Participation in New Hampshire’s education freedom account program has risen 26% since the beginning of last school year, according to recently released Department of Education data.

A total of 5,321 students have enrolled in the program as it enters its fourth year, surpassing the 4,211 students enrolled at the beginning of last year, according to the department.

EFAs allow families who make below 350% of the federal poverty level – currently $109,200 for a family of four – to redirect state funding from their district public school to a private school or to homeschooling expenses.

The program has been lauded by school choice advocates and criticized by some proponents of public schools, who argue it diverts needed state funding away from them.

Under the beginning-of-year enrollment figures, the state plans to spend $27.7 million on the program this school year, up from $22.1 million last year.

That cost remains a small fraction of total state funding for education, which is expected to be $1.15 billion this year.

But the amount of money allocated via the EFA program is steadily rising, starting at $8.1 million in 2021-22, and increasing between $5 million and $7 million each year.

The number of students relying on EFAs surpassed those attending charter schools for the first time this year.

“It is clear that there is a growing demand for more schooling options in the Granite State,” Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said in a press release. “The Education Freedom Account program is offering lower-income families assistance to choose whichever school or learning environment best meets the needs of their child.”

Families who opt into the program re-direct the base adequacy allotment ($4,182) plus additional money if the student qualifies for free and reduced lunch, special education, or is an English language learner. This year, the highest any one student received was $8,670.

Supporters of EFAs argue that the program saves local school districts money because the average per-pupil expenditure is always far greater than the amount of money redirected by the state. In 2022-23, for example, the cost per pupil in New Hampshire was $20,323.

Republican lawmakers have sought to expand and potentially remove income limits for the program, which would likely cause the program to grow further.