Granite State Times

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, New Hampshire secured the eighteenth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 73.1%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

New Hampshire scored a 68% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 75%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, New Hampshire earned an 82%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"The Granite State is rock solid when it comes to innovation and education freedom despite a weak charter law. The state did jump four spots based on an expansion of the state's ESA but more importantly some major shifts towards focusing on a personalized journey for the student. Further legislative action in the future could move New Hampshire further up the rankings in a state where the demand is solid," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Sununu pushed for a broad expansion of the popular Education Freedom Accounts but that effort was defeated by Democrats in the House. Undeterred, he was able to secure an increase in the income cap from 350 to 500 percent of the federal poverty level allowing for more families to take advantage of the program," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”