About Us:

Strafford School is located on 22 Roller Coaster Road in Strafford, N.H. a rural community with a population of approximately 3500. The school has an enrollment of over 500 students with 84 administrative, teaching, paraprofessional, and support staff. With few exceptions, all staff members have achieved HQT status (highly qualified) as mandated by No Child Left Behind legislation. The K-8 school houses two kindergarten classes as well as three classes each of grades 1-8. The school is divided into an elementary and middle school area. Strafford School is one of three school districts supervised by SAU #44. A local five member school board works closely with the administration to provide a safe and comfortable environment that supports the education of all students.

In addition to the core subject areas, the school offers robotics, art, classroom music, instrumental music, physical education, project adventure, foreign languages (French and Spanish), health education, reading services, chorus, and technology education programs. Math enrichment classes have recently been added to the school’s middle school curriculum. An extensive array of extra-curricular activities are also offered including a school newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook, interscholastic sports, Destination Imagination, Amnesty International, Digital Film Production, student government and other activities that vary year to year. The school supports an extensive peer tutoring program that links older students with lower grade students who struggle in reading and math. The school also enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, the districts’ high school of record.

The district has an extensive special education program that includes five special education teachers, 18 paraprofessionals, two speech and language therapists, two speech and language assistants, and a special education administrative assistant. OT, PT, behavioral services, and psychological services are also available to the school on a scheduled basis. The school provides extensive tutoring and support services to at risk students.

Strafford School has two guidance councilors that provide support to the entire student body. These counselors also coordinate such special programs and activities as parent/student dialog sessions, the John Hopkins Talented Youth Program, divorce support groups, community outreach, teen institute, substance abuse and decision making programming, special assemblies (Good Touch/Bad Touch), and other experiences based on student and community needs.

Three reading specialists consult with teachers and work directly with students in reading at all levels. Strafford School has a fully implemented Reading Recovery Program that provides early intervention to first grade students needing support in reading. The reading team also coordinates school wide reading initiatives such as Reading Across America and other special events and celebrations that promote reading and writing. Strafford is a targeted Title 1 school.