Hours / Days
No minimum specified
State Code
NH
Subjects
12 required
Filing Requirements
Notice of Intent
Within 5 business days after startingFile with your local school district, NHDOE, or private school participating agency.
How to Comply with New Hampshire's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in New Hampshire
Legal Classification
Home Education Program
Compulsory Education Ages
6-18
Steps to Get Started
Notify Your Participating Agency Within 5 Business Days
You must notify a participating agency in writing within 5 business days of beginning your home education program. The participating agency can be your local school district superintendent, the Commissioner of Education, or a participating private school. This is a one-time notification—you don't have to notify annually after the initial notice.
- Choose your participating agency (usually your local superintendent)
- Send written notice within 5 business days of starting
- Include your child's name, age, and address
- Keep confirmation of your notification for records
Early notification prevents any truancy concerns and clarifies your child's educational status.
Select Your Required Subjects
New Hampshire law requires instruction in specific subject areas: science, mathematics, language (which includes reading, writing, spelling, and grammar), government, history, reading, writing, spelling, US and New Hampshire Constitution, art, and health. You have complete freedom in choosing curriculum and teaching methods to cover these subjects.
- Science (life, earth, and physical science topics)
- Mathematics (age and ability appropriate)
- Language (reading, writing, spelling, grammar)
- Government and civics
- History (world and American history)
- US and New Hampshire Constitution
- Art (visual art, music, or other forms)
- Health and wellness education
These subjects can be integrated through projects and thematic units or taught separately.
Conduct Annual Evaluations Starting at Age 10
Beginning when your child turns 10, you must conduct an annual evaluation demonstrating educational progress. Evaluations can be done using standardized tests, portfolio review by a certified teacher, or a written narrative evaluation by you. Results are kept on file and not submitted to your participating agency.
- Standardized testing (Iowa Test of Basic Skills, CAT, SAT, etc.)
- Portfolio review by a certified teacher or evaluator
- Written narrative evaluation by parent
- Keep evaluations on file for at least 2 years
- Evaluation should show progress commensurate with child's age and ability
Many families combine testing in some years with portfolio assessment in other years.
Design Your Educational Approach
New Hampshire trusts parents to design an appropriate education. You can use traditional curricula, classical education, unschooling, unit studies, online programs, or any educational approach that covers the required subjects and demonstrates progress.
- No curriculum approval process
- No specific textbooks or programs required
- You determine pace, methods, and teaching style
- Integration of subjects is encouraged
New Hampshire's flexibility allows you to create an education perfectly suited to your child.
Maintain Records of Learning
Keep records showing that instruction in the required subject areas is occurring. While not required to be submitted, maintaining good records helps you track progress and demonstrates your educational activity.
- Attendance records showing regular educational activity
- Samples of completed work and projects
- Books read in each subject area
- Evaluation results and progress assessments
- Receipts for curriculum and educational materials
No Annual Renewal or Approval Needed
Once you've notified your participating agency, no further paperwork, approval, or renewal is required. Your home education program continues as long as you're providing instruction in required subjects and conducting annual evaluations.
New Hampshire's trust-based model means you can focus on education rather than paperwork.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, notify your chosen participating agency and begin your home education program. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
New Hampshire homeschoolers may be able to participate in public school extracurricular activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your school district's athletic director to inquire about opportunities.
Special Education
New Hampshire allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an IEP or has been identified for special education, coordinate with your district about services available through the public school.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Create subject folders with work samples from each required subject area
- Keep a reading log of books read throughout the year in each subject
- Save evaluation results, test scores, and portfolio assessments
- Document field trips, educational activities, and enrichment classes attended
- Take photos of hands-on projects, experiments, and learning evidence
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
Annual assessment required using approved methods.
Record Keeping
Maintain portfolio for at least 2 years.
Key Facts About New Hampshire
Quick filing deadline (5 business days)
Extensive subject list requirements
Portfolio and annual assessment required
Full curriculum autonomy within subject requirements
Ages 6-18 or graduation
“Every family's homeschool journey in New Hampshire is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes in my Notice of Intent?
The NOI is filed within 5 business days of starting and notifies your district, NHDOE, or a private school agency of your homeschool program.
What subjects must I teach?
New Hampshire requires 12 subjects including reading, writing, spelling, math, science, government, social studies, health, both constitutions, art, and music appreciation.
What assessment methods are approved?
You work with your oversight agency to determine approved assessment methods for annual evaluation.
What should my portfolio contain?
Your portfolio should document your child's learning and progress in all required subjects. Keep it for at least 2 years.
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