How to Homeschool in New Hampshire
The decision to Homeschool is a big one and can be very stressful, but New Hampshire makes homeschooling simple and easy. New Hampshire recognizes that it is the parents right to educate their children should they find the need, and they try to make it as easy as possible for parents to do this. This article will help to show you just how easy it is to homeschool in New Hampshire. In this article you will find:- An overview of New Hampshire homeschool laws
- An introduction to homeschool groups in New Hampshire
- A description of how Moving Beyond the Page can help you get started
New Hampshire Homeschool Laws
As a homeschool family in New Hampshire, you will need to follow some regulations that the state has. You will need to file a Notice of Intent before you begin homeschooling your family and if you decide to stop homeschooling your family. Your instruction of your family will need to cover the required subjects of New Hampshire, however you have no restrictions on how you wish to teach theses subjects. You will also need to keep records of your instruction to your child, and have your child evaluated annually for progress. Those are the three requirements that New Hampshire has set for homeschool families, and that you will need to follow should you choose to begin homeschooling.Notice of Intent
Before you begin homeschooling you will need to file a notice of intent with the Commissioner of Education (not recommended), the public school district superintendent, or the principle of a non-public school (recommended). The notice will include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the children being homeschooled. This link will give you a sample letter for you to reference when you write your Notice of Intent.
Required Subjects
The state of New Hampshire requires that you provide instruction in the following subjects:
- Science
- Mathematics
- Language
- Government
- History
- Health
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- History of the constitutions of New Hampshire and the U.S.
- Art/Music
Throughout your homeschooling, you will need to keep a portfolio of your child’s work for each year you homeschool your child. The portfolio should include a log of reading materials and samples of writings, worksheets, and workbooks used by the student(s). You will need to keep the portfolio for at least 2 years in case you are required to show proof of your child’s education.
Yearly Assessment
At the end of every year you will need to have your child take an assessment to determine where your child need improvement and where your child’s strength lies. In New Hampshire you have a choice as to how you assess your child each year. You can do one of the following,
- Provide a written evaluation of educational progress, written by a certified teacher selected by you. The teacher will review your portfolio, and talk with you or your child
- Have your child take a national student achievement test administered by a person meeting the test’s publisher’s qualifications
- Have your child take the state student assessment used by your district
- If you are not comfortable with the above options you can talk with the agency you sent your notice of intent to and agree upon another means of assessment
Homeschool Groups in New Hampshire
Homeschooling your children is a daunting task, but there are many groups and organizations in New Hampshire to help you out. Here are some organizations you may want to look into.
NOTE: You can find a wealth of local and state groups offering homeschooling advice and support on sites such as Facebook and Yahoo Groups. You can search by city or county, religious preference, homeschooling philosophy, and more. You will need a free account on these sites to join one of their groups.
A Homeschool Curriculum for New Hampshire
Beyond the Page is a homeschool curriculum that exceeds the requirements for homeschooling in the state of New Hampshire. All of the Beyond the Page packages cover science, social studies, and language arts, and we offer a range of math programs as well. The New Hampshire legal requirements are only a starting point, and our curriculum utilizes a range of educational strategies that are designed to foster a love of learning in children including:
- Hands-on activities,
- Differentiated options, and
- Independent projects.
Beyond the Page encourages critical thinking and creativity while encouraging your child's unique learning style like no other curriculum on the market. If your child is a hands-on learner, a gifted learner, or a creative free-thinker, then you should look into Beyond the Page for your child.
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Disclaimers
Any information about the laws in your state is provided to help you understand your legal requirements to homeschool in your state. It should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. This information was not compiled by a lawyer. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under. If you have questions, you should seek the advice of a lawyer that operates in your state.
Beyond the Page does not endorse any of the homeschool groups that are included in these pages. They are provided only for your benefit. You should research any group to ensure that they align with your family's goals and philosophies.