As part of NFI North and founded in 2000, the Contoocook School has become one of the most innovative providers of special education for youth requiring mental and behavioral health services. Our passion for finding and implementing the most effective solutions burns bright. It’s fueled by the support of donors, volunteers, families, foster and adoptive parents, state and town officials, and individuals who are drawn to our work by our results.

We are a fully certified, co-ed special education middle/high school. We specialize in advancing the educational goals of youth with behavioral health needs. Students work within a positive peer culture to develop the skills that will help them to be successful - at work, in their families, and, whenever possible, back in their own school district. We provide a full curriculum, following the New Hampshire Minimum Standards, and are licensed both as a Nonpublic School and a Special Education Program by the State of New Hampshire’s Department of Education.

We understand that people are social and have a deep-rooted desire to belong, so we create positive, pro-social opportunities where students can turn for a sense of belonging. We believe that with the right support, teaching, coaching, and nurturing, everyone can advance and realize their goals and that the earlier a young person and their family can access services, the more effective it can be. Early intervention can help young people to stay on track to achieving their life goals.

Our program provides services to the whole person. We have a 180-day school year and an optional extended School Year (ESY) through July/August and small, comfortable classroom environments to allow students to concentrate on their studies and to minimize distractions. We take pride in our open and supportive teaching environments that encourage student participation and build a strong sense of community within the school. Our learning experiences are designed to engender personal development socially, behaviorally, and academically.