mayhem Robotics, Merri-Loo Community Preschool, New Hampshire Timber Owners Association (adult ed), The Learning Cove (microschool), Nova Farm School, Roots and Wings (learning center), Pinkerton Academy, Wellheart Chartered School, Willowdale (homeschool activity). - Providers and attendees can register here.
**HOWEVER, we have about hit the limit of providers! Providers will be added to a waiting list and someone will be in touch.
Swanzey
- Thursday, May 21 from 5-7pm
- Village Church, 121 Cobble Hill Road, Swanzey
- Co-organized by The Younger Years!
- 5 Registered education providers and services include:
Camp Constitution, Children’s Scholarship Fund of NH (EFAs), Classical Conversations (learning center), Education Options (education navigator), Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District (open enrollment), The Younger Years (microschool), more coming… - Providers and attendees can register here.
Claremont
- Wednesday, June 3 from 5-7pm
- Claremont Savings Bank Community Center, 152 South St, Claremont
- 13 Registered education providers and services include:
ABA Centers of America (autism services), AVA Gallery and Art Center, Claremont Christian Academy, Claremont Public Schools, Cornerstone Chartered Public School, Children’s Scholarship Fund of NH (EFAs), Daniel Learning Services (learning center), Education Options (education navigator), Estabrook Christian School, Mount Royal Academy (religious school), Ready Set Grow Childcare and Preschool, River View Chartered Public School, Upper Valley Homeschoolers, more coming… - Providers and attendees can register here.
We’re also working on a fair in Concord and other places in the summer and fall. Let us know if you want to organize one in your area!
Let your friends know about these fairs. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. Follow us and share our events and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Double your impact for NH families
Helping families discover all their school options is exactly why EdOpt exists.
Generous supporters have seeded an $18,000 matching campaign, which means your donation will be doubled until the match is met. We are already raised over $11,000 (thank you to our generous donors!) — only $7,000 to go.
If you’d like to help more New Hampshire families discover education options that fit their children, please consider making a gift today.
Donate here:
https://secure.anedot.com/edopt/donate
Warmly,
Jody
About EdOpt
EdOpt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose aim is to help families understand all their education options, from non-traditional (homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, microschools) to traditional (charter schools, private schools, tech centers, dual enrollment, learn everywhere).
You can find education providers options around the state. Please let us know if we’re missing any!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today. Or check out our new AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every website page.
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