State laws change from time to time and though we try to keep the laws up-to-date at all times please check with the department of education for any changes that may have occurred.
It’s practical, safe and you can do it from home: homeschooling is an increasingly popular educational alternative among many parents who wish to be more directly involved in their children’s education.
If you plan to do so yourself, you’re about to join a great community of fellow homeschoolers, always ready to offer advice and resources. We’ll show you how to start home schooling in NH without too much effort. We’ll go through some of the main educational opportunities offered by the Granite State, give you an introduction to the Hampshire homeschooling laws, and point you to some great online homeschooling sites and infographic and video to help you create a homeschool that thrives.
Share this Image On Your Site
The Granite State
New Hampshire is known for its vast wilderness and its beautiful towns – a nice little state that will offer everything you need in terms of educational opportunities.
To start with, you’ve got some beautiful natural spots that you’ll just love to explore. Go hiking through the Franconia State Park, admire the waterfalls of Flume George, or go boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. New Hampshire also has some of America’s most famous ski resorts, so staying fit and active in the middle of the nature won’t be a problem. You can even go whale watching in Rye – it’ll be an experience you won’t forget too soon!
History and the fine arts are also well represented, with museums such as the Currier Museum of Art, the Wright Museum of World War II and the Jackson Art Studio & Gallery catering for all preferences. You’ve even got a dedicated children’s museum in Dover, a place where your children will have plenty of opportunities to have fun while learning.
All in all, New Hampshire has it all, from wonderful views to exciting museums, and you’ll find it easy to get your children up and learning while exploring your home state.
New Hampshire Homeschool Laws
New Hampshire homeschooling laws require you to choose one of three participatory agencies: the principle of a private school, the commissioner of education, or the local school superintendent. You’ll then work with them for the rest of your homeschooling endeavor.
Before you begin homeschooling, you’ll have to file a notice of intent with the participatory agency, in which you’ll mention the basic information about your children. You’ll have to do that before the school year begins, or within five days after withdrawing your children from school. You’ll also have to file a notice of termination when you decide to finish homeschooling.
You’ll have to provide instruction in a number of compulsory subjects, including science, mathematics, language, reading, geography and other.
Another thing that you’re legally required to do is to maintain a portfolio of your children’s work, including worksheets, writing samples and creative materials. You have to maintain the records for two years, though they may never be inspected.
You’re also required to have your children assessed. You’ve got more than one option for doing so: you can agree upon a means of evaluation in collaboration with your participatory agency, you can have a certified teacher assess your children, or you can opt for a standardized test that will be administered by a qualified individual. Again, you can find more information in the link above.
There are no compulsory qualifications and hours of instruction, and you may enroll your children part-time in the local school, sign them in extracurricular activities, and have them benefit from public school special needs services.
New Hampshire Homeschool Friendliness Grade
Since homeschooling in NH may be a bit demanding from a legal point of view, we’re giving this state a C in terms of homeschool friendliness. However, the legal requirements are not absurd, and they’ll help you keep a close record of your children’s progress, as well as make sure that your children are properly assessed. Combined with additional benefits such as special needs services and the possibility of participating in extracurricular activities, there’s really nothing wrong with homeschooling in NH.
Conclusion
While the New Hampshire homeschooling system is a bit demanding, there’s really nothing absurd about it, and the state is a treasure trove of educational opportunities. Start homeschooling today, and you’ll have the chance to join an active homeschooling community, benefit from plenty of advice and resources, and – most importantly – be in complete control of your children’s education. If you’ve got any questions, you can always check the resources we’ve provided, or simply get in touch with us – we’d be more than happy to help you. Good luck homeschooling in New Hampshire!
Resources
http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/
http://education.nh.gov/instruction/school_improve/home_ed/index.htm - the official website of the New Hampshire Department of Education provides you with any legal information you need to know
http://www.nhhomeschooling.org/ - the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition is a friendly community of fellow homeschoolers, and their website is a great place to start looking for resources, help, and homeschooling events
http://nhhr.dimentech.com/ - a great place to find homeschooling resources, and to get in touch with certified teachers that will help assess your children’s portfolio