3 Things: Loudon, podcast, donor event

A whole roasted pig rests on foil with a small white pumpkin placed in its mouth.

Today’s newsletter delivers quick updates on three things:

  1. Loudon Fair this Saturday
  2. Another new Choosing School podcast episode! Yes, I know, we announced our 3rd episode last week. When it rains it pours.
  3. Thanking donors and volunteers

So much information, so little time.

Final Fair of 2026!

QR code to register and detailed info for the Loudon Fair. Lighthouse in the background.

Our last fair of the year will be Saturday October 24 from 9am-1pm in Loudon (near Concord). It’ll be held indoors at the Benjamin Franklin Academy Charter School, 157 Chichester Rd in Loudon, in conjunction with a 5k run, so we expect a lot of families to show up.

Here’s the current list of providers. We still have 3 slots available. Education providers and attendees can register here. Reminders will be sent to everyone who registers. Sign up today.

Stay tuned for fairs in 2027! National School Choice Week is the end of January, so look for an EdOpt Fair that week.
Let us know if you want to organize a fair in your area or otherwise help out.

Let your friends know about these fairs. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. Also, follow us and share our events and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

3 4 Podcasts!

EdOpt has now published three four Choosing School podcasts, providing a glimpse into how families experience different educational alternatives.

Here’s our latest:

Check them all out at our Choosing School playlist:

Episode 4 (newest!): Why We Chose Differently. Jody speaks with Robert Qua, former Special Ed Director, why he left the school system; Jaime Koladish, Founder of Benjamin Franklin Academy, why she started a charter school; Frank Edelblut, former Commissioner of the NH Department of Education, why he homeschooled all his kids. The conversation takes off from there.
Episode 3 (new!): Special Needs, Different Paths. A conversation with Bob, a former special education director, and two parents, Viviana and Brandon, who each support their child’s unique paths.
Episode 2: Moms Who Started Microschools in NH. Three unique moms with different yet related stories: Kitty at Latitude Learning Center in Derry, Dianna at The Learning Cove in Bow, and Heather at Wildcat Microschool in Haverill.
Episode 1: The Many Paths of Homeschooling. Katy (10 and 12 year-old kids), Kristi (3, 6, 9, 10 yos), and Mari (14 yo) talk about how they support their children through different types of schooling, including home education.

[If you like these podcasts, please share them with a friend.]

2nd Annual Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Event

Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who attended EdOpt’s 2nd Annual Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Gathering last Saturday, October 10. It was wonderful to spend the afternoon with so many of the people who have supported EdOpt and helped us grow.

Between a delicious pig roast (donated by Bardo Farm), great conversations, and recording our Choosing School: We We Chose Differently podcast panel (link above), it was a fun afternoon.

I was especially pleased to present our first EdOpt Beacon Award to Hal Shurtleff of Camp Constitution for his steadfast commitment to educational freedom, enthusiastic participation in EdOpt events, and unwavering support for New Hampshire families exploring educational opportunities. Hal has had a table at more than 15 education option fairs all around the state and is a wealth of information.

An etched glass commemorates Hal Shurtleff as the inaugural 2026 EdOpt Beacon Award recipient.
Jody Underwood shakes hands with Hal Shurtleff during the inaugural EdOpt Beacon Award presentation.

Some pictures from the afternoon are below. You can see more pictures here.

A whole roasted pig rests on foil with a small white pumpkin placed in its mouth.
Rows of seated guests watch the outdoor Choosing School podcast panel at EdOpt’s 2026 Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Gathering.
Guests talk in small groups beside the canopy and buffet tables at EdOpt’s 2026 Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Gathering.

Thanks to all of you for being part of EdOpt. Your support, encouragement, and involvement mean a great deal to me and make the work we do possible.

I can’t wait to see you at our 3rd annual event next year.

-Jody
Jody Underwood, Ph.D.
President, Education Options

About EdOpt

Use our website to find education providers options around the state. If your organization isn’t there, please enter it!

Also check out our AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every page on our website. It’s wicked smaht about education in New Hampshire.

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Voices: Emma’s Story

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EdOpt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization. Our mission is to provide information, support, and connections to families who want to explore education options. We accept tax-deductible donations to help us with our mission.

Talk to us about education options for your family.