FAQ’s

The Birches Academy has a mix of single and multi-age classrooms: Kindergarten, combined Grades 1/2, Grade 3, combined Grades 4/5, Grade 6, and combined Grades 7/8. There is a maximum of 25 students per class. Each K-5 classroom has one Lead Teacher and one Assistant Teacher, meaning we have a 12.5 to 1 ratio. Grades 6-8 operate in a traditional middle school model; there are 4 Lead Teachers and one Assistant Teacher, with students changing classrooms per subject.

The Dean of School and faculty are committed to meeting each student where they are. To this end, we spend much time assessing and understanding each child’s ability. Teachers, parents, and students will meet to set individual goals for the student. There will be additional instructional material aside from the programs implemented in the classroom. Teachers have options and the flexibility to meet best the needs, abilities, and learning styles of every student to facilitate and maximize learning for each.

The Birches Academy must take the same standardized tests as all New Hampshire public schools; we administer the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System tests. The Birches Academy also administers a standardized test of our choice (NWEA’s MAP test) to document a baseline assessment of each student. Ultimately, this will provide us with the immediate feedback necessary to meet the needs of each student. Day-to-day assessment will include formal and informal methods based on students acquiring competence on the Core Competencies.

If your child is on an IEP or 504 plan, these remain in place at The Birches Academy. The school district from which your child is coming is responsible for providing the services outlined in the IEP, while our school is responsible for the 504. Each sending district has their own policies and works with our families to develop a plan to provide services. Our student services coordinator works closely with all of our sending districts and parents to help facilitate the process.

After you receive notification that your child has been accepted to The Birches Academy, please contact us to schedule a meeting with you, your sending district, our Dean of Students and our Dean of School. We will discuss your child’s IEP and strategies for the sending district to meet the needs of the student.

The Birches Academy is committed to leveraging up-to-date technology to aid student learning. Classrooms are all outfitted with smart boards. In grades k-2 we utilize iPads to enhance the learning. In Grades 3-8 we are one to one with school provided Chromebooks.

The Birches Academy utilizes a “Portfolio Method” to help students record their achievements throughout their academic careers. Students work with teachers to select works to be added to their portfolios. This allows students and teachers to reflect on their progress each trimester and celebrate their growth throughout the year. Each student’s portfolio travels with them as they progress through the grades. Portfolios in grades K-2 are done using paper and are kept in a binder, while portfolios in the upper grades are maintained electronically.

We believe music is an essential component of educating the whole child. As an arts-integrated school, we incorporate music, fine arts, and performance into the core curriculum. Students attend music class in grades K-8 and are introduced to the ukulele starting in grade 4. The band is open to middle school students starting in grade 6. The chorus is available to students starting in grade 4, and in middle school, there is an opportunity for students to audition for the select chorus.

Currently, all students from K-8 take Spanish as part of their curriculum. For more information about the foreign language aspect of our curriculum, please click here.

We are required to offer physical education under New Hampshire state law. We do not have a gymnasium, but our PE teacher has each classroom twice a week in either outdoor or open spaces called The Woods.