At a glance
New Hampshire has Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) — an ESA program — along with a long tradition of town tuitioning (some towns without their own schools pay tuition elsewhere) and a tax-credit scholarship. The EFA program has been expanding toward universal eligibility.
This state's choice programs
The Education Freedom Account (ESA) gives eligible families a state-funded account for private-school tuition and approved expenses. Originally income-limited, the program has been expanding (moving toward universal eligibility, with caps lifting). New Hampshire also has the Education Tax Credit scholarship and town tuitioning in towns without their own public schools.
Eligibility
EFA eligibility has been expanding toward universal (from income-limited). Confirm the current-year income rules and any caps.
Applying
Apply for the EFA through the program administrator; town-tuitioning rules depend on your town. Confirm windows and requirements.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Legal & legislative status
The EFA program is actively expanding toward universal eligibility — confirm the current-year rules.
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does New Hampshire have a private-school-choice program?Yes — New Hampshire has Education Freedom Accounts (expanding toward universal), town tuitioning, and a tax-credit scholarship.
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- ProgramEducation Freedom Accounts (ESA)
- DirectionExpanding toward universal (2026)
- AlsoTown tuitioning & tax-credit scholarship
- PlusPublic charters
- Confirm withThe state program
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: