Starting a Private School in New Hampshire
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in New Hampshire. Enjoy!
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Regulations
We’ve curated the laws and regulations about starting a private school in New Hampshire.
Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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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.
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
Schools must develop and practice an emergency response plan, which should cover hazards including but not limited to acts of violence, threats, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, structural fire, wildfire, internal and external hazardous materials releases, medical emergencies, and any other hazard deemed necessary by school officials and local emergency authorities. Students must also be immunized or provide documentation of a medical or religious exemption.
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.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
New Hampshire State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Association of Independent Schools of New England: With 200 member schools, AISNE is one of the largest regional associations in the country and represents a diverse range of schools in terms of size, pedagogy, religious affiliation, and, of course, mission. They serve schools by providing strategic information, accreditation, advocacy and a wide range of professional development opportunities.
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Independent Schools Association of Northern New England: a membership association of schools with proud independent traditions in the Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
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New Hampshire Private Special Education Association: NHPSEA is an association comprised of a diverse group of private schools and programs serving students with a broad range of abilities.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.