Private High School in Manchester, NH

The Derryfield School:
The Derryfield School is an independent, co-educational, college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12 in Manchester in Hillsborough County, NH. For more than 40 years, Derryfield has provided an environment where students learn and grow to be their best selves. It starts with academic programs for grades 6-12 that engage, challenge, and support students; small classes where nobody falls through the cracks; and teachers who do more than teach - they inspire. Our Middle School academic programs combine a seriousness of purpose with a sense of fun and love of learning. Our Upper School academic programs result in a 100 percent acceptance rate at four-year colleges for graduates.

College-Preparatory Education Programs (Grades 6-12)
Derryfield is committed to fostering the best intellectual development and the best educational outcomes for all students.

Middle School Programs: 
Middle School courses are designed to match course content and skill acquisition with the developmental needs of early adolescents. In general, the coursework progresses from the concrete to the abstract and seeks increasing sophistication and autonomy as a student moves from sixth through eighth grade. More than anything, though, dedicated teachers at Derryfield make themselves fully present both in their classes and outside of class to challenge, nurture, and support students as they navigate their course work and the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges of early adolescence.

Guided by experienced and dedicated teachers, students learn study skills and processes that promote authentic learning. The relationship between student and teacher, achieved through small classes, energetic teaching and learning, and the exchange of ideas, is remarkably supportive in light of the challenging coursework.

Upper School Programs: 
Students entering the Upper School (grades 9-12) should plan their course of study in the context of graduation requirements, college plans, and interest.  A well-balanced program that expands perspectives and deepens experiences in interest areas is desirable. All students must take a minimum of five (5) academic courses each term. 

Small classes, curricular flexibility, advanced placement courses, interdisciplinary courses, independent projects, and individualized college planning help encourage a superb educational experience which prepares students well for college.

Graduation Requirements:
Students must successfully complete a fundamental liberal arts course of study, develop essential physical skills, and expand interests and competence in visual and performing arts and co-curricular activities. A total of eighteen academic credits is required with the following departmental distribution:

- English:  4 credits (electives in grade 12)
- History:  2 credits (must include Asia: East and West and U.S. History)
- Mathematics:   credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
- World Language:  3 credits (must successfully complete level three of one language; two levels must be completed in the Upper School)
- Science:  2 1/3 credits (Biology and Chemistry, plus one trimester elective)
- Creative Arts:  1 credit (3 trimesters)
- Athletics:  All students must satisfactorily participate in either a team sport or the alternative sports program two (2) out of three (3) trimesters each year.

Additionally:  
Arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities are important ways for students to try something new in a totally safe environment; demonstrate talent and realize their potential. Derryfield has more athletic offerings than any class S school in New Hampshire. Derryfield students enjoy a variety of compelling arts courses and have many opportunities to perform and show their work both on campus and in the community.