I have lived in New Hampshire all my life, and an often-mentioned achievement of our state is the quality of our public schools. However, education is not just about meeting expectations on core academic subjects to graduate. It’s about ensuring that every child is given the right environment to find his or her own path.
That is why New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) are so important.
Education is not one-size-fits-all — not all students thrive in traditional classrooms. Some need smaller classes, different teaching styles or extra support. Different environments provide the tools, skills and knowledge that help students grow, follow their passions and make a positive impact on their communities.
Families should be able to choose the learning path that best fits their child’s needs. This is why, last year, the state Legislature passed universal eligibility for the New Hampshire EFA program. I know how significant the EFA program is because I was one of the students whose education was transformed by it.
During a difficult divorce, my immigrant single mother made the decision to homeschool my sister and me, while working part-time and carrying the full responsibility of raising us on her own. With little outside support, our home life was marked by instability, frequent transitions and emotional strain.
Much of my childhood was spent moving between therapists’ offices and visitation centers, balancing academic work with the realities of a challenging family situation. During those years, homeschooling provided the consistency we needed. It allowed my education to continue, even when other parts of life felt uncertain.
By the time I reached high school, it became clear that homeschooling was no longer the right fit. While I was ahead in several subjects and on track in others, I needed a more structured and challenging environment. We considered public school, but the local district was struggling with declining performance and leadership instability. It did not offer the level of academic support or opportunity that my sister and I needed at the time.
Everything changed when I received access to an EFA through the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which made it possible for me to attend a private school. The impact was immediate. In a more supportive and engaging environment, I was able to challenge myself academically and grow in ways I had not experienced before.
Through the New Hampshire EFA program, I met mentors and became an advocate for school choice. I spoke with state leaders and testified before legislative bodies, sharing how access to the right educational environment had transformed my experience and overall life. Today, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in international diplomacy and continue advocating for students and families who need access to educational options that meet their unique circumstances.
That advocacy starts now. New Hampshire EFA applications are open, giving families the chance to access flexible education funding. Applications are rolling, and families may apply through February for a prorated EFA for the current school year. Every New Hampshire student is eligible to apply, regardless of income. EFAs provide an average of approximately $5,000 per year, per student, which can be used for approved education-related expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum and other learning resources.
Not surprisingly, the program is extremely popular with New Hampshire families. According to the New Hampshire Children’s Scholarship Fund, the EFA program has reached its enrollment cap of 12,500 for the 2026-2027 school year, with approximately 550 eligible students currently on the waitlist. This is the second year in a row demand has exceeded the statutory enrollment cap.
Fortunately, the New Hampshire Legislature and Governor Ayotte anticipated that families would want more options, and the cap will increase to 15,625 for the 2027-2028 school year. And because families who needed options the most were always a top priority, students with disabilities and students from families with incomes at or below 350 percent of the federal poverty level are exempt from the cap. All families are encouraged to continue to apply.
New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts are making a meaningful difference for students who struggle in traditional classrooms or need extra support. The right learning environment turns experiences of boredom, lack of motivation or even bullying into confidence, engagement and genuine enjoyment of learning. EFAs give families the ability to choose schools or programs that best fit their child’s needs, whether that be private schools, homeschooling, small pods or specialized programs. By providing access to resources that match each student’s abilities and interests, EFAs are opening doors to success both in school and beyond.
No single system can fit the needs of every child, and New Hampshire families finally have a choice. New Hampshire EFAs have already changed lives, and if your family is looking for another option, consider applying for one today.
Alyssa Sosa-Molina is a fellow with the American Federation for Children. She lives in Kingston.
