What is a typical day like?

Our day begins with our Morning Meeting from which students proceed to their classes. Students typically have two ninety minute blocks, then either lunch or advisory depending on the grade group. After lunch, students have either a Unified Art (UA) or support block followed by a ninety-minute afternoon class block followed by dismissal. Elementary students start and end the day a little bit later and their classes/rotations are determined by their teachers.

What is Morning Meeting?

Morning meeting is our daily whole-school get-together in the cafeteria each morning. Students meet with their advisories for attendance, daily check-in, and ordering lunch. Whole-school daily announcements and recognitions are done prior to the students’ first class.

What are lunches like?

We currently have a full cafeteria with lunch available daily. Some of the options available: On Tuesdays and Fridays, we get pizza from Shooter’s Pub in Exeter and on Wednesdays we have sub sandwiches. Other options like PBJ “Uncrustables” and microwavable meals are available as well. Parents can put money on student accounts online or by sending in a check.

How does the school address bullying?

We have a policy in place, but deal quickly and directly with incidents that may be bullying-related. Our school culture is so accepting, this rarely occurs, but if an incident arises, it is dealt with quickly.

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning is our approach to present curriculum and assess student learning using innovative projects. Students are able to make connections through the projects and present their learning using different options and artifacts.

How does Special Education work at GBCS? Can students with IEP’s attend GBCS?

Of course! We consider all of our students individualized learners. We have a Special Education department that is committed to working with districts to meet students needs. New Hampshire law states that their district of residence maintains the responsibility for overseeing and providing services for a student’s IEP. GBCS is one of a few charter schools that offers contracts with its resident students’ districts to provide required IEP services. Our goal is to provide students’ services on site with adults with whom they are familiar and work regularly.

Are charter schools private or public?

Charter schools are public schools chartered by the state and regulated by both state and federal law.

Is there any cost to the student or family?

No, charter schools cannot charge tuition for New Hampshire students.

How are New Hampshire Public Charter Schools funded?

Charter schools are funded by state money. Our school also receives some voluntary funding from local districts with students attending GBCS. Charter schools cannot access local property tax money in the same way that traditional schools do.

Is transportation provided?

SAU 16 provides a shuttle bus from Exeter High School to the Tuck Learning Campus for students who are residents of that district. Transportation is NOT available for students residing outside of SAU 16.

Are there co-curricular activities?

Yes. Currently we have numerous clubs and after school organizations. Also, home districts allow students to play sports and be involved in other co-curricular activities.

Do students from this school attend college?

Yes. In fact, every student at GBCS is required to apply to college or a post secondary opportunity as a condition of his/her/their enrollment graduation. We currently have graduates in post-secondary programs around the country.

Who Attends GBCS?

Students from New Hampshire, in grades K – 12, looking for a small
learning environment to prepare them for various post-secondary experiences. Many of our students are also looking for more active engagement and personalization in a school where each student has a trusted adult and is given the support necessary for success.

How are the different grades organized?

We have an elementary school with students in grades K-4 (Currently grouped as K-2, and 3/4), a lower school for middle school students in grades 5-8, and upper school for students in grades 9-12. Elementary students spend most of the day with their classroom teachers but attend daily related arts classes. Middle and high school graded have advisory teachers but travel around to subject area teachers throughout the day.

Is the school accredited?

We are chartered by the State of New Hampshire, which is a rigorous process with ongoing accountability.