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Big news for New Hampshire homeschooling families!
Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed HB 1268, the Home Education Freedom Act, into law.
For families who homeschool independently — without an Education Freedom Account — this is a significant expansion of educational freedom. The law removes several state requirements, strengthens privacy protections, and makes clear that parents have the right to direct the education of their own children.
Even better, the home education provisions took effect July 1, 2026. So these changes are already in effect.
What Changed?
Until now, New Hampshire home educators were required to notify a participating agency when beginning a home education program, maintain a portfolio and reading log for two years, and arrange an annual educational evaluation.
Those general requirements are gone.
Independent home educators are no longer required to maintain a state-required portfolio or arrange an annual evaluation.
However, families withdrawing a child from public school still need to provide a declaration of home education. A declaration is also needed if a student wants to access public school courses or co-curricular programs under New Hampshire’s equal-access law.
Parents can still keep portfolios, use standardized tests, or arrange evaluations. These can be useful tools. But they are now the family’s choice, not a state requirement.
Homeschool Doesn’t Have to Look Like School
The new law explicitly states that the right of a parent to direct the education of their child is a natural right.
It also protects the independence of home education programs. State and local education officials generally may not create policies governing independent home educators, and homeschool families do not have to follow the local school district’s calendar or academic year.
In other words, homeschooling doesn’t have to look like school at home.
Families can design an education around their child’s needs, interests, abilities, and schedule.
More Privacy and Protection for Families
HB 1268 also adds privacy protections for independent home educators. Student information generally cannot be tracked through the state’s student data systems, and information submitted about a home education program is confidential.
The law also makes clear that choosing home education — or not having notifications, records, evaluations, or assessments — cannot by itself be treated as evidence of educational neglect.
What About EFA Families?
This law does not change the requirements for EFA families.
HB 1268 specifically distinguishes independent home education from participation in New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account program.
Independent home educators operate under RSA 193-A. EFA students operate under RSA 194-F.
EFA families continue to follow the requirements of the EFA program.
Both are education options available to New Hampshire families, but they are different paths according to law, compared here.
More Freedom, More Options, More Trust in Families.
For most independent homeschoolers, the practical answer is simple: less paperwork and less government involvement in your home education program.
You can still test; You can still keep portfolios and detailed records; You can follow the public school calendar — or completely ignore it.
The difference is that these decisions now belong much more clearly to the family.
That’s worth celebrating.
Do you know a family who is homeschooling or thinking about it? Share this article with them.
And if you’re exploring homeschooling, EFAs, charter schools, microschools, private schools, or other education options, visit EdOpt.org. We’re here to help New Hampshire families understand their choices and find the path that fits.
Jody Underwood, Ph.D.
President, EdOpt
More EdOpt Fairs
Bow: OUTDOORS!
This is going to be our first OUTDOOR fair, rain or shine.
- Thursday, July 30 from 6-8pm
- The Plaza at 1494 Rt 3A in Bow NH
- Attendees can register here.
There will be a couple of food trucks, one with ice cream! There is a playground right next to the parking lot where we will be holding the fair, so bring the whole family!
The list of education providers who will be at the fair is here and below. We are no longer accepting registrations for providers, but you can get on a waiting list if you register now.
- ABA Centers of America
- America’s Stonehenge
- Bishop Brady High School
- Camp Constitution
- Can-Do Math Virtual Academy
- Children’s Scholarship Fund NH
- Education Options
- Modern Learning Association
- New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association
- NH Timberland Owners Association
- Sensory Seekers
- That Math Stuff
- The Beech Hill School
- The Learning Cove NH
- TimberNook- Northwood
- University of New Hampshire
- Upreach Therapeutic Equestrian Center
- USA Ninja Challenge
- Village Play Cafe
We’re also working on fairs in other places — Loudon will be in the fall. 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. 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. Please let us know if we’re missing any!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today. And check out our new AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every website page.
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