Legal/Homeschool Laws
Laws that regulate home education vary from state to state. It is important to understand the legal requirements in your state and to be aware of legislative and other legal issues that affect homeschoolers in your community. We've compiled resources that will help you become informed. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the vast majority of homeschoolers face no problems, you may find that you need legal assistance at some point in your homeschooling career. We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the support you need. And if you'd like to become more involved in working towards homeschooling freedoms, we discuss some of the issues facing homeschoolers that we hope you find compelling.
State Laws
Read the laws regulating home education in New Hampshire and browse through the case law and legal opinions relating to those laws, along with government publications relating to homeschooling and summaries of the laws.
Forms
Which forms do you need to fill out? Where can you get them? Here is a list of useful forms for homeschooling in New Hampshire.
Legal Support
If you need legal information or have run into a legal situation regarding your decision to homeschool, these resources will be helpful.
Lobbying Groups
A listing of local and national lobbying groups and information on how you can become involved in the political process to ensure the freedom to homeschool is protected.
Attorneys
When searching for an attorney, it is helpful to know whether he or she has experience working with homeschoolers and is interested in protecting the right to homeschool.
Legal Issues
Is homeschooling legal? Which laws pertain to homeschoolers and which don't? How do homeschoolers protect their rights to freely educate their children and to preserve their privacy?
Government Resources
A listing of local and state government resources, including your state's Department of Education, school districts, and Senate and House of Representative information.
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193-A:4 Home Education; Defined; Curriculum Required.
I. Instruction shall be deemed home education if it consists of planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities, including a curriculum and instruction in science, mathematics, language, government, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, the history of the constitutions of New Hampshire and the United States, and an exposure to and appreciation of art and music. Home education shall be provided by a parent for his own child, unless the provider is as otherwise agr...
193-A:10 Home Education Advisory Council.
I. There is established the home education advisory council comprising 12 members. Members of the council shall be appointed by the commissioner of education from persons named as follows:
(a) Six members nominated by home educator associations organized within New Hampshire.
(b) Two members nominated by the department of education.
(c) One member nominated by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
(d) One member nominated by the New Hampshire Sc...
193-A:8 Order; Appeals.
I. Subsequent to a hearing conducted in accordance with RSA 193-A:7, I or II, the hearing officer shall enter an order within 10 working days which shall order either the continuance or termination of the home education program under scrutiny. Such order shall take effect immediately. A copy shall be given to the appropriate superintendent of schools, who shall, if necessary, take appropriate action to ensure that compulsory attendance requirements are met.
II. Following such order, the p...
Home Education Advisory Committee (HEAC)
The Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC) meets monthly to discuss homeschooling issues. Advising the NH Board of Education, the HEAC has members who are homeschoolers as well as representatives from the Department of Education, public school administrators, school board members, and a representative of private schools.
193-A:7 Hearing; Notice and Procedure.
I. Prior to the acknowledgment of notification as provided in RSA 193-A:5, I, if the commissioner has written and substantiated information which strongly implies that a home education program will not meet the requirements of RSA 193-A:4, I and RSA 193-A:5, II and that, based on such information, the commissioner decides to withhold acknowledgment, he shall immediately schedule a due process hearing as provided in paragraph III. In order to be granted acknowledgment of notification by the comm...
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Vermont
If you want to start homeschooling during the school year and your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, HSLDA recommends that you formally withdraw your child from that school. If you are going to start homeschooling after the school year is over, and your child is considered enrolled for the following year, we recommend that you withdraw your child before the next school year begins, so that the school does not mark your child as absent or truant.
New Hampshire Department of Education
The New Hampshire Department of Education offers a wide variety of programs and services in support of New Hampshire's students, teachers, educators, administrators, families, and community members. This website is designed to meet the needs of staff, educators, other state agencies, community members, and other visitors.
193-A:2 Program Established.
There is established the home education program to be administered by the department of education.
193-A:1 Definitions.
In this chapter:
I. "Child" means a child or children at least 6 years of age and under 16 years of age who is a resident of New Hampshire.
II. "Nonpublic school" means a nonpublic school approved pursuant to rules adopted by the state board of education and administered by the department of education and which has agreed to administer the relevant provisions of this chapter.
III. "Parent" means a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a child.
IV. "Resident ...
193-A:3 Rulemaking.
The state board of education shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to administering the home education program.
Summary of the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in New Hampshire
A look at the laws regulating home education in the state of New Hampshire. Provided by the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition.
Education Law
An analysis of the laws pertaining to home education in the state of New Hampshire, provided by the New Hampshire Bar Association.
How to Comply with Vermont's Homeschool Law
Vermont law specifically refers to homeschooling in 16 V.S.A. § 11(a)(21) and 16 V.S.A. § 166b. To homeschool under this statute, you’ll need to follow these guidelines. Necessary steps include sending in a written enrollment notice, submitting a narrative describing the content to be provided in each subject area, obtaining acknowledgement of compliance, teaching the required subjects and assessing your child annually.
New Hampshire Home School Laws from HSLDA
The Home School Legal Defense Association provides a brief summary of the homeschooling laws in New Hampshire. Includes a link to a legal analysis of laws relating to homeschooling in New Hampshire.
193-A:6 Records; Evaluation.
I. The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials relative to the home education program. The portfolio shall consist of a log which designates by title the reading materials used, and also samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the child. Such portfolio shall be preserved by the parent for 2 years from the date of the ending of the instruction.
II. The parent shall provide for an annual educational evaluation in which is docu...
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