Comprehensive education resources for students, educators, parents and lifelong learners across New Hampshire's K-12 and higher education systems.
Public School Students
Across 162 school districtsColleges & Universities
234,912 students enrolledCharter School Students
38 approved schoolsTeacher-Student Ratio
Better than national average (1:16)New Hampshire operates a comprehensive public K-12 education system through 162 school districts serving approximately 160,323 students. The state is divided into regions with varying district sizes and resources, from large urban districts in Manchester and Nashua to smaller rural systems.
The districts with the largest student populations include:
New Hampshire is home to 292 private schools enrolling 31,812 students. These institutions range from day schools to prestigious independent boarding schools offering rigorous academic programs and distinctive educational philosophies.
Location: Exeter | Type: Boarding/Day
Ranked #1 private high school in NH, offering college-preparatory education with emphasis on Harkness method teaching.
Location: Concord | Type: Boarding/Day
Prestigious boarding school providing comprehensive college-preparatory education with strong athletics and arts programs.
Location: Meriden | Type: Boarding/Day
Independent school offering college-preparatory curriculum with emphasis on leadership development and community engagement.
Location: Plymouth | Type: Boarding/Day
College-prep boarding school with strong outdoor education program located in the White Mountains region.
For comprehensive listings of all 292 private schools in New Hampshire by city and educational level, consult:
New Hampshire operates 38 approved public charter schools, with 32 currently serving 6,020 students. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate with greater instructional flexibility while maintaining accountability standards.
672 Students
Nashua | STEM-focused charter school
431 Students
Manchester | College preparatory focus
410 Students
Windham | College preparation program
Seven of New Hampshire's 32 operating charter schools serve at-risk students who have not thrived in traditional school models, providing specialized support and alternative learning approaches.
New Hampshire provides hands-on career and technical education through 15 regional programs serving high school students and adults. CTE programs have expanded from traditional trades to include modern industries such as healthcare, information technology, video production, and culinary arts.
The state's largest high school CTE center, serving students from eight Nashua-area high schools with comprehensive career training across multiple industries.
Offers programs from culinary arts to digital media to welding, serving high school sophomores and juniors with diverse career training options.
NH School of Mechanical Trades: Specializes in hands-on training for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and related construction trades.
New Hampshire's higher education system comprises 25 colleges and universities enrolling 234,912 students, providing comprehensive options from two-year associate degrees to advanced doctoral programs. The system includes public universities, community colleges, private liberal arts colleges, and specialized institutions.
The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) operates six public institutions offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across the state.
Location: Durham (Main Campus)
New Hampshire's flagship university offering extensive undergraduate and graduate programs with strong research opportunities. SAT score range: 1100-1320
Website: unh.edu
Location: Manchester
Urban campus offering bachelor's and associate degree programs with convenient location and strong transfer partnerships.
Website: manchester.unh.edu
Location: Concord
Accredited law school offering J.D. program and continuing legal education courses.
Website: law.unh.edu
Location: Concord
Public university serving adult learners with flexible scheduling and online options for degree completion.
Website: granite.edu
Location: Plymouth
Regional comprehensive university in the White Mountains offering liberal arts education with strong teacher education programs.
Website: plymouth.edu
Location: Keene
Regional state college providing liberal arts education with strong community engagement and service-learning opportunities.
Website: keene.edu
Location: Hanover | Founding: 1769
One of the eight Ivy League universities and America's oldest higher learning institution north of Massachusetts. Ranks 15th nationally (U.S. News 2025). Average SAT: 1500.
Website: home.dartmouth.edu
Location: Manchester
Most popular private institution with 6,000+ full-time students. Strong online programs with 6,000+ additional distance learners. Scholarships range $400-$14,400 annually.
Website: snhu.edu
Location: Rindge
Private liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with focus on practical education and career preparation.
Website: franklinpierce.edu
Location: New London
Small private liberal arts college emphasizing experiential learning with strong outdoor education and career readiness programs.
Website: colby-sawyer.edu
Location: Henniker
Independent college offering bachelor's and master's degrees with commitment to access and affordability.
Website: nec.edu
Location: Amherst, MA (Five College Consortium)
Part of Five College Consortium with extensive cross-registration opportunities at neighboring institutions.
Website: hampshire.edu
The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides accessible, affordable higher education through seven colleges with 24,000 enrolled students. The system offers over 200 degree and certificate programs, with more than 80 associate degree programs available.
35 associate degree programs and 22 certificate programs serving the southern region.
50+ associate degree programs and 70+ certificate options for urban learners.
Serving the Seacoast region with comprehensive degree and certificate programs.
Serving the north country with workforce development and transfer programs.
Serving central New Hampshire with regional programs and partnerships.
Regional locations in northern New Hampshire serving local communities.
11,000 high school students participated in college courses during 2024-2025 academic year, earning college credits while still in high school.
Need-based financial assistance for eligible New Hampshire students enrolled in degree or certificate programs at any CCSNH institution.
Tuition-free workforce training programs tailored to meet employer needs in high-demand industries.
36% increase in transfers from community college graduates to university system between June 2024-2025.
New Hampshire provides comprehensive special education services to students with disabilities from birth through age 21. These services follow federal IDEA requirements and New Hampshire state law, ensuring each student receives a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
Manages special education programs including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Educational Surrogate Parents, and IEP Facilitation.
Services:
Since 1975, PIC provides information, training, and support to families with children with disabilities (birth to age 26).
New Hampshire approves and monitors private special education providers. The Department of Education maintains a list of approved private providers offering specialized services for students with various disabilities.
New Hampshire offers multiple online and distance learning options for K-12 students, providing flexible alternatives to traditional school settings. These programs range from full-time virtual enrollment to part-time supplemental courses.
Grades: K-12 | Cost: Free for NH residents
One of the largest statewide virtual schools in the United States. Students attend full-time or part-time, with many exploring interests not available in home districts. VLACS also supports homeschoolers and diploma-seekers.
Website: vlacs.org
Grades: 7-12 | Cost: Free tuition
New collaborative program with Granite State Academy (alternative program of Prospect Mountain High School). Completely remote program powered by K12 Inc. Launched as expansion of online education access.
Hosted by K12 Inc.
Grades: 6-12 | Cost: Free (qualifying students)
Accredited, non-public online school supporting distance learning for middle and high school. Free tuition powered by Children's Scholarship Fund, New Hampshire. Offers dual enrollment opportunities.
Website: excelhighschool.com
Cost: Tuition-based
Additional private online school options available including Legacy Online School and K12 Private Academy. These typically charge tuition for enrollment.
University of New Hampshire Online: UNH offers comprehensive online degree programs, certificates, and continuing education courses for distance learners. Visit online.unh.edu
SNHU Online Programs: Southern New Hampshire University operates extensive online education programs with 6,000+ online learners. Visit snhu.edu
New Hampshire provides early childhood education and support services for children from birth through kindergarten age. While the state does not offer state-funded preschool, multiple public and private options are available.
Early intervention services for children from birth to five administered by Department of Health and Human Services.
Special education services for ages 3-5 administered by Department of Education for students with identified disabilities.
Federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs available in participating communities with comprehensive services.
Several school districts offer public preschool and pre-K programs funded through local resources.
Early Learning NH works to ensure every child reaches their full potential through coordinated early childhood initiatives, family engagement, and workforce development.
New Hampshire offers substantial scholarship and grant programs through state programs, charitable foundations, and individual universities. These resources help make higher education accessible to students with varying financial needs.
Awards: $8 million annually to nearly 2,000 students
Largest provider of private scholarships in New Hampshire with a single online application matching students to all opportunities for which they qualify.
Awards: $790,000 in 2024-25 academic year
Manages over 100 scholarships specifically for community college students, supporting degree and certificate program completion.
Awards: $750,000+ in scholarships
Offers scholarships for New Hampshire residents attending school in-state or out-of-state with focus on accessibility and affordability.
Individual universities offer merit and need-based scholarships. SNHU awards $400-$14,400 annually; UNH has dedicated Hamel Scholarship program.
New Hampshire prioritizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through state programs, university partnerships, and K-12 initiatives that encourage students to pursue STEM careers.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in New Hampshire in 1989. Participation proven to encourage students to pursue STEM education and careers.
Funded by NIH to provide middle and high school students with educational training and mentorship for STEM careers. Features advanced research laboratory with hands-on experiments.
Coordinated since 2012 by NH Department of Education partnership. Encourages female students in grades 9-10 to pursue technical and STEM career fields.
$3.5 million grant from U.S. Department of Education for multi-tiered STEM support with focus on English learners and peer mentoring.
The New Hampshire Department of Education issues competitive grants to public and public charter schools to establish robotics teams and participate in competitive events, building critical STEM and life skills.
Official state education agency providing policies, programs, data, and resources
Information on 7 community colleges and workforce training programs
Labor union and professional organization for educators
Free public charter school for K-12 online education
Support for families with children with disabilities (birth to age 26)
Non-profit organization providing homeschooling support and resources
Initiative ensuring every child reaches their full potential
Last updated on November 24, 2025