The weeks leading up to Christmas break often bring an important realization for many families: traditional school simply isn’t working anymore. Whether due to bullying, insufficient academics, unmet special education needs, constant anxiety, or the daily rush that leaves everyone exhausted, December becomes a natural point to pause, reflect, and ask: Is there a better way?
For thousands of New Hampshire families, the answer is yes—home education.
You Can Withdraw Immediately
One of the most empowering parts of choosing home education in New Hampshire is that families can withdraw their child from school immediately upon notifying their district or participating private school. There is no approval process, no waiting period, and no permission required.
Your notification—sent the same day you plan to begin homeschooling—is all that’s needed to lawfully start your home education program. Many families choose to make that transition right at the holiday break, allowing their children to step into the new year with a fresh start and a healthier learning environment.
Leaving Behind Bullying, Stress, and School Struggles
By the time December arrives, many students are already struggling deeply within the traditional school setting. The mid-year transition to homeschooling allows families to immediately step away from:
- Bullying or social pressures that drain a child’s confidence
- Insufficient academic challenge or lessons that move too quickly or slowly
- Inadequate special education support and missed services
- School-related anxiety, morning battles, or Sunday night dread
- Constant rushing that leaves no space for connection, rest, or joy
Instead, home education offers room to breathe. Children rediscover learning as a natural, positive experience—one that meets them where they are.
Home Education Brings Back Peace, Flexibility, and Purpose
One of the biggest shifts families notice when they leave traditional school at Christmas break is the change in daily life. Homeschooling isn’t simply school at home—it allows for a more organic rhythm that respects each family’s values, schedules, and needs.
Home education empowers families to:
- Build flexible schedules that work for them
- Follow a child’s interests and learning style
- Create a peaceful routine without the morning scramble
- Integrate life skills, hands-on learning, and real-world education
- Protect their child’s mental and emotional well-being
- Spend more time together in meaningful ways
The holidays, with their natural pause and reset, create the perfect starting point.
You’re Not Alone — GSHE Makes Getting Started Simple
If you’re considering withdrawing your child during Christmas break, Granite State Home Educators offers step-by-step support to make the process confident and stress-free.
Start with the GSHE Welcome Page
A friendly introduction to how home education works in New Hampshire, what to expect, and where to begin. You can find it here.
Use the How-To Guides
Clear, practical walk-throughs for filing your notification, understanding the law, choosing curriculum, and setting up your program.
Explore the Resource Directory
A curated list of New Hampshire-based and online learning resources—curricula, classes, co-ops, tutors, enrichment programs, and more.
Connect through GSHE Community Forums
Meet thousands of supportive families, ask questions, and get real-time advice from experienced home educators.
Join GSHE — It’s Completely Free
Most of GSHE’s resources and community spaces are available to members only, but membership is 100% free.
Joining gives families instant access to:
- All GSHE guides and member-only tools
- Community discussion spaces
- Special topic forums
- Our free monthly newsletter, filled with events, updates, tips, and resources
Join here:
👉 granitestatehomeeducators.org/join
Joining GSHE ensures families receive the support, clarity, and confidence they need—right from the start.
A Fresh Start for a New Year
Leaving traditional school at Christmas break can feel like a big decision, but for many families, it becomes one of the best choices they ever make. Winter break offers the perfect window to rest, recalibrate, and begin a new chapter filled with growth, peace, and authentic learning.
If your child is struggling—or if your family simply wants more freedom and alignment with your values—home education may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. And with GSHE as your guide, you never have to navigate it alone.
