On June 10, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed a transformative expansion of New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program into law. Starting now, every K–12 student in the Granite State is eligible to apply. For families across the state – whether they’ve long sought new options or just recently begun exploring alternatives – this moment is about one thing: possibility.
At the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF), we’re honored to stand with the parents and students who have fought, hoped, and planned for this day. Because now, educational freedom belongs to every New Hampshire family.
“This law trusts parents,” said Kate Baker Demers, Executive Director of CSF New Hampshire. “It removes barriers that once kept families out and gives every student the chance to find the learning environment where they can thrive.”
What This Means for Families
Since the launch of Education Freedom Accounts in 2021, thousands of New Hampshire families have used them to choose learning environments where their children can thrive. This expansion means more families will now have the same opportunity – regardless of income, zip code, or prior eligibility.
This law ensures:
- Every student is now eligible: EFAs are no longer income-restricted. Any K–12 student in New Hampshire can apply.
- Families already in the program remain protected: If demand is high, the law gives priority to:
- Students already enrolled in the EFA program
- Their siblings
- Students with household incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty level
- Students with disabilities or active special education plans
- The program will grow as families need it: A statewide enrollment cap of 10,000 students will apply for 2025–26 – but the law includes automatic increases when demand rises, and students in priority groups are exempt from the cap.
- Year-round access continues: Families may continue to apply at any time, with funding prorated based on when they’re approved.
- Transparency remains central: The Department of Education will continue annual public reporting, and all existing oversight measures stay in place.
“This isn’t just a win for access – it’s a win for trust,” said Demers. “New Hampshire parents have always known what’s best for their children. Now, more of them can act on that knowledge, with the support and flexibility they deserve.”
Stories of Strength and Possibility
This change isn’t abstract. It’s personal. Families across the state have already built new futures through EFAs – and now, more will join them.
CSF Scholar Alyssa Sosa‑Molina shared how EFAs helped her access an education where she felt confident and supported. “We knew I needed something different,” she said in a recent interview. “The EFA opened the door.”
Parent Olivia Gunnell shared how the Education Freedom Account program has helped her family access flexible educational resources for her children. Grateful for the opportunities the program has provided, she expressed pride in her children’s growth, saying she is “proud of the people they are becoming.”
And in the words of another CSF mom, “This gave me back my peace of mind.”
These are the voices that shaped this law. And these are the voices that will continue to lead.
The Work Ahead – and the Celebration Now
This law is the result of years of courage from families who stepped forward and said: We know our kids best.
“Across the state, families are no longer waiting on someone else to fix the system,” said Demers. “They’re stepping forward with clarity and courage – because now, they can. That’s what educational freedom looks like: dignity, possibility, and self-determination for every child.”
At CSF, we’ll continue walking alongside families every step of the way. Whether you’re learning about EFAs for the first time or returning to reapply, we’re here to help.
To learn more about Education Freedom Accounts or begin your application, visit our website.
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