Education

Rochester offers a comprehensive and well-balanced array of public and private educational programs, from pre-school and kindergarten through adult education.  The public school curriculum focuses on basic academic skills and its eight elementary schools, while also preparing students to become productive, responsible citizens and neighbors.  While maintaining the academic emphasis, Rochester Middle School introduces students to a broader curriculum, encourages more independence and a greater degree of responsibility.  Spaulding High School offers a comprehensive program that includes a full complement of math, sciences, fine arts, English and foreign languages, vocational and technical education, Air Force R.O.T.C., social studies, business, and physical education.  After-school and before-school tutoring is provided for at all levels.  The District is focused on improving student’s reading skills, with the goal of 90% of third grade students reading on grade level.

Spaulding High School, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful high school facilities in New England, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school serves full-time students and offers adult education programs to the community for job retraining, vocational education, Adult Basic Education, computer, and a wide variety of special interests. Academics are complemented by a full range of extracurricular activities including drama, sports, music, vocational clubs and planned social events.

The recently renovated Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center is an integral part of Spaulding High School as well as a component in the region, The Technology Center offers Career and Technical Education programs in banking with a branch of Holy Rosary Credit Union on site, business programs, a culinary program with its own Cafe that serves the public, graphic arts, drafting, electronics, machine trades, health occupations, child care, automotive repair, woodworking, power mechanics, and family consumer science.

Rochester schools benefit from such organizations as the Parent-Teacher Organizations, various booster clubs, and music boosters that help raise funds for various school activities.

Tri-City Christian Academy, located in nearby Somersworth, serving families with children from Beginners (age 3) through High School, was established to edify Christian believers and to fulfill the Great Commission. From its beginning in 1985, the school has been an integral ministry of Tri-City Covenant Church.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, located in nearby Dover, serves numerous families of many faiths (grades 9-12). St. Thomas strives to guide young men and women toward goals that are noble, faith-based, and aimed at serving their fellow human beings. St. Thomas serves families from more than 60 communities in the Seacoast area.  Tuition assistance is available.

Berwick Academy, located in nearby South Berwick, Maine, is an independent coeducational country day school, grades K-12 serving the Seacoast area of southern Maine and New Hampshire. In three divisions that are separate but coordinated for the continuing development of the student (Lower School, Middle School and Upper School), Berwick Academy establishes a learning partnership between the student and teacher that encourages the development of curiosity, creativity and academic excellence.  New highlights at the Academy are the Kozlowski Athletic Facility, Kindergarten Facility and a Science Facility.