For over 150 years, Spaulding Academy & Family Services has helped over 46,000 children and family members. Throughout this rich history, we have recognized questions that nearly every family asks during our admissions process. We understand that this is a big decision and we are here to help you through the process. If your questions are not answered below, please contact Nick Silva, Director of Admissions at nsilva@SpauldingServices.org or 603-286-8901 x204 who can provide additional information and guidance.
Academic
1. What is the staffing of Spaulding Academy & Family Services’ classrooms?
Every classroom is led by a certified special education teacher and a teaching associate. Additional paraeducator support is available as needed.
2. What is the average size of a class?
Class size ranges from 7-10 students, depending on enrollment, capabilities and staffing.
3. How are classroom assignments made?
Students are assessed for their academic and social needs and are grouped according to those needs. There is no more than a four-year age difference in our individual classrooms. We are a coed facility.
4. Is your school facility conducive to teaching and learning for students with special needs?
Yes, Spaulding Academy & Family Services School is a Special Education School approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
In March of 2012, a new 21,856 square-foot, energy-efficient high performance school opened at Spaulding Academy & Family Services. Features of the new school include 10 large classrooms with natural lighting and restrooms. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards. The Spaulding Academy & Family Services School is sited on our over 500-acre, hilltop campus with beautiful fields and wooded areas as well as spectacular mountain vistas. The school contains therapy rooms to provide related services as indicated in a student IEP; media center and library; health services station; a multi-purpose science room; and an independent living skills suite with full kitchen.
5. How long is the school day/year?
School is in session from 8:00am until 2:00pm, or 6 hours a day, for 236 days per year, including summer session. Spaulding Academy & Family Services School is a year-round program.
Click here to view and download the 2022-2023 school calendar.
Click here to view and download the 2023-2034 school calendar.
Residential
1. How many students reside on the Spaulding Academy & Family Services campus?
We have 5 residential cottages open year-round, which can accommodate between 8-12 students each. Students are placed in cottages according to their needs and abilities. The Residential Program promotes interaction among peers and with classmates living in other residences as part of our ‘one community’ philosophy. Residential students attend classes with day school students; and residential teams and school-based teachers coordinate their efforts to ensure a consistent approach to each student’s educational and treatment plans.
2. Do students share rooms?
No. Each student has his or her own room in their cottage to personalize with their belongings. This also provides the student with privacy, safety and ownership.
3. What is the student to staff ratio in the residential program?
Staffing ratios range from 4:1 to 2:1 depending on the needs of individual students. In some cases, a student may have 1:1 support in their cottage.
4. How are children kept secure overnight?
Each cottage has two overnight staff on duty to keep children safe overnight.
5. What services are offered after school, evenings and weekends?
Residential students participate in planned after school activities Monday through Thursday. After school program activities are generally comprised of social, competitive or sensory activities.
6. Do residential students prepare meals and eat in their cottages?
Students eat meals together in our Dining Hall for lunch and dinner throughout the week. A few times a week, the staff and students plan, shop and prepare a meal in the residence. Healthy snacks and food preparation is also a part of residential life and the independent living skills program. Each cottage has a fully-equipped kitchen where students learn to prepare meals and snacks.
Have a Question?
If you have further questions or would like to schedule a campus tour, please contact Nick Silva, Director of Admissions at nsilva@SpauldingServices.org or 603-286-8901 x204.