If you're already homeschooling in New Hampshire, you've probably heard about the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program — and wondered whether it's worth switching to. The answer depends on what you're willing to trade.
New Hampshire's EFA gives eligible families access to an average of $5,255 per year in public education funds, which you can spend on curriculum, tutoring, online classes, and more. But for homeschooling families specifically, enrolling in the EFA program isn't just a funding decision. It's a legal status change — and most guides skip over that entirely.
This article covers what homeschooling families need to know before applying: the transition requirement, what you gain, what you give up, and exactly how to use your EFA funds on Outschool through ClassWallet.
The thing most guides don't tell you: you have to give up your homeschool status
If you've filed a notice of intent with your local school district under RSA 193-A (New Hampshire's home education law), you are currently operating as a legally recognized home educator. That status comes with protections — including the right to access your resident public school's curricular and co-curricular programs, like sports, clubs, and electives.
To enroll in the EFA program, you must first formally terminate your home education program under RSA 193-A. That means filing a withdrawal with your participating agency (your superintendent, a participating nonpublic school principal, or the NH Department of Education) before your EFA application can be processed.
Once you're in the EFA program, you're no longer operating under RSA 193-A — which means your child no longer has the guaranteed right to participate in public school programs under RSA 193:1-c.
This isn't a reason to avoid the EFA. For many families, the funding access outweighs the co-curricular tradeoff. But it's a decision you should make with full information, not discover after the fact.
What this means in practice:
- You must submit a termination notice under RSA 193-A before your EFA application is processed
- Your child will no longer have statutory access to public school sports, clubs, or academic programs
- If you later leave the EFA program and want to return to traditional homeschooling, you would need to refile under RSA 193-A
Who qualifies for New Hampshire's EFA
New Hampshire's EFA is open to families whose household income is at or below 350% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility requirements:
- You and your child must be New Hampshire residents
- Your child must be between ages 5 and 20, entering grades K–12
- Your child cannot be enrolled full-time in a public or charter school
- Your household income must be at or below 350% of the federal poverty level (verify the current figure at csfnh.org before applying)
The program previously had a 10,000-student enrollment cap, which has since been removed. The income requirement still applies. Priority is given to students already enrolled in the EFA program, their siblings, students with disabilities or active special education plans, and students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
What EFA funds can pay for
Once approved, your EFA funds are managed through ClassWallet, a digital spending platform. Approved expenses include:
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Online learning programs, including Outschool classes
- Private tutoring
- Educational therapies
- Testing and assessment fees
- Technology that directly supports your child's education
Funds are distributed quarterly by the state: 20% in September, 20% in November, 30% in January, and 30% in April. To receive funds in a given quarter, your application must be complete at least 45 days before that distribution date.
Annual progress reporting
EFA families must submit academic progress documentation by July 15 each year. You can fulfill this requirement with scores from a nationally standardized norm-referenced test, results from the NH state assessment, or a written portfolio review signed by a certified teacher. These records stay with you and are not submitted to the state unless requested. You do need to reapply each year to continue receiving funds.
How to use your EFA funds on Outschool through ClassWallet
Outschool is an approved EFA provider in New Hampshire. Families use ClassWallet to purchase classes directly through the Outschool marketplace — no upfront payment required.
Here's how to enroll:
- Apply and get approved through the Children's Scholarship Fund NH (csfnh.org). Once approved, you'll receive access to your ClassWallet account.
- Log in to ClassWallet and select the learner you're purchasing for.
- Find Outschool in the ClassWallet marketplace. Clicking through redirects you to your Outschool account.
- Make sure the learner selected in ClassWallet matches the learner in Outschool before completing checkout.
- Submit your order. Your EFA program will review and approve it. You'll receive confirmation emails from both ClassWallet and Outschool, and your learner will be enrolled and can join at the scheduled time.
A few things to know: if you're purchasing for multiple children, start a new ClassWallet session for each one. You can enroll in up to 18 weeks of a recurring class at a time and re-enroll once the enrollment ends. For 1-on-1 tutoring, you can book up to 12 sessions per ClassWallet order. Your Outschool stored balance will not apply to ClassWallet orders.
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Browse classesIs switching to EFA right for your homeschool family?
EFA makes sense if:
- You're spending significant money on curriculum, tutoring, or enrichment programs each year
- Your child isn't currently interested in public school sports or extracurriculars
- You use or plan to use platforms like Outschool regularly
- Your household income qualifies (at or below 350% FPL)
Staying under RSA 193-A makes sense if:
- Your child participates (or wants to participate) in public school co-curricular programs
- Your current homeschool costs are low and don't justify the administrative change
- You value the legal clarity and protections of operating under NH's home education statute
There's no universally right answer. Some families use EFA funds to dramatically expand what their child has access to. Others prefer the simplicity and legal protections of traditional home education.
Getting started
- Review your eligibility at csfnh.org
- File a termination notice under RSA 193-A with your participating agency
- Submit your EFA application through the Children's Scholarship Fund NH
- Once approved, set up your ClassWallet account and explore Outschool's full catalog
Outschool offers live small-group classes, 1-on-1 tutoring, and self-paced courses across every subject — all bookable with your EFA funds through ClassWallet.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give up homeschooling to get EFA funds?
Not exactly — but you do have to terminate your formal home education program under RSA 193-A before enrolling in the EFA. You can still educate your child at home using EFA funds. The difference is the legal framework you operate under. EFA families are not regulated by RSA 193-A and do not have the same statutory rights (including public school co-curricular access) as families operating under that law.
Can my child still play public school sports if we switch to EFA?
No. Under RSA 193:1-c, only students notified as home educating under RSA 193-A have the guaranteed right to access public school programs. EFA students are not covered by that statute. Individual districts may still allow participation at their discretion, but it is not a guaranteed right.
What if we want to leave the EFA program later?
If you leave the EFA program and want to return to traditional homeschooling, you would need to refile a notice of intent under RSA 193-A. Contact your local school district or the NH Department of Education to confirm the process.
How much funding does the EFA provide?
The average EFA award is approximately $5,255 per child per year, reflecting the base adequacy grant plus additional funding for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, English language learners, or students with qualifying disabilities. Verify the current award amount at csfnh.org before applying, as it adjusts annually.
Is Outschool an approved EFA provider?
Yes. Outschool is an approved EFA provider in New Hampshire. Families can use ClassWallet to purchase Outschool classes directly through the marketplace.
More resources for New Hampshire homeschoolers
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