In New Hampshire, homeschooling is governed by state statutes that outline the responsibilities and rights of homeschooling families. Parents must comply with certain requirements to legally homeschool their children:

Notification: Parents must file a notice of intent to homeschool with a participating agency, such as the local school district superintendent or a private school principal.

• This notice should be submitted within five days of starting the homeschool program.
• The notice must include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the children being homeschooled, as well as the parent or guardian's name and address.
  No approval is required from the participating agency; the notice is a declaration of intent.

Curriculum: Parents are required to provide instruction in specific subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, health, art, and physical education.

• There is flexibility in how these subjects are taught, allowing parents to choose the methods and materials that best fit their child's learning style.
• The curriculum should be designed to be age-appropriate and ensure educational progress.

Annual Evaluation: Homeschooling parents must maintain an annual educational evaluation. This can be a standardized test, a teacher evaluation, or a mutually agreed-upon evaluation method.

• Standardized tests can include nationally recognized tests such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the Stanford Achievement Test.
• Teacher evaluations can be conducted by a certified teacher or a current private school teacher, who reviews the child's work and provides a written evaluation of progress.
• Alternative evaluations might include a portfolio review or another method agreed upon with the participating agency.

The number of homeschoolers in New Hampshire has been steadily increasing. According to recent statistics, there are approximately 6,000 homeschooled students in the state. This growth reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in homeschooling across the United States.

• The rise in homeschooling can be attributed to various factors, including dissatisfaction with public school options, the desire for a customized education, and concerns about school safety.
• Homeschooling communities and support groups have also grown, providing resources, social opportunities, and cooperative learning experiences for homeschooled students.

Homeschoolers in New Hampshire, like those elsewhere, generally do not face significant barriers to college admission. Many colleges and universities recognize the value of a homeschool education and have adapted their admissions processes to accommodate homeschooled applicants.

Transcripts: Homeschoolers often create detailed transcripts that outline their coursework, grades, and educational achievements. These transcripts can be compiled by the parents or with the help of homeschooling support organizations.

Standardized Test Scores: Many colleges require standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) as part of the admissions process. Homeschoolers typically perform well on these tests, reflecting their rigorous and personalized education.

Essays and Recommendations: Homeschoolers can showcase their unique experiences, independent projects, and self-directed learning in college application essays. Recommendations can come from tutors, community leaders, or mentors.

College Acceptance: Many prestigious colleges and universities actively seek out homeschoolers for their diverse perspectives and strong academic foundations. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT have admitted homeschooled students who excel academically and contribute meaningfully to campus life.

New Hampshire offers an Educational Freedom Account (EFA) program, which provides eligible families with funds to use for various educational expenses, including homeschooling. This program aims to give parents more control over their children's education and can be used for:

~Curriculum Materials: Purchase textbooks, online courses, and other educational resources.

EFAs can help cover the costs of high-quality educational materials that enhance the homeschooling experience.

~Tutoring Services: Hire tutors to provide specialized instruction.

If your child needs additional support in certain subjects, EFAs can be used to pay for professional tutoring services.

~Standardized Tests: Cover the costs of annual assessments required for homeschooling.

The program can fund standardized testing fees, ensuring compliance with state evaluation requirements.

~Extracurricular Activities: Fund activities such as sports, music lessons, and educational field trips.

EFAs can provide financial support for enriching extracurricular activities that complement the homeschool curriculum.

The EFA program is designed to make homeschooling more accessible and affordable for families in New Hampshire, providing them with the financial resources to create a robust and comprehensive educational experience.