NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire Sexuality Education Law and Policy

In New Hampshire, local school boards must ensure that a health education program is developed in elementary, middle/junior, and high schools. In elementary schools, this program must include “the effects of drugs, alcohol, venereal diseases, and AIDS on the human body.” In middle/junior high and high schools, this instruction must include the above as well as “systematic classroom instruction and activities designed to enable students to respect and support the decisions of others relative to abstinence from sexual activity.” Students must complete one-quarter credit in health education including instruction in venereal diseases and AIDS.

No curriculum is recommended by the state nor does the state have limitations on what may or may not be included in instruction.

New Hampshire does not require parental permission for students to participate in sexuality or HIV/AIDS education nor does it say whether parents or guardians can remove their children from such classes.

See New Hampshire Rule 306.40.