NH’s requirements for independent home education take effect July 1, 2026
New Hampshire’s law regarding independent home education, RSA 193-A, stands completely rewritten through the passage and enactment of HB 1268, effective July 1, 2026.
It’s a mixed bag for families. The new law eliminates several routine state mandates and moves New Hampshire closer to genuine parental liberty by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in home education. However, it leaves important gaps in protections — particularly around compulsory attendance (RSA 193:1) and truancy enforcement (RSA 189:35-a) — without strong affirmative defenses for home educating families.
Here is a clear summary of the changes for New Hampshire home education families:
Stop Doing
- No more routine or annual notification/declaration to any district, private school, or DOE.
- No required portfolios, record-keeping, annual evaluations, or assessments of any kind.
Conditional Notification
- IF withdrawing your child from a public school → THEN submit a simple declaration (child’s name, DOB, address, parent signature).
- IF wanting access to public school curricular or cocurricular programs under RSA 193:1-c (Equal Access) → THEN submit a simple declaration.
No other situations require a declaration.
Completion for Students (High School Level)
- IF your student under age 18 completes high school, you must document the end of compulsory attendance (RSA 193:1) → THEN send a certificate of completion to the DOE (content: name/DOB, parents’ names, completion date, signature).
- IF your student age 18 or older completes high school, you may document the end of compulsory attendance (RSA 193:1) → THEN send a certificate of completion to the DOE (content: name/DOB, parents’ names, completion date, signature).
- Parents may issue their own certificate for students that are age 18 or older.
- The DOE must issue an official state certificate within 30 days of submission.
When Switching Education Pathways (Enrollment)
- A home education program automatically terminates upon full-time enrollment in a local public, charter, or nonpublic school, or the Education Freedom Account (EFA).
- IF using Equal Access (RSA 193:1-c) and becoming an EFA participant → THEN notify the resident district of the EFA status change.
Common Sense Recommendations from GSHE
- A voluntary notarized self-declaration upon initiating a home education program, along with records/portfolios and progress review, remain a practical safeguard for enrollment, truancy, or DCYF questions.
- Even in low-regulation states, experienced organizations consistently advise keeping basic documentation. Think of it as a fire extinguisher: better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
GSHE is updating our full website, sample forms, FAQs, and guidance pages are underway now that the bill is in effect. In the meantime, this article serves as the primary reference for families.
New Hampshire parents have always directed their children’s home education with dedication and care. These changes reduce some paperwork burdens, but true liberty requires families to remain vigilant and stand ready against potential challenges from schools or state agencies.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your family, or if you need one-on-one support, contact GSHE. We remain focused exclusively on authentic home education and parents’ rights — never on expanding government authority.
