New Hampshire School Choice
School choice in New Hampshire gives families publicly supported alternatives to their assigned district school through three main pathways: Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) available to all K–12 residents with average awards near $4,900, Education Tax Credit (ETC) scholarships for income-eligible families with awards up to roughly $3,400 (or $5,958 for special-needs students), and tuition-free public charter schools. Funding generally ranges from approximately $3,400 to $5,000+ depending on the program and student eligibility. In addition, New Hampshire opted into the new federal Education Tax Credit program in January 2026. The program allows residents and businesses to claim a federal tax credit of up to approximately $1,700 for donations to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Implementation is expected in January 2027, with details still being finalized. Scholarship amounts to families will depend on SGO policies.
New Hampshire Education Freedom Accounts
The New Hampshire Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) Program provides eligible families with state-funded education savings accounts to customize their children’s education. EFAs allow families to direct a portion of their child’s state education funding towards approved educational expenses.
New Hampshire Education Tax Credit Scholarship
The New Hampshire Education Tax Credit (ETC) Scholarship Program provides need-based scholarships to eligible students in the state. These New Hampshire school choice scholarships allow families to choose private schools, online schools, homeschooling, or out-of-district public schools that better fit their children’s educational needs.
Charter Schools
New Hampshire charter schools are tuition-free and open to all New Hampshire students. They have greater flexibility in curriculum, staffing, scheduling, and educational approach. Each is built around a specific model — such as STEM, arts integration, classical education, Montessori, or project-based learning. Today, there are over 30 charter schools serving over 6,000 full-time students, plus the state’s virtual charter school (VLACS) serving roughly 12,000 students.
Education Tax Credit Program
New Hampshire’s Education Tax Credit Program allows individuals and businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). These scholarships provide funding for students to attend private schools, relying on private business contributions rather than automatic public funding.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
New Hampshire families have several education options depending on their needs:
Families Seeking Private School Tuition Help
The EFA is the broadest option, offering larger awards and universal eligibility. Income-eligible families may also consider ETC scholarships for additional tuition support.
Families Transferring From Public Schools
Charter schools offer a tuition-free public alternative. Families looking outside the public system can use the EFA to fund private school, tutoring, or other educational options.
Homeschooling Families
EFA funds can be used for curriculum, online courses, tutoring, and educational supplies. ETC scholarships also cover homeschooling expenses for income-eligible families.
Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Charter schools and the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) offer specialized, tuition-free public education. Out-of-district public enrollment may also be funded via an EFA.
Students With Special Needs
EFA differentiated aid can add $700–$2,000+ to base awards. ETC special-needs awards can reach $5,958.75. Charter schools must provide services under federal law.
Application Strategy
Apply Early
EFA spots are subject to an enrollment cap. To receive 100% of the annual grant, completed applications must be verified by July 15.
Income Documentation
While the EFA has no income cap, certain priority preferences and differentiated aid depend on documented household income. ETC scholarships are income-restricted; have recent tax return or income documentation ready.
School Participation Requirements
Confirm that your chosen private school accepts EFA or ETC funds before applying.
Full-Time Public School Enrollment
EFA recipients cannot be enrolled full-time in their resident district public school or in a public charter school, including VLACS.
Religious Schools Are Eligible
EFA and ETC funds may be used at faith-based private schools.
Disbursement Schedule
EFA funds are released in quarterly installments — September (20%), November (20%), January (30%), April (30%).
Reporting and Oversight
EFA recipients are classified as EFA students (not home-education students) and the administering Scholarship Organization handles state reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is school choice in New Hampshire?
It refers to state policies and programs allowing families to use public funds, tax-credit scholarships, or tuition-free charter schools to access learning options beyond their assigned district school.
Who is eligible for an EFA?
Any New Hampshire resident eligible to enroll in a K–12 public school. There is no income cap, but enrollment is subject to a cap, with priority for current participants, siblings, students with disabilities, and lower-income families.
How much does an EFA provide?
For 2025–26, the base grant is $4,265.64 per student, with additional differentiated aid available. The program-wide average is approximately $4,911 per student.
Are charter schools free?
Yes. Charter schools in New Hampshire are tuition-free public schools for state residents.
How do I get into a charter school?
Apply directly to the charter school. If applications exceed seats, state law requires a random lottery.
Can my child use an EFA and attend public school at the same time?
Not full-time. EFA students cannot be enrolled more than 50% of instructional time in a resident district public school or public charter school, but EFA funds may be used to purchase individual public school courses or services.
Can homeschooling families use school choice programs?
Yes. EFA and ETC funds can be used for curriculum, online courses, tutoring, and other approved expenses.
Are these programs only for low-income families?
No. The EFA is universal. The ETC scholarship is income-targeted (under 300% FPL). Charter schools are open to all residents.
Can I combine an EFA with an ETC scholarship?
Current state law does not contain an explicit statutory prohibition, but this is an active legislative topic. Check with the administering Scholarship Organization for current guidance.
What is the federal Education Tax Credit, and when does it start?
A federal credit of up to ~$1,700 for donations to qualifying SGOs. New Hampshire opted in during January 2026 and the program is expected to begin in 2027.
How do EFA funds get distributed?
In quarterly installments through a managed account, with approved expenses processed by the administering Scholarship Organization.
Can I supplement program funds with my own money?
Yes. Both EFA and ETC programs allow families to add personal funds, outside scholarships, or financial aid on top of state awards.