In response to my recent newsletter about alternative high schools in New Hampshire, I got an email from Crystal Sawyer. She asked if I knew about Adult Education and how they help high school students with alternative pathways. Turns out, I didn’t! There’s just so much to learn about the education options in NH.
I asked Crystal to write a description for our readers. She was happy to do so. Here we go.
The Alternative Hidden Gem – Adult Education
Starting at the age of 16, students can obtain an Adult Diploma or a High School Equivalency (HiSET or GED) within districts around the state of New Hampshire that use Adult Education centers as an alternative education pathway.
In addition to these alternative options to graduate from high school, NH Adult Education centers also offer English as a Second Language classes/tutoring, Integrated Education Workforce Training, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, and College and Career classes/assistance.
There are 19 Adult Diploma programs located in the towns of Berlin, Claremont, Concord, Carroll County, Keene, Laconia, Littleton, Manchester, Nashua, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Salem, and Somersworth (information on all programs can be found on nhadulted.org).
An Adult Diploma is a 20-credit, competency-based diploma that follows NH’s ED 702 rules. It can incorporate test-out exams, extended learning opportunities, volunteer hours, etc., as credit. Every student has an individualized learning plan and can complete high school without time constraints.
Class times, registration costs, and locations vary in each town with most Adult Diploma programs located within a school district.
Carroll Academy
Carroll Academy provides High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in 5 different locations throughout Carroll County to accommodate all students and online diploma classes.
A third of Carroll Academy’s enrollment consists of students aged 16-22 enrolled in both their district school and the Adult Education program (which is also called dual enrollment, not to be confused with community college dual enrollment). Students with an Individual Educational or 504 Plan can be dual enrolled with an Adult Education program up to the age of 22.
Carroll Academy partners with 4 surrounding districts to offer alternative education: Kingswood, Kennett, Inter-Lakes, and Moultonborough Academy.
Above the Notch
Another example is Above the Notch Community School, an Adult Education center in the Littleton school district. Rachelle Cox is the Director of this organization and for the district’s Career Tech and Education Center. This page lists the programs offered and the locations covers.
Last year, Above the Notch Community School took over Berlin Adult Education so now is servicing their towns as well. In addition to running an Adult Education and Literacy program and Integrated Education and Training, there is also an in-person and online Adult Diploma program.
In 2024-25, there were 79 total in-school youth who completed high school equivalencies (HiSET and GED). Carroll Academy made up 23% of those completers and ranked third in the state with 76% measurable skill gains.
Media Appearances
Learn more about EdOpt through our media appearances. These are interviews or presentations that were recorded. Some are videos, and some are audio from radio shows.
Please share them with your friends. Help us spread the word that you have options.
EdOpt Fair Schedule
Look for our EdOpt Fairs during National School Choice Week, the last week of January 2026. Our current plan is to have them in Manchester, Dummer, and Claremont.
We’re also starting to plan for the spring. Look for fairs in Nashua, Moultonborough, and other places. 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, too.
EdOpt’s Goals
EdOpt’s 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). Our website lists the education providers options around the state that we know about (please let us know if we’re missing any!) so you can investigate the ones that you’re interested in. EdOpt also provides guidance to help you understand your options. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today.
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