As the school year unfolds, the schools in Rindge and Jaffrey are buzzing with energy and
excitement. Rindge Memorial School, Jaffrey Grade School and Conant Middle
High School are more than places of learning — they are vibrant communities where families, teachers, learners, and community members come together to support one another and grow.
Our district’s mission shines: We inspire, engage, and empower all learners to thrive in their lives and communities.
Both RMS and JGS host biweekly community meetings that bring families, staff, and learners together to celebrate learning and share experiences. These gatherings help everyone feel more connected. Showing their dedication to supporting local communities, the RMS PTO recently organized a food drive that collected nearly 1,600 items for the Rindge Food Bank, while JGS’s student council held a food drive that gathered over 1,100 items for local food pantries.
In the classrooms, teachers work collaboratively to enhance learning. They respond to
assessment results and share effective teaching strategies, creating a positive and engaging
learning environment for all learners. The district also partners with Franklin Pierce University to provide the Inquiry Scholars program and the Writing Nest for fourth and fifth-grade learners.
These partnerships enrich learner experiences, fostering critical thinking skills and enhancing writing abilities, which are essential for academic success.
Both RMS and JGS offer STEM programs that immerse learners in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities from PreK through fifth grade. PreK learners explore sinking and floating, while kindergarteners build structures based on fairytales. As they progress, first graders learn about animal adaptations, second graders study properties of matter, and third graders investigate different traits among living things. By fifth grade, learners experiment with chemical reactions, preparing them for more advanced STEM topics.
When learners reach Conant Middle High School, they continue to build on their STEM
education with advanced courses. Programs like Air & Space Engineering and Medical
Detectives enable learners to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This November, CMHS received a $12,500 innovation grant from Millipore Sigma to support the continued development of STEM programming at the middle and high school levels. This funding will help the school enhance its already strong STEM initiatives and increase our learners’ opportunities to explore their interests in science and technology. CMHS is also proud to offer world language courses in French, Spanish, and Mandarin, giving learners a variety of options.
Conant Middle High School earned the title of 2025 New Hampshire High School of
Excellence from the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards. This honor
highlights its commitment to personalized learning, academic success, and strong community partnerships. The school received an impressive Great Schools rating of 9 out of 10, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and learner growth.
One key to Conant’s success is its proficiency-based learning model, which allows learners to demonstrate their skills in various ways and learn at their own pace while exploring their interests. It fosters an inclusive culture that encourages everyone to thrive. The school’s strong connections with local communities provide more opportunities for learners through career exploration and service projects.
Each middle school learner receives 90 minutes of ELA and 90 minutes of mathematics instruction daily. Over 20 middle school learners take high school-level courses like Algebra and English 9, and more than 30 learners participate in high school world language courses.
Nearly 60% of learners who took Advanced Placement classes last year scored level 3 or above. CMHS maintains a graduation rate of over 95%, with more than 60% of learners going on to post-secondary education.
Looking ahead to next school year, the school plans to expand its STEM programs, implement new Early College offerings in Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and increase its AP course offerings to include World History, African American History, Precalculus, Chemistry, Statistics and Biology.
In addition to strong academics, all Jaffrey-Rindge public schools offer a selection of co-curricular opportunities.
Both RMS and JGS provide a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities that enrich learners’ experiences, including RMS’s Running Club, which encourages learners to stay active and healthy, and JGS’s Hoot and Hike Club, which promotes outdoor exploration and a love of nature. Elementary and middle school learners can also participate in Destination Imagination, where they collaborate on creative problem-solving challenges.
CMHS offers a wide range of athletic and club opportunities at the middle and high school
levels. Learners participate in various sports teams, clubs, and activities that cater to their
interests, helping them build teamwork and friendships. The school district’s no-cut policy for middle-level athletics further supports the growth of all learners by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sports at levels that best support their individual and collective growth.
As the school year continues, the commitment to community, learning, and learner success
remains strong in Rindge and Jaffrey schools. These schools are vibrant places where families, teachers, learners, and community members come together to create a bright future for everyone.
The spirit of teamwork, dedication to service, and focus on quality education ensure that every learner is prepared to thrive in their lives and communities.
Reuben Duncan is the Superintendent of the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District.