Chester School District

SAU 82, Chester, NH

What is home education?
Pursuant to RSA 193:1, I(b), home education is an alternative to compulsory attendance at a public school and is independent of the resident school district.

The dates and hours of instruction in a home education program are not required to coincide with the resident school district calendar, and the academic term of a home education program is not required to coincide with the resident school district academic year.

Who provides home education?
Home education shall be provided, coordinated, or directed by a parent for his or her own child. A parent shall be eligible to establish a home education program for his or her own child, including those children defined under RSA 186-C:2, I and RSA 186-C:2, I-a.

The NH Department of Education, resident district superintendent, or a nonpublic school shall work with parents upon request in meeting the requirements of home education.

Do I need to notify the school district that I am home educating my child?
Generally, no. A parent is not required to notify the resident school district simply because the parent is beginning or providing a home education program.

A parent shall notify the resident district superintendent if:

• the student will participate in a public school program or district-sponsored co-curricular activities;
• the parent intends for the student to participate in the state or local assessment provided by the resident district; or
• the student is withdrawing from a public school.

Notification must include the names, addresses, and birth dates of all children participating in the home education program. The form located on this page of the website can be used and should be emailed to [email protected] or can be dropped off at the SAU. The superintendent will acknowledge receipt of the notification within 14 days.

If a family moves to another school district while continuing a home education program, the parent should notify the former resident superintendent of the change in residence.

When does a home education program end?
A home education program is terminated when a home educated student enrolls full time in a public school, public charter school, nonpublic school, or Education Freedom Account program.

What records should be kept?
RSA 193-A does not require parents to maintain a portfolio or other educational records. Families may choose to maintain educational records voluntarily for their own purposes, including records that may be useful when documenting a student's educational history or transition to another educational program.

What are the evaluation requirements when home educating?
An annual educational evaluation is optional. A parent may choose to have the child's educational progress evaluated, but RSA 193-A does not require an annual evaluation.

Home Education Notification Form

Home Education Information NHDOE