Education Freedom Accounts vs. Home Education

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