From: ExcelinEd in Action
https://excelinedinaction.org/2025/08/28/new-hampshires-2025-education-reforms-expanding-opportunity-and-creating-distraction-free-schools/
New Hampshire’s 2025 legislative session delivered major wins for students and families. With the expansion of Education Freedom Accounts, new public school choice opportunities and a strong distraction-free learning policy, lawmakers continued to put student needs and family empowerment at the center of their agenda.
These policy changes reflect a bold and ongoing commitment to putting learning in the hands of families. New Hampshire is removing barriers to educational access, strengthening the learning environment and providing families with the tools their students need to succeed.
Here’s a deeper dive into the student-centered education policies New Hampshire leaders enacted this year.
Expanding Education Freedom to All Families
In a landmark move, the New Hampshire Legislature passed SB 295, making the state’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program universally available to all families. Previously limited to households earning 350% or less of the federal poverty level, the expanded education scholarship program now allows every student in the state to apply for the flexible EFA to customize their learning experience.
The existing EFA program, first adopted in 2021 currently serves more than 5,000 students. The expansion increases enrollment to 10,000 students for the 2025-26 school year and beyond, with an automatic escalator built in if demand for scholarships exceeds the program cap. If applications exceed 90% of the cap each year, the program expands by 25% for the following year. Priority access is reserved for current participants, siblings, students with disabilities and those from lower-income households.
This universal EFA program represents a historic shift in education policy—making every Granite State family eligible to access the school, program or learning pathway that works best for their child.
Improving Flexibility Within Public Schools
The New Hampshire legislature also took steps to expand school choice with intra-district open enrollment in SB 97, granting parents the option to transfer their children to other public schools within their resident district. This added flexibility removes artificial barriers and helps families find the best academic or social fit without being limited by arbitrary school zone lines.
Together with the universal EFA expansion, this policy empowers all parents—regardless of income or ZIP code—to make decisions that best support their children’s growth and success.
Creating Bell-to-Bell Distraction-Free Classrooms
Recognizing the impact of digital distractions on student engagement and mental health, New Hampshire lawmakers took action to ensure that learning time stays focused. The state budget (HB 2), signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte, includes a provision requiring school districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies that require schools to remain cell phone-free during the instructional day.
By embracing phone-free learning environments, New Hampshire is helping students reclaim attention, build deeper academic skills and foster healthier peer relationships.
Looking Ahead
With these significant reforms, New Hampshire is strengthening its commitment to student-centered learning, educational freedom and focused classrooms. ExcelinEd in Action commends the many leaders who made these policy improvements possible—and we look forward to supporting continued progress for students across the state.