What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school that is organized around a certain educational methodology, theme, curriculum, or core mission. Mill Falls offers a robust Montessori model.
Who can go to Mill Falls?
Mill Falls is open to any NH student in grades being offered. We serve students in grades K-6 in our public Montessori setting. Kinder students must turn 5 by September 1st of the year of enrollment.
Does Mill Falls have tuition?
No, Mill Falls is a public charter school and like other public schools, does not and can not charge tuition to New Hampshire residents.
Where is the school located?
The school is located at 100 William Loeb Drive in Manchester, NH.
How many students are there?
We serve have 168 students, Kindergarten through 6th grade.
What is the class size?
Mill Falls has 24 students in each of our Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms, and in our Kindergarten. Each classroom is staffed by one Lead Teacher and one Assistant Teacher.
How old does my child need to be to apply for kindergarten? A child may enter our Kindergarten if she/he/they will be five (5) years of age on, or before, September 1st of their kindergarten year.
Does Mill Falls hold a lottery for admission?
Yes. By NH charter law, if the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a public lottery must be held, with a wait list developed from the lottery overflow. You can learn more about our lottery by clicking here.
How do I enroll my child at Mill Falls Charter School?
Each year we make a Lottery Enrollment Application available to interested families. The application is available annually from early January through early March online as part of this website, and on paper by request. The 2024 Lottery Enrollment Period ran from January 2nd through March 8th, 2024.
During the Lottery Enrollment Period, our website features information about our Lottery Information Sessions and a link to our Lottery Enrollment Form. If you are interested in adding your name to our future Lottery mailing list, please send a note to admissions@millfalls.org.
What is a Montessori work cycle?
During the Montessori work cycle, which is generally 3-hours long, teachers move throughout the classroom as students choose independent work and become deeply engaged with the task(s) at hand. During that time, teachers also provide lessons in all content areas working with students individually and in small groups.
What does the Kindergarten Program look like?
The Mill Falls Kindergarten is a dynamic program, operating full-day, Monday through Friday. The schedule includes traditional Montessori work cycles, as well as time for unstructured play, which is held outside, as often as weather permits. Snack and other classroom-community building opportunities are also be incorporated into the daily routine, thus allowing for the development of social and emotional growth along side the children’s academic achievement.
Does Mill Falls adhere to the Manchester School District Calendar?
Mill Falls calendar is quite similar to the Manchester School District school calendar, with a few variations based on the needs and programming of our school. You can view this year’s calendar by clicking here.
Does Mill Falls have a Childcare Program?
Yes, we are currently offering Before Care which runs from 7am-8:15am. For information on our current Before Care Program, please click here.
Are Mill Falls’ teachers certified?
NH charter school law requires that at least half of our Lead Teachers must be NH certified, which we meet and exceed. Our Assistant Teachers, who focus on assisting students and teachers in the classroom setting, support the mission and goals of Mill Falls, and may pursue and/or hold Montessori and/or state certification and have other certifications as well.
Does Mill Falls serve students with special needs?
Yes. Mill Falls seeks to provide an educational environment where children of all abilities can progress toward independence, self-motivation and self-confidence as they strive to become well-rounded learners. Mill Falls is located in an accessible facility and works closely with families and their resident districts to ensure that the special needs of individual children can be met within our programming, structure and approach. Our Student Services Coordinator provides additional support to students and staff as needed.
How will a child with limited English language skills do at Mill Falls?
Since our founding year in 2012, Mill Falls has welcomed students and their families who are new to our country and/or are learning English. Given the hands on materials that populate the Montessori classroom, children with limited English skills at their time of enrollment at Mill Falls will feel, and be, successful while they are improving their English language skills. Our English Learner Language (ELL) Coordinator provides support for our English Language Learners beyond the classroom instruction.
How has Mill Falls grown since opening in the fall of 2012?
In September 2012, Mill Falls opened its doors with one Kindergarten class, and three Lower Elementary classrooms (mixed age classrooms populated by students grades 1-3). The school grew progressively, expanding to reach our full elementary program, grades Kindergarten through 6th grade, in the 2015/16 school year.
Are Montessori students proven to be successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, adapting to new situations, self-advocating and seeking leadership roles. Click here for some information on research studies.
What do Mill Falls Parents/Guardians say about our 7-year program?
Click here to view a video that captures the experiences of several Mill Falls Families.
Are there any notable people who are Montessori educated?
Peter Drucker, Management Guru
Steph Curry, NBA Superstar
Larry Page, Co-Founder of Google
Sergey Brin, Co-Founder of Google
Jeffrey Bezos, Founder of Amazon.com
Katharine Graham, Owner/Editor of the Washington Post
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, Editor, Former First Lady
Sean ‘P.Diddy’ (formerly known as Puff Daddy) Combs, RAP artist
Anne Frank, Author of The Diary of Anne Frank
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for Literature
Prince William and Prince Harry, English royal family
T. Berry Brazelton, Pediatrician and Author
Julia Child, Chef, Star of many TV Cooking Shows, & Author
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Austrian painter & Architect