New Hampshire's three education funding programs at a glance
New Hampshire offers three separate programs that help families fund educational options outside their local public school — and they work very differently from each other. Whether you're considering private school, homeschooling, or simply looking for more flexibility, understanding which program fits your situation is the first step.
This guide covers all three: the Education Freedom Account (EFA), the Education Tax Credit Program, and the Town Tuitioning Program — including who qualifies, how much funding is available, and how Outschool fits in.
Education Freedom Account (EFA)
The EFA is New Hampshire's official Education Savings Account program, administered by the Children's Scholarship Fund NH (CSF). It gives eligible families access to state education funds they can spend on a wide range of approved educational expenses outside the public school system.
As of 2026, more than 30 states have adopted some form of ESA legislation. New Hampshire's program was among the earlier adopters and has expanded significantly since its launch.
Who qualifies
- You and your child must be New Hampshire residents
- Your child must be between ages 5 and 20, entering grades K–12
- Your household income must be at or below 350% of the federal poverty level (verify the current 2026-27 figure at csfnh.org)
- Your child cannot be enrolled full-time in a public or charter school
A previous enrollment cap of 10,000 students has been removed. The income requirement still applies. Priority is given to students already in the program, their siblings, students with disabilities or active IEPs, and students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
Additional differentiated funding (ranging from approximately $700 to $2,000 per qualifying factor) is available for students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, English language learners, and students with qualifying disabilities. The average EFA award is approximately $5,255 per year, reflecting base funding plus add-ons for many families.
What EFA funds can pay for
EFA funds are managed through ClassWallet, a digital spending platform. Approved expenses include:
- Private school tuition and fees
- Online learning programs (including Outschool classes)
- Tutoring and educational therapy
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Technology purchases that support learning
- Testing and assessment fees
- Transportation
- College-level or dual enrollment courses
How funds are distributed
Funds arrive quarterly: 20% in September, 20% in November, 30% in January, and 30% in April. Your application must be complete at least 45 days before a distribution date to receive funds that quarter.
One thing homeschooling families should know before applying
If your child is currently enrolled as a home educator under RSA 193-A, you must formally terminate that status before your EFA application can be processed. EFA students are not regulated under RSA 193-A and do not have the same right to access public school co-curricular programs (sports, clubs, electives) that home educators have under RSA 193:1-c.
For a full breakdown of what this transition means and how to navigate it, see our guide for NH homeschooling families considering the EFA.
Using Outschool with your EFA
Outschool is an approved EFA provider in New Hampshire. Families purchase classes directly through the ClassWallet marketplace — no upfront payment required. Once your order is approved, your learner is enrolled and can join the class at the scheduled time. Outschool offers live small-group classes, 1-on-1 tutoring, and self-paced courses across every subject — from core academics to enrichment and electives.
$20 off your first class WITH promo code: blog
Build the Education your Kid Deserves
Discover thousands of live classes taught by expert teachers, across academics and enrichment.
Browse classesEducation Tax Credit Program
The Education Tax Credit (ETC) Program provides scholarships funded through donations from businesses and individuals. Donors receive a state tax credit for their contributions, and those funds are distributed to eligible families as scholarships.
Scholarships can be used for private school tuition, homeschool expenses, tutoring, online learning programs, and tuition at public schools outside the student's home district.
Who qualifies
- Your child must be a New Hampshire resident between ages 5 and 20, entering grades K–12
- Your household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level
- Kindergarteners and first graders are eligible regardless of prior school attendance
- Students entering grades 2–12 must have previously attended public school
Priority goes to returning scholarship recipients, students switching from public school, and students who previously qualified for free or reduced-price lunch.
How it works
Families apply through a participating scholarship organization such as the Children's Scholarship Fund NH. Scholarships are renewed annually based on eligibility and fund availability. Unlike the EFA, this program is funded by private donors rather than public education funds — which means scholarship amounts can vary and are not guaranteed at a fixed level. There are no standardized testing requirements.
Town Tuitioning Program
The Town Tuitioning Program is specific to New Hampshire towns that don't operate a public school for certain grade levels. If your town is a designated "tuition town," the district can pay for your child to attend an approved public or private school in or out of state.
Who qualifies
- Your child must live in a New Hampshire town that doesn't operate a district public school for their grade level
- There is no income limit and no prior public school attendance is required
How it works
Your local school district arranges tuition agreements with eligible schools. Families work with their district to select and apply to an approved school. The receiving school must administer state or nationally norm-referenced assessments. Tuition support does not cover transportation costs.
Which program fits your family?
EFA is the best fit if your family qualifies on income, your child won't be enrolled in public school, and you want flexible, ongoing funding for a range of educational expenses including online learning, tutoring, and curriculum.
Education Tax Credit is worth exploring if your income is lower (at or below 300% FPL), you need help with private school tuition specifically, and your child has a history of public school enrollment.
Town Tuitioning applies only to families in towns without a district school at their child's grade level — check with your local district to see if it applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for the New Hampshire EFA?
Apply through the Children's Scholarship Fund NH at csfnh.org. You'll need to submit an online application and income verification documents. Only one application per family is allowed, and it must be fully complete — all documents verified — to be processed.
When are EFA funds distributed?
Funds are distributed quarterly: 20% in September, 20% in November, 30% in January, and 30% in April. Your application must be complete at least 45 days before each distribution to receive that quarter's funds.
Do I need to renew the EFA each year?
Yes. You must reapply annually and submit your child's academic progress documentation by July 15 each year.
Can I use EFA funds for online learning?
Yes. Online learning programs are explicitly listed as an approved EFA expense. Outschool is an approved NH EFA provider and bookable via ClassWallet.
What if my child returns to public school?
You must notify CSF immediately if your child enrolls full-time in a public or charter school or if your family moves out of New Hampshire. These changes make your child ineligible, and you'll need to submit an EFA withdrawal form.
What if I accidentally use EFA funds on something not approved?
All purchases go through an approval process via ClassWallet. If something is purchased that doesn't meet program guidelines, CSF may follow up to clarify or request repayment. Serious misuse can result in account suspension and permanent disqualification from the program.
More resources for New Hampshire families
.svg)
.svg)
