New Hampshire Homeschool Laws
New Hampshire recognizes a parent’s natural right to direct a child’s education. Homeschooling is a fundamental right under RSA 193-A. Families have one option: a home education program directed by the parent. School is required from age 6 (if reached by September 30) until 18, unless the child has graduated. As of July 1, 2026, a declaration of home education is optional. You need one only if you withdraw a student from public school or seek access to public school programs.
Day to day, New Hampshire sets almost no extra rules. The 2026 rewrite of RSA 193-A does not prescribe subjects, hours, testing, or teacher credentials. You may run your program by your own guidelines. If you wish, you may self-certify completion and ask the education commissioner for a state certificate. Homeschoolers may take curricular courses and cocurricular programs, including athletics, in the resident district. District policies may not be more restrictive than those for public school students. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Children between ages 6 (if reached by September 30 of the current school year) and 18, unless graduated, must attend a public or approved private school or comply with the home education law. A parent may submit a certificate or letter of completion to the Department of Education to exempt a child who finishes before 18 (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in New Hampshire).
New Hampshire has one option, a home education program under RSA 193-A. The general court recognizes the parent’s natural right to direct the child’s education (RSA 193-A; HSLDA: New Hampshire Homeschool Laws).
None under the current statute. RSA 193-A, as amended effective July 1, 2026, does not require annual assessment (HSLDA: How to Comply with New Hampshire’s Homeschool Law (updated September 14, 2026); RSA 193-A).
A declaration of home education is not required, except to obtain access to public school programs under RSA 193:1-c or upon withdrawal from a public school (RSA 193-A:3; HSLDA). Upon request, the resident district superintendent shall work with parents in meeting the goals of their home education program.
None (HSLDA).
None. A parent may establish a home education program for his or her own child regardless of ability, disability, developmental status, or educational needs (RSA 193-A:4).
Yes. Home educated pupils have access to curricular courses and cocurricular programs, including athletics, in the resident district. Local policies may regulate participation but may not be more restrictive than for the district’s resident pupils (RSA 193:1-c; HSLDA: Public School Access in New Hampshire).
None for homeschoolers, according to HSLDA (HSLDA).
A parent may self-certify completion of a home education program. If the parent submits the certificate to the commissioner of education, the commissioner must issue a state certificate of completion within 30 days (HSLDA; RSA 193-A). No state or local official may adopt or enforce a policy governing homeschool students except policies concerning access to public school courses and programs (HSLDA).
- HSLDA: New Hampshire Homeschool Laws, How to Comply with New Hampshire’s Homeschool Law (updated September 14, 2026), Compulsory School Age in New Hampshire, and Public School Access in New Hampshire
- RSA Chapter 193-A (home education, as amended effective July 1, 2026); RSA 193:1-c (access to public school programs)
Last reviewed: November 9, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
- November 9, 2026
- New law: RSA 193-A, as amended effective July 1, 2026, makes the declaration of home education optional, removes the prior assessment and subject mandates, and lets parents self-certify completion and request a state certificate of completion.