Starting a Private School in New Hampshire
Regulations, Resources, & Support
New Hampshire State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no licensing requirements in New Hampshire and accreditation is optional. All schools are required to be registered and approved, however.
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The New Hampshire Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in New Hampshire.
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Parents must provide a portfolio of work completed as part of a home school program.
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The New Hampshire DOE has no published requirements for school insurance -- consult a professional for guidance in this area.
- For a list of existing private schools in New Hampshire, see the private school directory page.
State Funding Sources & Support
New Hampshire does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
The only curriculum requirements are courses in the history, government and constitutions of the United States and New Hampshire, including the organization and operation of New Hampshire municipal, county and state government and of the federal government.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is not required.
Food Services / Lunch
In New Hampshire, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
A nonpublic school must maintain a school year consisting of 450 hours for kindergarten students, 945 hours for students in grades one through six, and 990 hours for students in grades seven through 12. Each school must build in an additional 30 hours for time lost due to inclement weather or other circumstances.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must maintain records and report on student enrollment and attendance.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Transportation
Pupils attending approved private schools (k–12) are entitled to the same transportation privileges within any town or district as provided for pupils in public schools.
Testing
State testing is optional for private schools.
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New Hampshire State Resources
State & Regional Associations
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
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We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
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