THE SCHOOL'S NAME: Due to confusion about whether or not the New Hampshire Equestrian Academy was a riding school, the Board of Trustees changed the school's name to The Academy for Equine Sciences Charter School. The new name better conveys that this is a serious academic high school with a specialization in equine sciences. Most people still refer to us at the New Hampshire Equestrian Academy. Under either name, this is a unique and wonderful small high school.

NOW RECRUITING FOR 2009-2010: The school is now recruiting students for its 4th year--2009-2010. In larger space, the school is recruiting up to 15 new students, to bring the total to 30 students. Classes are mixed by age and grade and courses rotate. So in English, for example, students read 10 novels/year but these rotate each year. In 2009-2010, students will have contemporary literature which goes hand-in-hand with the contemporary history course.

MISSION: The mission of The New Hampshire Equestrian Academy Charter School is to create a high standards college preparatory high school that also offers a career-specialized program in equestrian/equine studies. Some of our students want to be equine veterinarians or technicians. Others want to be farm designers, musicians, or writers. All will leave with a fantastic academic and equine studies background. Read the charter.

AUTHORIZATION BY THE STATE: Authorized September 14th, 2005, the New Hampshire Equestrian Academy is the 8th chartered public school authorized by New Hampshire's State Board of Education (complete listing of schools). Chartered public schools are free, are secular, and do not charge tuition to families. Parents wanting their children to attend have to arrange their transportation or place to stay with other families. Our students drive in from over an hour away.

Individuals with ideas about a future academy location or with builder or potential donor information are encouraged to contact the the school's administrative advisor.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: This school receives a per pupil allocation of New Hampshire state aid for New Hampshire students. This is currently $3800 per student and approximately 30% of the funding needed. The equine studies program component requires approximately $50,000/year and current is not state funded. The school does have fundraising initiatives in place. An auction will be held May 31st and a pledge drive will take place at that time. The legislature may vote additional funding for next year to end the hardship on this new school. Philanthropic support is needed by all the new charter schools (contact us).

FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS: Student feedback is that this small high school is mostly wonderful. The academic program is robust, classes are small, and students are really learning through active engagement. The school is committed to mastery learning and student achievement. Students make comments such as "I am addicted to math," "I love history," and "this is the first time I have really enjoyed science" (all students take physics in the first trimester; chemistry 2nd trimester; biology 3rd trimester). There is an active student leadership program with hourly meetings once weekly and all students are involved in student governance. This is a brand new school, so it will be evolving for the next few years, but it offers a really strong program in a supportive environment.

TO APPLY: Student application information is posted on this website. Informational meetings will continue to be occasionally held until available openings are filled. Interested parents and students may call 335-6900 to talk about the school before applying.

STAFF APPLICATIONS: The New Hampshire Equestrian Academy a.k.a. The Academy for Equine Sciences is currently accepting applications for next year's teaching faculty. Most positions are part-time but we encourage all interested adults to make contact and share your background. Courses are scheduled for 90 minutes 2 or 3 times weekly which makes part-time travel and scheduling easier and more efficient. Send your letter of interest and resume to info@nhequestrianacademy.org