Prerequisites for a New Hampshire Education Freedom Account
Are you a New Hampshire resident looking for information on how to apply for and access funds as part of the Education Freedom Account? Outschool has you covered. According to the Children’s Scholarship Fund, the EFA program may be able to help if:
- You are a New Hampshire resident
- Your children reside in New Hampshire
- The funds are being used for a child between the ages of 5 and 20
- Your child is in Kindergarten through 12th grade
- You need financial assistance
For eligibility, your household must also be at or below 350% of the federal poverty level as outlined in the chart below:
Image credit: Children’s Scholarship Fund
If your household meets these requirements, you can receive funding from the state to pay for tuition at the school of your choice, including Outschool, for tutoring, online learning, educational supplies, and other approved educational expenses such as textbooks, technology, and special education services.
Who cannot apply
If your child attends or plans to attend your local public school full-time, including public charter schools, they are not eligible for funding. So, if your child attends the public school in your district, you cannot get state funding for after-school or supplemental learning.
How much is the NH Education Freedom Account?
According to the NHEFA site, each eligible child may receive approximately $3,400 as a base amount plus any differentiated aid. Differentiated aid is defined as:
[...] additional EFA funding, ranging from an estimated additional $600 to $1,800, for each certain individual factor. The factors that qualify an eligible student for “differentiated aid” are:
• Eligibility to receive Free or Reduced Lunch
• Whether the eligible student identifies as an English Language Learner
• 3rd-grade reading proficiency
• Whether an eligible student has a qualifying disability. (NFEFA)
How do you apply for an Education Freedom Account?
After checking your eligibility, the next step is to apply for funding. For families new to the program, you will want to apply here. (Returning students use a separate application.)
Step 1: Create an account.
Step 2: Input parent/guardian information.
Step 3: Input student information. For multiple children, click on the “add another student” button and repeat for each child one at a time.
Step 4: Add your household financial information.
Step 5: Submit your application.
Tip: Even if you have multiple children you are applying for, remember that the application is for your whole family. Do not submit more than one application. If you do, it may delay the processing time.
What can I use the Education Freedom Account for?
The New Hampshire EFAs may be used for a wide variety of small group classes, tutoring, textbooks, curriculum, educational software, and special education programs.
The primary services that New Hampshire has identified as approved for grant spending are:
1. Tutoring services are provided by a qualified individual or a tutoring facility. This includes 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes in a virtual or in-person setting.
2. Tuition and fees for non-public online learning programs such as Outschool. Online classes may include core academic classes (math, science, English, history), summer education classes, and specialized education classes.
3. Technology, including computer hardware, educational software and applications, technological services, and devices dedicated to educational need internet connectivity is also an option as long as it is only used for educational purposes and not as the main source of household internet.
How to spend NH Education Freedom Account funds
New Hampshire grant recipients can spend their awarded funds using an online platform called ClassWallet. After your application is approved, you can add classes to your cart. Before the final purchase, a member of the organization’s staff will review each item to ensure it meets class eligibility requirements.
Once the resources or services in the Marketplace on your ClassWallet account are approved for purchase, you can register your child for classes using your grant funds. If you have questions about services not listed in ClassWallet, contact the ClassWallet team at 877-969-5336 for assistance.
The following video provides a detailed walkthrough of how to make a purchase using ClassWallet. Learn how to access an approved-vendor tutoring provider like Outschool through the ClassWallet portal, select a class, and return to ClassWallet to complete your purchase. Watch this video to see how it works.
How to use your NH Education Freedom Account
With the New Hampshire EFA funds, low-and-middle-income families can access educational opportunities outside their district, such as academic tutoring or classes for K-12 students.
Whether your child needs extra help with a challenging subject or is ready to excel beyond their grade level, connecting them with a professional educator can help them reach their full potential.
The best part? New Hampshire allows families to use funds for private school, homeschool, or online tutoring. Keep in mind that tutoring isn’t just for 1-on-1 lessons! Small group classes can qualify for grant funds, as well.
With access to multiple options, parents have the flexibility to personalize their kids’ education, especially by exploring the wide world of virtual learning.
Fortunately, numerous virtual teaching experts host classes on Education Freedom Account-approved platforms like Outschool. These experienced teachers know how to make online learning fun, engaging, and effective.
In some cases, virtual teaching is their full-time job! If in-person tutoring opportunities are limited in your local area, online classes can be the best way to connect your student with the right teacher to meet their interests and needs.
What kind of tutoring can I pay for with the Education Freedom Account?
New Hampshire allows lots of leeway when choosing online resources matching your kids’ academic skills and goals. You may look for qualifying teachers or tutors who offer classes that:
Are you concerned about your kid falling behind over school breaks? A little time working on academic learning during breaks and holidays can help keep their learning on track.
Increase core academic knowledge
Help your student overcome learning hurdles and sharpen their skills in core academics. When searching for a math tutor or English and reading tutors, narrow your search by looking for qualified teachers who specialize in a specific skill or grade level to find someone who best fits your child's learning goals.
Help advanced or gifted students thrive
If you have a "gifted” child or one who excels in one or more academic subjects, they may thrive when presented with appropriate academic challenges. Search for classes that will help them stretch their skills.
Support neurodivergent students
Many tutors specialize in creating positive learning environments that take into account the needs of neurodivergent students, including autism-friendly classes, classes for kids with ADD or ADHD, and many other types of neurodivergence.
If this applies to your student, consider looking for tutors specializing in teaching neurodiverse communities.
The New Hampshire EFA grants are an exciting opportunity for all NH families to help their kids learn, grow, and excel in school. Outschool is an approved vendor that believes all New Hampshire students should have access to high-quality, customized education that inspires them to reach their highest learning potential.
Look for Outschool in the ClassWallet marketplace and join us as we strive to set learning free. Explore thousands of classes taught by passionate, vetted teachers who encourage kids to lead their learning with options for every budget, schedule, and schooling style.
Learn more about state educational grant programs
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