How do charter schools operate in New Hampshire?
Charter school legislation was first passed in New Hampshire in 1995. Under current law, charter schools are authorized by the New Hampshire Board of Education. The state Department of Education conducts annual “school accountability” reviews of each school. Local school districts are responsible for disbursing funds for charter schools, but some say districts have not always given charter schools promised money. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would authorize the state to send aid directly to charter schools rather than through the local school district. The state Department of Education’s website lists seven approved charter schools in New Hampshire (though one, the Franklin Career Charter Academy, is listed as “closed.” Hear an NHPR News report on the Academy.) A number of charter schools are reportedly being developed. Hear an NHPR News report about the proposed Academy for Science and Design charter school. The DOE says “New Hampshire is testing the charter school waters
