New Hampshire Homeschool Funding & Education Freedom Account Guide (2026)

New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) has become one of the most accessible ESA programs in the country. With base funding of $4,265 per student—and potential add-ons pushing that to nearly $9,000—the EFA offers meaningful support for homeschool families^[1].

The program became universal in June 2025 when Governor Kelly Ayotte signed SB 295, eliminating income restrictions^[2]. Previously, families needed to earn below 350% of the federal poverty level; now all New Hampshire families qualify. If you've been waiting for the right moment to apply, that moment has arrived.

This guide covers eligibility, funding amounts, the add-on system, and how to navigate the Children's Scholarship Fund NH platform.

What Funding Is Available for New Hampshire Homeschoolers?

New Hampshire offers one primary ESA program for homeschoolers:

Education Freedom Account (EFA) — The state's flagship school choice program provides education funding through the Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire (CSF NH). Funding is deposited into a scholarship account that can be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses^[1].

Base Funding: $4,265.64 per student annually

Add-On Funding (Stackable): - Free/Reduced Lunch eligible: Additional ~$1,500 - IEP (Special Education): Additional ~$2,000 - English Language Learner: Additional ~$1,000

Maximum Funding: Students qualifying for all add-ons can receive approximately $8,843 annually.

The program has grown rapidly since launch, with enrollment nearly doubling year-over-year. Over 10,500 students currently participate, indicating strong demand and program viability.

Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the Add-On System

New Hampshire's EFA uses a base-plus-add-on funding model that can significantly increase your scholarship^[1]:

Base Amount: $4,265.64 Every participating student receives this amount regardless of circumstances.

Free/Reduced Lunch Add-On: ~$1,500 If your family qualifies for the federal free and reduced lunch program (185% FPL for free, 185-130% for reduced), you receive additional funding. You'll need to provide income documentation during application.

IEP Add-On: ~$2,000 Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) receive enhanced funding to support special education services. You'll need to provide IEP documentation.

English Language Learner Add-On: ~$1,000 Students classified as English Language Learners receive additional support. Documentation of ELL status is required.

Stacking Add-Ons: Add-ons stack. A student who qualifies for free lunch, has an IEP, and is an English learner could receive approximately $8,843 annually. Even qualifying for just one add-on provides meaningful additional funding.

EFA Funding Calculator

What Can You Spend EFA Funds On?

• Curriculum and textbooks — Print materials, digital subscriptions, online course fees
• Tutoring services — From approved educational providers
• Educational therapy — Speech, occupational, behavioral, physical therapy
• Testing fees — Standardized tests, AP exams, SAT/ACT, certifications
• Educational technology — Computers, tablets, educational software
• Private school tuition — Part-time or full-time enrollment at approved schools
• Microschool and co-op fees — From registered educational providers
• Transportation to educational services — Limited coverage for therapy appointments, tutoring sessions
• College savings contributions — 529 plan deposits for future education

What EFA Funds Cannot Cover

Some expenses fall outside EFA guidelines:

- Athletic equipment and sports league fees — Team sports, uniforms, league dues - Family vacation expenses — Even to educational destinations - General-purpose electronics — Without clear educational use - Parent compensation — You cannot pay yourself to homeschool - Non-educational entertainment — Video games, streaming services, recreational subscriptions - Home office furniture — Desks, chairs, unless specifically for student use with documentation

When in doubt, check the approved expense list or contact CSF NH before purchasing. Unapproved purchases may require repayment.

How to Apply for the Education Freedom Account

Key Deadlines for 2026-27

Understanding the Enrollment Cap

The EFA program has an enrollment cap that's worth understanding^[1]:

Current Cap: 10,000 students

Automatic Expansion: If enrollment reaches 90% of the cap (9,000 students), it automatically increases by 25% (to 12,500).

Current Enrollment: Over 10,500 students are currently participating, indicating the cap has already expanded at least once.

What This Means: The cap is designed to grow with demand. However, if you're applying during a period of rapid growth, priority deadlines matter more. Apply early to ensure your spot.

Waitlist Possibility: If the cap is reached before expansion triggers, applicants may be waitlisted. Applying by the priority deadline significantly reduces this risk.

Using the CSF NH Platform

Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire administers the EFA program. Here's how to use their platform effectively:

Getting Started: - You'll receive login credentials after scholarship approval - The platform includes a marketplace of pre-approved vendors - Many purchases can be made directly through the marketplace

Making Purchases: - Search by vendor name, category, or curriculum type - Direct purchases are paid from your scholarship—no out-of-pocket costs - Digital content typically delivered via access codes

Reimbursement Process: For purchases outside the marketplace: 1. Save your receipt with clear item descriptions 2. Submit through the CSF NH reimbursement portal 3. Include educational justification for non-obvious items 4. Wait for review (typically 2-3 weeks)

Common Issues: - Items purchased before scholarship approval - Missing or unclear receipts - Items without clear educational purpose - Purchases exceeding your balance

New Hampshire Homeschool Requirements

Understanding NH homeschool requirements helps you stay compliant while using EFA funds:

Notice of Intent: - File with your resident school district or NH DOE - Due within 30 days of beginning homeschool - Must be renewed annually

Annual Evaluation: EFA participants must complete an annual evaluation. Options include: - Standardized testing (must score at or above 40th percentile) - Portfolio review by a certified teacher - Evaluation by a state-certified teacher

Subject Requirements: Must provide instruction in: - Science - Mathematics - Language arts (reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar) - Government and civics - History, geography, and economics - Art and music appreciation - Health and physical education

Record Keeping: Maintain records of instruction and portfolio materials. EFA participation adds spending documentation requirements on top of standard homeschool records.

EFA Funding Structure

Important Considerations Before Accepting Funds

The EFA offers real value, but comes with trade-offs:

Evaluation Requirements: EFA participants must complete annual evaluations. If you prefer minimal oversight, this is a consideration.

Spending Documentation: All purchases are tracked and may be audited. Your educational spending becomes visible to the program administrator.

Program Evolution: Rules can change. The program has already evolved (income limits removed in 2025), and future changes are possible.

Public School Prohibition: You cannot attend NH public school while receiving EFA funds. If you want to use public school resources (sports, specific classes), this may conflict.

For most families, $4,265-$8,843 annually represents meaningful support that outweighs these considerations. But enter with realistic expectations about the program's requirements.

The Bottom Line

New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account offers homeschool families genuine financial support—$4,265 to nearly $9,000 annually depending on your situation. The removal of income limits in 2025 opened the program to all NH families, making it one of the most accessible ESAs in the country.

If you've been considering the EFA, now is the time to apply. The priority deadline for 2026-27 enrollment falls in April 2026, and early application ensures your spot if enrollment approaches the cap.

Start by visiting csfnh.org to create your account and explore the program. With proper planning, you could have funding available for your homeschool by next fall.