State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
The curriculum is required to align with state standards, ensuring the development of physical literacy, motor skills, fitness knowledge, and responsible social behaviors. Schools must integrate physical education principles with other academic subjects (N.H. Code Admin. R. 306.41).
Substitutions for physical education credits are not addressed in the regulations. Waivers for physical education may be granted for medical reasons, with documentation required from a healthcare provider (N.H. Code Admin. R. 306.27[a-g][2][b]).
Schools must encourage developmentally appropriate daily physical activity for students, recommending 30 to 60 minutes daily, family/community programming, and tracking. Physical activity should complement the physical education curriculum and not replace it (N.H. Code Admin. R. 310.03; N.H. Code Admin. R. 310.04).
Statewide fitness assessments are not mandated, but schools are encouraged to use local assessments to measure student progress in physical education (N.H. Code Admin. R. 306.411).
Schools must provide safe and adequately maintained facilities to support physical education programs (N.H. Code Admin. R. 310.04; N.H. Code Admin. R. 321.10).
Administrative rules or statutes do not explicitly address online physical education. However, existing policies on distance education and alternative credit pathways may allow online physical education at the discretion of local districts, provided the instruction meets required standards and is properly approved.
Physical education teachers must hold a valid New Hampshire teaching license with an endorsement in physical education. Certification requirements include a bachelor’s degree at minimum, and demonstrated competencies in motor skill instruction, fitness education, and curriculum design (N.H. Code Admin. R. 507.16).
Adapted physical education must be available for students with disabilities, as outlined in their IEP. Programs must ensure equitable access for all students, promoting inclusivity and diversity (N.H. Code Admin. R. 1113.02).
The New Hampshire Department of Education provides support for physical education programs, including technical assistance and guidance for curriculum development. Local school boards are responsible for funding (N.H. Code Admin. R. 306.411, NH Stat. § 194-C:9).
Schools must adopt wellness policies that include physical education and activity components. Policies should promote lifelong health and fitness habits among students (NH Stat. 189:11-a V-VIII).
Regulations do not specify criteria for evaluating physical educators.
Recent updates highlight the integration of physical education principles with core academic subjects and the encouragement of daily physical activity through wellness policies (N.H. Code Admin. R. 306.411).
Physical education and physical activity policies assign responsibility to local school boards and include state-level monitoring through biennial reports and school approval reviews but lack specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the New Hampshire Department of Education at (603) 271–3494, email info@doe.nh.gov, or go to 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301.