Admission FAQs

When can I apply for the 2025-2026 academic calendar year?

The Academy for Science and Design will begin accepting applications on October 7, 2024. Please visit the website at that time for additional information.

What grade levels does ASD serve?

The Academy for Science and Design is for New Hampshire students in grades 5 - 12. The school day runs from 8:15 am - 3:30 pm, with drop off for all grades beginning at 7:45am.

What does it mean that ASD is a Chartered Public School?

The Academy for Science and Design (ASD) is a Chartered Public School, which means that it is a public school that is based upon a mission and charter rather than on a geographic area defining a local school district. A charter school is a public school which operates according to specific guidelines stated in its charter. It is tuition-free for New Hampshire residents, non-sectarian, and independent of most state programs and initiatives to allow for innovation and a focus on its specific educational goals. ASD's charter is posted on this website. More information on chartered public schools in New Hampshire is available from a number of sources, including The New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools and the New Hampshire Department of Education websites.

Why would I choose to attend ASD?

The Academy for Science and Design recognizes the critical importance of providing New Hampshire students with a world-class education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In response to the growing need for sustaining our state and national leadership in an increasingly technical world, ASD seeks to:

• • • Inspire youth possessing exceptional interest in obtaining a high-quality STEM education.

    • Strengthen and expand students’ understanding of science and technology within a supportive environment for active, individualized learning.

    • Advance students’ awareness of and commitment to pursuing academic and career pathways in STEM-related fields. ASD is a school and community driven by a passion for learning and education. The school's goal is to instill and nurture that love in its students and foster their pursuit of their potential. While there is a particular emphasis on mathematics and the sciences, the overall goal is to provide students with a solid educational foundation.

How do I know if ASD is the right choice for me?

The Academy for Science and Design is a school driven by the curiosity and motivation of our students and faculty in the realm of mathematics and the sciences. The academic rigor of the school is high, and students who choose to attend ASD do so because they are looking for a challenge. ASD is also a unique community of learners who share common interests in STEM-related topics and many students come from great distances to attend.

Is ASD affiliated with the Nashua school district since it is located in Nashua?

While ASD is currently situated in Nashua, NH, it operates independently from the Nashua school district. Having said that, ASD's administration has an excellent relationship with Nashua schools and keeps an open line of communication. Nashua does provide transportation for ASD students who are residents of that district, so ASD generally follows the Nashua school district calendar. In the 2022-2023 school year, ASD enrolled students from 32 different New Hampshire school districts.

Does ASD charge tuition?

No, ASD is tuition-free for residents of New Hampshire. To best serve our students, ASD may charge some nominal fees for specific, but optional services and support.

How is ASD funded?

Chartered public schools are public schools. When a child attends a chartered public school the state portion of adequacy aid is sent directly to the chartered public school, while local taxpayer dollars remain in the home district and are not forwarded to the chartered public school. In general, ASD is funded at about 45% of an average NH "community" school district.

Since ASD is a STEM school, what does that mean for other courses of study?

ASD recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education. A review of our Program of Studies will demonstrate that innovative approaches to teaching and learning are happening across disciplines, including an integrated Humanities program and well-developed world language programs for German, Latin, and Spanish.

What does it mean to attend an academically rigorous school?

Students who attend ASD are looking for a challenge. While participating in advanced courses can be very exciting, there is a significant level of commitment that students and families must have to support their work here. Many students find that there is a significant amount of homework, which is often more than at the student's previous school. ASD's goal is for homework to be as productive as possible to aid students in achieving mastery of the subjects they are taking. It is also expected that students show discipline and initiative to achieve mastery. The homework levels are designed to prepare students for the rigors of college and/or work. Most students and parents find that proper organization and planning are some of the best tools for keeping our students on track with their academic performance.

What AP courses are currently offered at ASD?

For the 2024-2025 calendar year, ASD is offering AP Statistics, AP Physics C, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Language and Composition and AP United States Government & Politics. 

What aren't all available AP courses taught at ASD?

ASD advanced level courses that are not AP branded cover most of the AP content and students are eligible to take the AP exams and typically perform very well. ASD is continuously working toward adding additional AP branded courses to the curriculum.

What does "bring your own device" mean?

We ask that all parents at ASD join in an initiative that is taking place at the national level to address the needs of schools regarding technology: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). This enables ASD to continue to challenge our students with rigorous and personalized academic experiences, foster innovative methods of teaching and learning, and access up to date information and emerging technologies. The concept of BYOD is not new to ASD and has already been successful for many years. We encourage all parents to consider purchasing a device for their child's use at school. While this is a substantial family investment, it is needed to solve a significant problem our students and faculty will have in terms of resources. ASD has three computer labs with desktop computers. We hold classes in these computer labs. Participating in BYOD will advance instruction at ASD in terms of 21st century learning.

What athletic teams are available at ASD?

Beginning in 2013, ASD fielded our first athletic team: Cross-Country Running at the middle school level and in 2015 boys' soccer and track were added at the middle school level. ASD teams rely on volunteer parent volunteers. For 2023 2024, we are able to support a middle school level cross-country team. Students are entitled to participate in home district sports that are not offered at ASD.

What extracurricular activities are available at ASD?

There is a wide variety of activities available to ASD students. Clubs are typically run by parent or faculty volunteers and are subject to change at any time. Clubs usually meet right after school for an hour. Historically, ASD has offered Math Counts, Student Council, Destination Imagination, Granite State Challenge, Drama Club, Chorus, Corn Hole Club, Film Club, Helping Hands Youth Social Club, Environmental Club, Yearbook, Poetry Club, Debate, HS Coding Club, Ski Club, ASD Outdoor Club, Science Quiz Bowl, Chess Club, etc. 

What are the qualifications of ASD's faculty and staff?

The esteemed faculty and staff at the Academy for Science and Design come from various backgrounds, both from the educational realm and from STEM-related industries. This diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the school, as the different perspectives that each brings with them only strengthens the teaching and learning that takes place at the school. ASD is in accordance with all regulations on chartered public schools required by the New Hampshire Department of Education as well as the State Board of Education. As with any public school, all ASD staff are required to have police background checks.

How many students attend ASD and in what grades?

ASD opened in the Fall of 2007 with a small group of 32 students. Each year has brought with it very rapid growth, as the demand for a strong STEM education is high. The 2024-2025 school year has a student population of approximately 675 students, spanning grades 5-12.

What is the school's typical classroom size?

ASD strives to never exceed 24 students per class. Elective classes for high school may be as small as 6 students or as large as 40 in our new college-style lecture hall. 

 Since ASD is a chartered public school, can any student attend?

As a NH chartered public school, ASD follows New Hampshire State laws that govern NH chartered public schools. Only New Hampshire residents are eligible for the lottery. Out-of-state applicants may be admitted if there are insufficient New Hampshire applicants to fill the available openings, in accordance with New Hampshire State Law (RSA 194-B). 

Is there school bus transportation to and from ASD?

Students residing in the Nashua school district are provided transportation to and from ASD by the Nashua school system. Because of this, the Academy for Science and Design generally follows Nashua's calendar. Carpooling is often an excellent solution for our families living outside of Nashua.

What is the Academy for Science and Design Educational Foundation?

ASDEF is ASD's parent/teacher organization (PTO), which is a separate 501(c)3 organization created to provide additional support for the school. ASDEF sponsors many family events throughout the year, as well as providing additional support to teachers and student clubs.

Who were some of ASD's founders and earliest leaders?

Many different people have helped bring ASD to where it is now. ASD School Board oversaw the conception and charter of ASD and has included (alphabetically) Dr. Michael Fishbein (Provost, Daniel Webster College), Kent Glossop (ASD parent), Dr. Karen Graham (Director, Leitzl Center, UNH), Dr. Susan Hollins (NH Center for School Reform), Patricia Humphrey (M.S. Ed.), Lucille Jordan (President, Nashua Community College), Joseph Klewicki (Dean, UNH College of Engineering), Robert ("Skip") Myers (President, Daniel Webster College), Shanthi Nair (ASD parent), Thomas Popik (Principal, Geosegment Systems), Izuh Obinelo (Director, Degrees Control, Inc.), and Jennifer Starr (ASD parent). Dr. Susan Hollins carried out the monumental task of opening the school, and initially served as its Interim Director; Chris Franklin (ASD parent) was then appointed Director, providing invaluable leadership and drive, with Assistant Director Regina Rubery (ASD parent) providing crucial additional support and oversight. While several of these individuals are still involved with ASD, the school has grown to incorporate even more community members and leaders that have continued to guide the school in the direction of the vision and mission set forth by its founding members.