Governor Kelly Ayotte signed legislation making New Hampshire the 18th state to offer universal school choice, eliminating income caps and empowering every family to customize their child's education through Education Freedom Accounts.
The landmark legislation removes the previous income restriction of 350% of federal poverty guidelines, opening the program to families previously earning too much to qualify. Under the new law, every New Hampshire student can access approximately $4,200 annually for educational expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum materials, and specialized therapies.
"This is what educational freedom looks like—funding students, not systems, and trusting families to make the best choices for their children," said Robert Enlow, CEO of EdChoice.
The program has already proven popular with Granite State families. Since launching in 2021, approximately 5,600 students enrolled with income restrictions in place. Education policy experts predict the expanded program could serve up to 10,000 students initially, with demand potentially growing to 12,500 students by 2026.
Critics claim universal school choice will drain public school funding, but supporters argue the program creates healthy competition that benefits all students. The legislation includes safeguards with enrollment caps and priority systems for existing participants, students with disabilities, and lower-income families if applications exceed capacity.
New Hampshire joins a growing wave of Republican-led states recognizing that educational opportunity shouldn't depend on zip code or family income. The program offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing funds for homeschooling materials, online courses, college dual enrollment, and specialized educational services.
This victory represents more than policy—it's a fundamental shift toward treating parents as the primary stakeholders in their children's education. When families have genuine choices, educators must compete for students by delivering results rather than relying on geographic monopolies. New Hampshire has set a benchmark for true educational freedom that other states should follow.
