Both programs aim to support educational choice and customization, while they differ in funding, administration, and scope.
Independent Home Education as defined by RSA 193-A is do-it-yourself. It allows parents to provide education at home, focusing on a core set of academic subjects. Parents must keep a portfolio of student work, conduct annual evaluations, or some other method that works for their students. Parents have minimal state oversight, with advisory input from the Home Education Advisory Council.
Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) as defined by RSA 194-F are publicly funded. This program offers educational flexibility to all families in New Hampshire. EFAs allocate funds into individual accounts for approved educational expenses, which may include tuition, tutoring, and materials. Parents must commit to a similar educational scope as in Home Education. They can use services from approved providers. The Children’s Scholarship Fund-NH manages this program with oversight from both a legislative committee and a parent/provider advisory commission.
When a student enrolls in the EFA program, they must terminate a student’s home education program, which is described in Chapter 193-A.
The NH Board of Education provides guidelines and resources for Home Education and EFAs.
Home Education vs EFA Comparison
| RSA 193-A: Home Education | RSA 194-F: Education Freedom Accounts | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Name | Home Education Program | Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) |
| Legal Basis | RSA Chapter 193-A | RSA Chapter 194-F |
| Purpose | Parental control of education at home | Provide public funding for alternative education via state education trust fund |
| Funding Source | Privately funded by families | Public funds via Education Trust Fund |
| Eligibility | Children aged 6-18 in NH | Children aged 6-18 in NH |
| Curriculum Requirements | Core subjects incl. math, science, history, arts | Core subjects incl. math, science, history, arts |
| Instruction Provided By | Parent or parent-directed | Parent or approved education service providers |
| Evaluation Requirements | Annual evaluation, portfolio, or some other method. | Annual evaluation or portfolio |
| Oversight | Home Education Advisory Council | Parent/Provider Advisory Commission; Legislative, Scholarship Organization |
| Use of Public Services | Eligible for co-curricular participation with evaluation | Can purchase specific public-school services (e.g., classes, programs) |
| Notification Requirements | Parents notify state/district /private school when starting or ending home ed | Notification required when transitioning from home ed to EFA |
| Legal Protections | Limited liability for school districts; autonomy guaranteed | Funds not taxable; providers not agents of state |
| Interaction Between Programs | Terminated if student joins EFA program | Participation ends home education status |