Homeschooling in New Hampshire
Evaluation Without Submission
New Hampshire parents must file a one-time Notice of Intent. The core requirement is the annual evaluation, which can be a standardized test or a portfolio review by a certified teacher. Crucially, these results are kept by you, not submitted.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
8
required
Notification
Yes
one-time
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Notice of Intent within 5 days of starting (one-time)
- Maintain a portfolio of work and reading list
- Annual Evaluation required (Standardized Test OR Portfolio Review)
- Teach required subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Health, Art, Music, Constitution
Legal Framework
RSA 193-A and Ed 315 govern home education.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in New Hampshire
The Waldorf Map lists 3 schools, 2 kindergartens and playgroups, and 1 class or course in New Hampshire, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- High Mowing School, Wilton
- Sophia's Hearth Family Center, Keene
- Center for Anthroposophy, Wilton
- Gathering Waters Chartered Public School, Keene
Required Subjects
Must provide instruction.
Science
Mathematics
Language Arts
Social Studies
Health
History of Constitutions (NH & US)
Art
Music
Filing Requirements
What to file
Letter of Intent (NOI)
When
Within 5 business days of starting homeschool
Where
Participating Agency (usually local superintendent, private school principal, or NH DOE)
How to submit
Letter to participating agency
What to include
- • Intent to homeschool
- • Student info
**One-time filing** (re-file if changing agencies/districts). Annual evaluation REQUIRED (test or portfolio by certified teacher) but results are PRIVATE - do NOT submit. **Sports & Classes GUARANTEED** per RSA 193:1-c - equal access to curricular and cocurricular programs. Must file termination notice upon graduating or stopping.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: All
Annual evaluation required. Can be a standardized test (composite score > 40th percentile removed in 2022, now just 'progress') OR a portfolio review.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Notice of Intent
Send a letter of intent to your local superintendent, a private school principal, or the DOE.
- •Include child's name, birthdate, address
- •Include parent's name and address
Tip: Send via certified mail to have proof of receipt.Within 5 business days of starting
- 2
Begin Portfolio
Start collecting samples of work immediately.
- •Keep a log of reading materials
- •Save work samples for all required subjects
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓One-time filing
- ✓Evaluation results are private (kept by parent)
- ✓Flexible evaluation options (Portfolio vs Test)
Cons
- •Finding a certified teacher for portfolio review can cost money
- •Wide range of required subjects (including Art/Music)
Sports & Activities
**Guaranteed**. RSA 193:1-c grants homeschoolers **equal access** to *curricular* courses (e.g., Science, Math) and *cocurricular* programs (Sports, Clubs) provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Questions about homeschooling in New Hampshire
Do I have to submit my evaluation?
No. You keep it on file. You only show it if the Commissioner has reason to believe you are not complying.
Who can review my portfolio?
A certified teacher (NH or reciprocating state) or a nonpublic school teacher.
Can I use a standardized test instead?
Yes. Any nationally recognized test (CAT, IOWA, Stanford) is acceptable.
Get New Hampshire’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our New Hampshire page changes
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your New Hampshire records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. New Hampshire tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NH homeschool law guide