Strafford School District About Us

Strafford School District Mission Statement

The Strafford School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to providing a challenging, positive and safe learning environment that CARES:

• Cultivates curiosity and collaboration

• Achieves academic excellence

• Respects and values diversity

• Encourages responsible citizenship

• Supports the needs of every learner

Strafford School Philosophy

The recognition and acceptance of individual differences within an environment of respect and understanding is the foundation of the Strafford School Philosophy. A partnership between school, staff, parents, and the community is encouraged in an ongoing effort to meet the specific needs and provide opportunities for the social, emotional, physical, and academic development of all children.

Strafford School strives to create a successful and positive school experience for each child and maintains high expectations for behavior and performance. The school seeks to develop in students strong character, a lifelong appreciation for learning, an acceptance of diversity, and a commitment to community service.

About Strafford School

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 400 students with approximately 80 administrative, teaching, paraprofessional, and support staff. The school houses classes from pre-kindergarten to grade 8.  The school is divided into an elementary and middle school area.  Almost all Strafford students continue their high school experience at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.

In addition to the core subject areas, the school offers art, classroom music, instrumental music, physical education, Spanish, health education, reading services, chorus, and technology education programs. Extensive extra-curricular activities are also offered, including yearbook, interscholastic sports, and other activities that vary yearly.  The school also collaborates closely with Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, the district's high school of record.

The district has an extensive special education program that includes special education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech and language therapists, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral services, and school psychologists.  The school provides tutoring and support services to at risk students.

Strafford School has school counselors that support the entire student body. The counselors also coordinate special programs and activities such as short term individual/group counseling on an as needed basis( ie: divorce, communication, anxiety management, self-regulation). The school counselors integrate in the classroom to provide SEL lessons, and they also provide IEP services and 504 planning. They support parent/student dialogue sessions, community outreach, special programming (ie: Haven), and other experiences based on student and community needs. 

A reading specialist consults with teachers and works directly with students in reading at the primary levels. We provide dyslexia screening in kindergarten and first grade, following up with small group instruction as needed. Strafford is a targeted Title 1 school with the main supports being in-class interventions, before and after-school tutoring, and a summer school program. 

Technology is integrated into all areas of the curriculum in Strafford. The school has a modern 24 station computer lab and portable computer carts that are used extensively throughout the building. A Director of Technology and Technology Teacher support programming in this area. The building offers wireless access throughout the school. The school also uses digital technology to produce its own newsletters, websites, photographs, videos, and other media.

Strafford School has a volunteer program and a strong PTO. The district enjoys a high level of support and trust from the community and works hard to strengthen that relationship by helping each student develop to their potential as students, as individuals, as lifelong learners, and as citizens.