On this episode of The New England Take, host A.J. Kierstead welcomes Dr. Jody Underwood. They discuss EdOpt.org, a grassroots initiative to help New Hampshire families better understand and access alternatives to traditional district schools. While conversations about education choice often focus on political debates, EdOpt focuses on the practical question most parents face: How do I actually find the right option for my child?
Dr. Underwood explains that many families mistakenly believe they only have two choices—expensive private schools or full-time homeschooling. In reality, the landscape is far richer. Families can explore charter schools, microschools, homeschool co-ops, tutoring collectives, online programs, hybrid arrangements, and more. EdOpt’s mission is to make these options visible, approachable, and affordable.
EdOpt has three parts
- First, EdOpt’s website offers an interactive map of education providers statewide. Here, families can filter by type—charter, private, religious, tutoring, homeschool groups, or microschools—and see what is available in their region.
- Second, EdOpt organizes in-person education fairs where parents can meet local providers face-to-face, ask questions, and learn about their opportunities.
- Finally, EdOpt offers consultations and resources. These include blog posts and newsletters, that explain specific programs like Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), Learn Everywhere, and dual enrollment. Dr. Underwood notes, homeschooling can often be done for around $1,000 per year.
Drawing on her PhD in Learning Sciences, her work on digital learning environments, and her 12 years on the Croydon school board, Dr. Underwood brings deep experience to the project. She emphasizes that parents know their children best and should feel empowered to “shop” for the educational approach that fits their family’s needs.
EdOpt is volunteer-driven, locally built, and free for families to use. Its message is simple: families in New Hampshire have more options than they think, and EdOpt.org is here to help them discover the right path.