Conant Middle High School has been named the 2025 New Hampshire High School of Excellence by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards, which honors one elementary, middle and high school each year with the title.

Conant Principal David Dustin said the process included several rounds of selection processes, including a written report, an in-person presentation from Conant staff and a tour of the school for finalists, where the selection committee met with panels of students, teachers and staff and observed student work and classroom teaching.

“It felt really incredible,” Dustin said, of the announcement that Conant had been selected for the award. “I was surprised, only because you never enter this kind of process expecting to be selected. You spend every day living in this world, and it’s just what you do. I’ve said for years this is a special school, with an amazing staff, and top-notch learners. That was validated by this process, which recognized that this school has a lot of caring, dedicated people that do a lot for our kids.”

Dustin said the committee specifically commented on the diversity of academic offerings, Advanced Placement classes and the extracurricular offerings, the high number of students – about 60% – who participate in some school-sponsored activity through clubs or athletics after the end of the school day and community collaborations.

Among the programs that were highlighted by the process were Conant’s Extended Learning Opportunities, which allow for career exploration and service initiatives, the ability for students to propose new clubs and shape school activities, data-driven instruction, proficiency-based learning and the school’s Vision to the Graduate model, which allow students to build throughout their school career toward a senior capstone project that reflect real-world application and personalized goals.

The school held an assembly to officially announce the award. Jacqueline Coe, a member of the board of directors for the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards, spoke during the assembly, praising the dedication of staff.

“What became abundantly clear is that you’re proud of the work that happens here,” Coe told students. “And you should be. What we saw while we were here was a place that really cares about students and really wants to make sure that you thrive. The committee was impressed by Conant’s commitment for making pathways for students, and the investments that you’re making in community partnerships. You have meaningful and relevant experiences here, that was clear.”

Dustin, during the announcement assembly, reiterated those sentiments, and encouraged the students to continue to be involved in their school and community.

“Keep being excellent,” he encouraged.

Superintendent Reuben Duncan celebrated the achievement, stating, “Conant has developed a culture of inclusivity, collegiality, shared leadership and high expectations. This extraordinary culture drives us to innovate and ensures that all individuals thrive in their lives and communities.”

Conant Middle High School will be formally honored at the NH Excellence in Education Awards Celebration on June 7, where it will be recognized as a model of student-centered excellence for the state.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.