What is the New Hampshire Education Freedom Account?
Learn how the Education Freedom Account gives New Hampshire families more flexibility to shape their child’s K-12 education.
New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts make it easier for families to choose the learning environment that works best for their child. From private school tuition to homeschool resources and tutoring, eligible families can use state education funds in a way that supports personalized learning.
This program gives you more control over how your child learns—whether that means switching schools, supplementing at home, or building a full curriculum from scratch. With flexible funding and a wide range of approved expenses, EFAs are designed to meet your family’s unique goals and needs.
What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-run programs that allow families to access public education funding directly. Instead of going to a public school system, the fund is deposited into a secure account that parents can use to pay for approved learning expenses.
As of 2025, 18 states have adopted ESA legislation. Since each program has its own rules, requirements, and spending guidelines, it’s important to check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
What scholarship options are available in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire offers multiple scholarship-style programs that help families customize their child’s education using public or privately supported funds. These programs can support private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and more, giving families the ability to choose the environment that works best for their learners.
Here are the key education funding programs available to families in New Hampshire:
Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program: This is the state’s official ESA program, offering eligible students access to public education funds they can use for private school, homeschooling resources, tutoring, therapies, and other approved expenses.
Education Tax Credit Program: This program provides scholarships funded through donations from individuals and businesses. Learners from low-income families can use these scholarships for private school tuition, homeschool expenses, tutoring, and other learning options.
Town Tuitioning Program: In towns that don’t operate a public school for certain grade levels, families can receive public funding to enroll their child in another public or approved private school, either in or outside the state.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, funding guidelines, and application process. In the sections below, we’ll break down how each program works to help you decide which one best fits your family’s goals.
New Hampshire Education Freedom Account Program
The Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program allows qualifying New Hampshire families to access flexible education funding for their children. These state-funded accounts can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, and a variety of qualified learning expenses outside the traditional public school system.
The program is administered by the Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire (CSF) and is designed to help families create a personalized educational experience that fits their child’s needs.
Eligibility
Residency: The learner must be a New Hampshire resident.
Grade Level: Open to learners entering kindergarten through 12th grade (ages 5–20).
Income: Household income must be at or below 350% of the federal poverty level at the time of application ($109,200 for a family of four in 2024–2025).
Enrollment: Students attending full-time district public or charter schools are not eligible. Families must commit to educating their child outside these settings using approved EFA resources.
Differentiated aid qualification: Students may also qualify for additional EFA funding, ranging from approximately $700 to $2,000 per factor, based on individual needs. This includes:
Free or Reduced Price Meal Grant (FRPM): Available to learners in families earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
English Language Learners Grant: For learners with limited English proficiency, as determined by federal language assessment requirements.
Students with a Qualifying Disability: For learners who meet special education criteria under federal law.
Rules & regulations
Application Process: Families apply through the CSF website. To be eligible, applicants must complete an online application and submit required income verification documents in PDF format. Only one application per family is allowed.
Use of Funds: Funds may be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses, including:
Private school tuition and fees
Tutoring and educational therapy
Online learning programs and classes
Curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials
Technology purchases
Transportation
Testing and assessments
Homeschool expenses
College-level courses or dual enrollment
Testing Requirements: Families must provide annual academic documentation through one of the following:
A nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test
New Hampshire’s statewide assessment
A portfolio of student work reviewed by a certified teacher or a nonpublic school teacher
Continuation: After initial eligibility is confirmed, there are no income requirements. However, families must continue to follow all program guidelines and submit required documentation each year to remain eligible.
Restrictions:
Students enrolled full-time in public or charter schools are not eligible.
Misuse of funds or failure to report enrollment changes may result in termination from the program and repayment obligations.
Funds may only be spent on approved expenses listed by the EFA program.
New Hampshire Education Tax Credit Program
The Education Tax Credit (ETC) Program offers scholarships to help New Hampshire families afford a learning environment that fits their child’s needs—whether that’s a private school, online learning, or homeschool support. These scholarships are funded through donations from businesses and individuals in exchange for tax credits and are distributed by approved scholarship organizations.
Families who qualify can use the scholarship to pay for tuition, tutoring, homeschool materials, and even public schools outside their district. This program gives families greater flexibility to make learning more personal and accessible.
Eligibility
Residency: Student must be a New Hampshire resident.
Age & Grade Level: Student must be between the ages of 5 and 20 and entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Income: Household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
Enrollment History:
Kindergarteners and 1st graders are eligible.
Students entering grades 2–12 must have previously attended public school.
Priority Groups:
Students returning to the program (renewals).
Students switching from public school to another option (“switchers”).
Students who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch in their last public school year.
Rules & regulations
Application Process: Families apply directly through a participating scholarship organization like the Children’s Scholarship Fund. Supporting documents such as income verification may be required. Renewals are typically invited by email.
Use of Funds:
Tuition at private or online schools.
Homeschool curriculum and supplies.
Tutoring and supplemental educational services.
Tuition for public schools outside the student’s district.
Classes at approved colleges or universities.
Testing Requirements: None required.
Continuation: Scholarships are renewed annually based on eligibility and availability of funds.
Restrictions:
Students enrolled full-time in local public or charter schools are not eligible.
Scholarships cannot be used for schools that are not approved by the state or affiliated with the scholarship organization.
Awards must follow state guidelines for how funds are used and reported.
New Hampshire Town Tuitioning Program
The Town Tuitioning Program gives families in certain New Hampshire towns access to public education even when their local district doesn’t offer schools for all grade levels. If a student lives in a “tuition town”—a town without a public school for their grade—the district can pay for that student to attend a public or approved private school in or out of state.
This program helps ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, can access a full K-12 education without having to relocate or pay out of pocket.
Eligibility
Residency: Student must be a New Hampshire resident.
Location: Student must live in a designated “tuition town” without a district-operated public school for their grade level.
Income: There are no income limits to qualify.
Enrollment History: No prior public school attendance is required.
Rules & regulations
Application Process: The local school district arranges tuition agreements with eligible schools. Families can work with their district to select and apply to an approved school.
Use of Funds:
Tuition at eligible public schools.
Tuition at approved non-religious or religious private schools.
Testing Requirements: Receiving schools must administer state or nationally norm-referenced assessments in reading, language arts, math, and science.
Continuation: Eligibility continues as long as the home district does not operate a school at the student’s grade level and the receiving school maintains state approval.
Restrictions:
Schools must be state-approved and report academic progress.
Schools with 10 or more tuitioned students scoring below the 40th percentile for three consecutive years may lose tuition eligibility.
Tuition support cannot include transportation costs.
How to use your New Hampshire ESA funds on Outschool
Outschool is an approved provider for New Hampshire families using Education Freedom Accounts. If you’ve been awarded an EFA through the Children’s Scholarship Fund, you can use ClassWallet to pay for qualified classes, tutoring, and other enrichment options directly on Outschool.
Outschool gives families the flexibility to personalize learning with high-quality, engaging instruction. Whether your child is learning full-time at home or supplementing a school curriculum, Outschool helps you make the most of your EFA funds.
Families may use EFA funds on:
Live, small-group classes led by experienced educators
Self-paced courses that support different learning styles
Core subject curriculum and enrichment topics
Support for homeschooling, private school, or hybrid learning
Classes aligned with New Hampshire’s eligible EFA expenses
Frequently asked questions about New Hampshire Empowerment Scholarships
Here are answers to some of the most common questions families ask—from how to apply and access funds, to what happens if your student’s situation changes.
How do I apply for the New Hampshire Education Freedom Account?
You can apply directly through the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF), the official scholarship organization administering EFAs in New Hampshire. Your application will need to include proof of income and verification documents. Make sure all required documents are submitted and confirmed as complete to avoid delays.
What counts as a completed EFA application?
An application is considered complete once you’ve submitted the online form and all supporting documents have been verified by CSF. If anything is missing, CSF will reach out to you, so it’s important to respond quickly. Once verified, CSF will confirm your application is complete.
When are EFA funds distributed?
Funds are distributed quarterly by the state:
20% in September
20% in November
30% in January
30% in April
You must complete your application at least 45 days before a scheduled distribution to receive funds on time.
How do I access and manage my child’s EFA funds?
Families receive their funds through a secure digital wallet platform managed by the scholarship organization. This lets you track your balance, view your transaction history, and make purchases for qualified educational services or supplies without needing to submit paper receipts.
Do I need to renew my child’s EFA each year?
Yes. To continue receiving funds, you’ll need to reapply annually and provide your child’s updated educational progress documents (also called a record of educational attainment) by July 15.
What happens if my child returns to public school or moves?
You must notify CSF right away if your child:
Enrolls full-time in a local public school
Enrolls full-time in a public charter school
Moves out of New Hampshire
These changes make your child ineligible and require you to submit an EFA withdrawal form.
What happens if funds are spent on something that isn’t approved?
To help families stay on track, all purchases made with EFA funds go through an approval process and are monitored for compliance. If something is accidentally purchased that doesn’t meet program guidelines, the scholarship organization may follow up to clarify or request repayment. In cases where serious misuse is suspected, the student’s account may be frozen and investigated. Misuse can result in permanent disqualification from the program.
Where can I find updates or help?
To stay informed, visitthe Children’s Scholarship Fund website for updates on guidelines and application deadlines.
Expanding educational possibilities in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s scholarship programs open the door to more personalized and flexible education options for families across the state. You might be exploring private school options, building a homeschool routine, or looking for flexible ways to support your child’s learning needs—New Hampshire’s programs are designed to help you take that next step with confidence.
By understanding your available options, you’ll be better equipped to choose what aligns with your goals and your learner’s needs. And if you plan to use your scholarship funds online, Outschool is here to help you turn that support into engaging, high-quality learning from anywhere.
