What happens when families are free to choose the education that fits their children best? Florida is giving us a glimpse.
A new Reason Magazine feature highlights the rapid growth of microschools — small, personalized learning communities often created by former public school teachers. These schools offer flexible, student-centered learning at a price many families can afford thanks to Florida’s universal education savings account program.
The numbers are striking: only about 70% of Florida students now attend traditional district-run public schools, down from 86% just 25 years ago. About 14% attend charter schools, while roughly 15% use state vouchers or education savings accounts to attend private schools or other educational settings. Florida is also seeing continued growth in homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, and hybrid learning communities. As funding follows students instead of systems, families are creating a much more diverse educational landscape.
The result? Former public school teachers are opening microschools. Homeschool co-ops and hybrid programs are expanding. Schools are experimenting with new approaches that emphasize personalization, flexibility, and hands-on learning.
New Hampshire is beginning to see many of these same trends. While our numbers are smaller — about 4% of students attend charter schools, with growing participation in Education Freedom Accounts, homeschooling, microschools, and other alternatives — families have more educational choices today than ever before.
| Education Option | Florida | New Hampshire (approx.) |
| District public schools | 70% | ~82–84% |
| Charter schools | 14% | ~4% |
| Private schools | ~? | ~9% |
| Homeschooling | Growing rapidly | ~2–3% |
| ESA/Voucher users | 15% | Growing rapidly (EFAs) |
At EdOpt, we see this every day. Families aren’t looking for one “best” school. They’re looking for the best fit for their child. And they are creating them if they don’t already exist.
Florida offers a glimpse of what can happen when families have more options. New Hampshire is writing its own version of that story.
Want to know what options are near you in NH? Check out our Program Finder.
Interested in starting your own microschool or homeschool coop? Get in touch with us — we can help.
-Jody
Jody Underwood, Ph.D
President, Education Options
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Upcoming EdOpt Fairs
- Saturday October 3 from 2-4pm, Evergreen Elementary in Hudson (near Nashua) will host a fair. It’ll be a Fall Fest theme with a food truck (the same one from our Bow fair!), and be tons of fun. Education providers and attendees can register here.
- Saturday October 24 from 9am-1pm. Join us 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. Education providers and attendees can register here.
Let us know if you want to organize a fair in your area.
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.
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).
Use our website to find education providers options around the state. If your organization isn’t there, please enter it!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today.
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.
