Public School Approval Office
This office oversees the implementation of NH Administrative Rule ED 306, Minimum Standards for Public School Approval. Additionally, we provide technical assistance to public school staff and information to the public regarding the minimum standards and related New Hampshire laws (RSAs).
Technical Advisories
Fact Sheets
Rules/Regulatory
- RSA 186:8, II - Rule making authority for creating minimum standards
- RSA 193-E Adequate Public Education
- Ed 306 - Minimum Standards for Public School Approval
Forms/Checklists
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between school approval and accreditation?
- Are all schools required to be approved?
- Are all schools required to be accredited?
- Is there any difference between private schools and nonpublic schools?
- Are charter schools public or private schools?
- How often must a school be approved?
- Are there different designations for approval?
- What standards must be met for a school to be approved?
- How do I know if my school has been approved?
- Where can I obtain a copy of the Administrative Rules?
- What is the difference between school approval and accreditation?
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School approval is a mandatory process required by RSA 21-N:9. All children residing in the State of New Hampshire between the ages of 6 and 18 are required by RSA 193:1 to attend an approved public school, approved private school, or an approved home school program.
Accreditation is a voluntary process in which schools submit to a review by an accrediting organization which compares the schools to standards established by the accrediting organization. Most public and private high schools and a few middle schools in New Hampshire are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Some private schools are accredited the Northern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Inc. (NNEC).
- Are all schools required to be approved?
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A school must be approved to satisfy the compulsory education requirement under RSA 193:1 for children between ages 6 and 18.
- Are all schools required to be accredited?
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No, accreditation is a voluntary process.
- Is there any difference between private schools and nonpublic schools?
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The two terms are used interchangeably in New Hampshire statutes and administrative rules.
- Are charter schools public or private schools?
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Charter schools are public schools. They operate under a charter authorized by a local school district or by the State Board of Education. More information about charter schools may be found at Charter Schools webpage.
- How often must a school be approved?
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Public schools must be approved every five years.
Private schools that are approved for program and attendance are approved every five years.
Private schools approved for attendance purposes only are approved every three years.
- Are there different designations for approval?
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Public schools may be designated as approved, conditionally approved, or unapproved. Unapproved public schools may request a status of delay in full compliance from the State Board of Education.
Private schools may be designated as approved for program and attendance, approved for attendance purposes only, conditionally approved or unapproved. Private Schools may request a delay in full compliance from the State Board of Education.
- What standards must be met for a school to be approved?
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Public schools must meet the requirements of Part Ed 306 of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules.
Charter schools must meet the requirements of Part Ed 318 of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules.
Private schools must meet the requirements of Chapter Ed 400 of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules.
- How do I know if my school has been approved?
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For public schools: contact Nate Greene at 603-271-5252
For charter schools: contact Tal Bayer at 603-271-8049
For private/nonpublic schools: contact Tim Carney at 603-271-2634
- Where can I obtain a copy of the Administrative Rules?
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Administrative Rules and statutes may be downloaded from the Administrative Rules for Education section of this website.