Fast Facts:

Law passed: 1995

Most recently amended: 2023

Number of charter schools: 35

Number of charter students: 5,700

Cap on the number of schools allowed: No

Virtual charters allowed: Yes

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: Charters may apply to the school districts which also requires both state board approval and approval by voters in the district. Applicants can also apply directly to the state board, but with no local funding available. The state board authorizes the vast majority of schools here.

GROWTH: The tiny charter sector has grown modestly but growth is not encouraged. In 2019, lawmakers rejected a $46 million federal grant to grow charters in the state.

OPERATIONS: Charters receive a blanket waiver from most rules and regulations that apply to traditional district schools.

EQUITY: Law guarantees that charters receive at least 80% of the per-pupil funding that districts receive, but this doesn't always happen in practice. Often, charters do not receive federal categorical funds they should because of unclear guidance on how those funds should be distributed. The 2023 budget increased appropriation amounts from $3,561 to $4,100 and the supplemental charter school grant from $3,411 to $4,900, bringing the total per-pupil funding amount to $9,000, which is a 29% increase from the 2022--23 budget. However, it's important to note that this amount remains significantly lower than the funds allocated to traditional public schools, notably as charters do not have access to local property taxes, which fund facilities for traditional public schools.

Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 2012

Number of programs: 3

Types of programs: Education savings account, tax-credit scholarship, voucher

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Education Savings Account

Education Freedom Accounts Program
In June 2021, the New Hampshire legislature introduced the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) Program to provide expanded educational options beyond traditional public schools. The program moves state educational funding for eligible students choosing to leave traditional public schools to attend private, parochial, or charter schools, or homeschooling options. In 2023, the EFA program evolved into an education savings account, providing families with an amount equivalent to roughly 80% of the state's per-pupil value; this year, the average scholarship amount was $4,900 per recipient, which is just 25% of the state's per-pupil average of nearly $20,000. Students from households with annual incomes equal to or less than 350% of the federal poverty guidelines can participate. Out of 4,211 students with EFAs, 1,577 are new this school year, and 2,634 are returning.

Tax-Credit Scholarship

Education Tax Credit Program
The New Hampshire Education Tax Credit Program, was enacted in 2012, allows businesses that donate to scholarship-granting non-profits with tax credits. Families who meet the income limits can receive scholarships towards private schooling, tutoring, online learning, classes at colleges or universities, and/or homeschooling expenses.

Tax-Credit Scholarship

Education Tax Credit Program
The New Hampshire Education Tax Credit Program, was enacted in 2012, allows businesses that donate to scholarship-granting non-profits with tax credits. Families who meet the income limits can receive scholarships towards private schooling, tutoring, online learning, classes at colleges or universities, and/or homeschooling expenses. During the 2022-23 school year, the program required that 30% of awards must be provided to "switchers" (students who previously attended a public school) and at least 40% of total scholarship must be given to students who qualify for FRL.

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"New Hampshire does not currently use student achievement or growth data to hold teacher preparation programs accountable."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.