Homeschooling in New Hampshire has become increasingly accessible thanks to the state's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, a form of Education Savings Account (ESA) that allows eligible families to use public funds for various educational expenses. This includes tuition, curriculum, online courses, tutoring, and instructional materials, allowing families to design a personalized education plan that fits their child’s unique needs.
This guide explains how New Hampshire’s EFA program works, who qualifies, and how parents can effectively use these funds for homeschooling, particularly through platforms like Outschool, which provides live, online classes across various subjects for students in grades K–12.
What is an ESA?
ESA stands for Education Savings Account, which is a state-run school choice program that allows eligible families to use public education funds for personalized learning.
New Hampshire’s version is called the Education Freedom Account, and it’s a total game-changer. It lets parents access funds that can be used for:
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Online learning programs (like Outschool!)
- Tutoring services
- Tuition at a school of your choice
- Testing fees
- Educational therapies
- And more
In short, it gives YOU the power to customize your child’s education, especially if traditional public school isn't the right fit.
Who Can Apply for the New Hampshire EFA?
As of 2025, New Hampshire has expanded eligibility to all New Hampshire students applying for the current school year. This means that all your learner needs to be is a:
- Resident of New Hampshire
- Student entering grades K–12 (including those switching from public, private, or homeschool settings)
Before you worry that this policy change might crowd out lower-income families, rest assured, the EFA prioritizes:
- Students already enrolled in the EFA program
- Their siblings
- Students with household incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty level
- Students with disabilities or active special education plans
The initial rollout is capped at 10,000 students. However, the program is set to increase anytime there is a rise in demand and students in priority groups are exempt from the cap.
Applications are processed through the Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire, and once approved, you’ll receive access to your Marketplace account, with a minimum of approximately $4,100 per year, per child.
That’s a LOT of possibilities!
What homeschool parents should know about EFA rules
Using EFA funds to homeschool in New Hampshire gives you tons of flexibility. However, there are a few essential guidelines homeschooling parents, like you, should keep in mind. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward once you know what to expect!
- You’ll need to cover the basics
Even with total freedom to shape your child’s learning, the state asks that you touch on core subjects throughout the year. That includes:
- Reading, writing, spelling, and language
- Math and science
- Government, U.S. and New Hampshire history, and both constitutions
- Health, art, and music
How you teach these is up to you, many families mix and match resources, or use platforms like Outschool.
- You’ll need to show progress once a year
By July 15, you’ll submit a quick progress update using one of these options:
- Scores from a standardized test
- Results from the NH state assessment
- A signed letter from a certified teacher reviewing your child’s portfolio
- A full-time report card from a private school or an approved non-resident public school
- Funds are meant for the participating student only
EFA funds are set aside just for your student’s learning needs. That means:
- You can’t share funds between siblings
- You can’t use them for general household expenses like Wi-Fi
- Any tech or internet you buy with EFA funds should clearly support your child’s education
- Your child can’t be enrolled full-time in a public or charter school
If they rejoin a public or charter school full-time, you’ll need to fill out a quick withdrawal form to exit the EFA program.
Why homeschoolers in New Hampshire love the EFA
Homeschooling offers freedom, flexibility, and a deeply personalized learning experience, but navigating all the options can feel overwhelming.
There's a lot to consider, from choosing the right curriculum to finding enriching extracurriculars to ensuring academic progress.
That’s where the Education Freedom Account program comes in. Designed to support educational choice, EFAs help families access the tools and resources that make their unique homeschool journey even more impactful.
With EFA funds, you can:
- Afford high-quality, interactive learning options like Outschool
- Build a personalized curriculum tailored to your child’s interests
- Offer enrichment activities you may not have otherwise considered
- Access tutoring for challenging subjects
- Provide educational therapies for children with special needs
Translation? More learning. Less financial stress.
What is Outschool perfect for EFA Families?
If you’re not aware of Outschool, let us introduce you.
Outschool is an online learning platform offering live, small-group classes from Pre-K to Grade 12. Think of it as a buffet of creativity, core subjects, life skills, and niche interests.
Here’s why Outschool and EFA go together like flannel and fall foliage:
- Aligned with EFA Use: Outschool is an approved EFA partner in New Hampshire, which means you can use your ESA funds for classes.
- Flexibility: Whether you believe in unschooling, classical, Charlotte Mason, or Montessori, you can find classes that align with your approach.
- Passion-Driven Learning: Have a child obsessed with sharks? There’s a class for that. Love anime? There’s one for that, too. Outschool lets you nurture your child’s curiosity.
- Professional Educators: Classes are taught by vetted, experienced instructors who know how to engage and inspire kids online.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Ready to start your ESA journey? Here are answers to questions parents often ask about making the most of educational funding for their family's learning adventure.
Is my family eligible for ESA funds in New Hampshire?
Your family may qualify for ESA funds if you live in New Hampshire, have children between 5-20 years old. If your children aren't enrolled full-time in public school, you can use these funds to create a fantastic learning experience.
How can I spend my ESA funds?
ESA funds open up possibilities, from art supplies and science kits to musical instruments and learning software. The state has detailed out all the dos and don’ts of these funds, if you want to know, head to the official EFA website.
Can I use EFA funds for online learning?
Yes! Many families use their EFA funds to engage in online classes that spark curiosity and build skills. From live small-group science experiments to one-on-one music lessons, you can choose from thousands of teacher-led learning experiences that match your child's interests.
What makes ESAs an excellent choice for homeschool families?
ESAs put you in charge of your child's learning journey by providing flexible funding for the educational experiences you choose. Many New Hampshire families find that EFAs allow them to create personalized learning paths filled with meaningful opportunities, from hands-on projects to interactive online classes.
Empowering Your Homeschool Journey with EFA
Homeschooling in New Hampshire just got a lot easier and more exciting, thanks to the EFA and platforms like Outschool. Whether aiming for college prep or nurturing a budding artist, ESA funds empower you to curate the education your child truly deserves.
Outschool makes it easy to bring your dream homeschool plan to life—with expert-led classes, flexible scheduling, and content that’s as engaging as it is educational.
More resources for New Hampshire homeschoolers
Exploring homeschooling opportunities and benefits in New Hampshire? These guides can help you get started:
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