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From September 26, 2007:

Q: We just learned about your school. Are you still taking applications?
A: Yes. We opened with 25 students but could take 1 or 2 more, depending on the grade and level of classes. All new schools have some attrition and we will take 4 students on a waiting list for this year.

Q: Does this school have highly qualified teachers?
A: As an academic high school that is college preparatory, we have hired teachers with strong academic backgrounds in the subjects they teach--the national definition of highly qualified teachers.

Q: Are donations of goods and services to charter schools tax deductible?
A: To the extent that the IRS allows certain goods and services to be considered deductions, the answer is 'yes.' Charter schools are public schools and donations to public schools are tax deductible.

Q: Are there ways for people to participate, e.g. who want to help the school or whose children do not attend the school but might attend some day?
A: Yes. We are pleased to add interested supporters to our mail list and to have help for projects and special events. Our biggest projects will be fundraisers to help us fund our future campus buildings and school program.

Q: Will there be provisions for breakfast or lunch?
A: Parents have stepped in to make arrangements for morning snacks and lunches. There will be healthy morning options for modest prices and proceeds going to support food for horses, and a self-supporting hot lunch option provided by area restaurants, also set up by one of the parents

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Q:  How do I register my child for this school?
A:  At this time, our school is accepting applications, using specific forms and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. An overview of the application process and forms requested to be used are posted on the website.

All applications will be processed: 1) to inform applicants and their parents of upcoming informational meetings, 2) to keep for application review, according to the decision schedule, and 3) to use for student acceptance, lottery and waiting list development, should the school have more applications than spaces for its first year of operations. We will keep interested students and their parents on our regular start-up email news list

Q: If I submit an application now, what happens if my child changes her mind?
A: We meet with interested students and parents to explain the school. This helps students decide if they are truly interested in participating. Receipt of application materials does not bind a student to attend.

Q: Are students accepted on a first come/first served basis?
A: No, state and federal law require a lottery procedure if more eligible students apply than there are spaces available. Most charter schools have been able to accommodate the numbers of students who want to start with the school. Exceptions to lottery are allowed in New Hampshire for parents who are "founders." State law requires two parents of students attending the school to be on the governing board.

Q: Do students have to own horses to go to this school? Do they have to switch instructors?
A: No, students do not have to own horses. If they own horses, they do not have to board them at the school. If they have instructors, they do not have to change instructors to attend this school. Riding is not a required course. It is an elective.

Q: Can students attend who think they might like working with horses but have no
equine experience yet?
A: The school will have a summer session, and this will allow potential students to try out their interest with horses. This particular school is for students with definite interests in the equine industry. There is not only an expectation of familiarity with horses, but also a required track record of safe behavior around horses, which is essential.

Q: How much does it cost to go to this school?
A: The school is a public school, and is free—no tuition. The equine studies program is designed to be self-supporting and not supported by the basic amount for academic programs. The school will require ongoing fundraising and parents will be expected to help the school in one way or another, but there is no tuition.

Q: Will there be a boarding facility for students from far away?
A: When the NH Equestrian Academy opens, it will be a choice public high school. Some day there may be boarding, but this is a typical high school, for the most part. Students will drive in from wherever they live. Some students will car pool because students are applying from all over. I suspect if someone lives too far away to drive daily, then among the student body the parents will figure out on their own a way for someone to stay a few nights with someone else. Maybe far in the future we will have a boarding component, but right now we are just trying to get space for classes during the day and this will take us 2 years at least to design and build while we rent temporary space.

Q: Will the school have a strong academic program—something competitive for college-bound students?
A: The mission of this charter school is to combine a strong college preparatory program with a quality equine studies program. Founders and Board want a competitive academic program so that students who attend will not lessen their opportunity to attend competitive colleges.

Q: Is there a way for parents and others to assist with raising money for the building or helping the building to be constructed?
A: Yes, the school needs help identifying potential sponsors or donors, or potential companies or families that might contribute goods, services, or equipment to the school. The school will need feed, stalls, plumbing, painting, refrigerators, computers, a horse trailer, and all types of equipment for the equine studies program. All ideas and donations will be accepted greatfully.

Q: Is there a way to keep having our questions answered?
A: Yes, send questions to susan@nhequestrianacademy.org and questions will continued to be answered. Most answers will be posted here.