The Granite Hill School has been educating youth since 1996, teaching a competency-based curriculum, as well as the social and problem-solving skills that our students need in order to be successful in both school and future employment.
Instructional Practices
Our instructional methods, rooted in the philosophy of John Dewey, emphasize student-centered learning as the most important tool
of education. Granite Hill School’s teachers use evidence-based methods to guide our students to academic success:
- Experiential learning
- Student-directed learning
- Differentiated instruction
- Critical thinking and reflection
- Competency-based instruction
At Granite Hill School, students have access to the general curriculum through classes of 4-6 students taught by certified teachers. Individual-
ized instruction in the Wilson Reading Program is available, as is 1:1 support from paraeducators, when needed. The Granite Hill School
offers both 20- and 25-credit diplomas to students who achieve competency in the required courses for graduation.
Download our Program of Studies
Behavioral Methodology
At Granite Hill School, we believe that educational success depends largely on the development of interpersonal skills, personal
responsibility, social problem-solving, and the desire to better one’s self. Without these skills, students cannot participate in the educational
process in a meaningful way.
Students are supported through counseling, the use of individual behavior plans, and rehabilitative assistance for behavior provided by a
Behavior Specialist and a Behavior Coach. Each of these supports is based in a Social Emotional Learning curriculum that focuses on their
own roles in a community of learners.
During their time with us, students’ social-emotional growth is continually assessed through daily data collected from point sheets, teacher
observations and reports, progress on IEP goals, and incident reports.
Download our Behavior Program Manual
Additional Opportunities
Work Study: Students who have demonstrated a high level of responsibility and social maturity are eligible for the Work Study Program. This program, overseen by the Transition Coordinator, offers students on the job training and skill attainment in exchange for classroom coursework. Students are required to identify employment interests and goals, which are part of a learning plan, which is monitored and assessed by the student, employer, and Transition Coordinator. Upon completion of the academic learning plan, elective credit will be
assigned.
Summer School: Granite Hill offers a summer school option for students who are in need of credit recovery, additional support, and/or continuous academics. This program is 18 days long and is offered during the months of July and August. Hours are typically from 9:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday through Thursday. High school students are able to receive up to 1 credit during this time. Junior high students will be exposed to an “outdoor classroom”, while receiving instruction in core content areas. Related services are also available during the summer.
Residential Option: Male students who require additional supports throughout the entire day have an opportunity to receive residential services through the Orion House. The Orion House program shares the same philosophy as Granite Hill School and provides clinical support in a structured group home setting.
Transitional Planning
Granite Hill School emphasizes the transition of our students into adulthood by teaching the skills and knowledge that will help them succeed in their lives after graduation from high school. Seniors take a Transitions course that helps them understand the challenges of adulthood and guides them through the demands of the workplace and the college classroom. Our
full-time Transition Coordinator provides individual career counseling to students, as well as vocational and life skills assessments and close monitoring of the student’s individual transition plan. Granite Hill School also provides opportunities for students in the following areas:
- On-campus work-study program
- Off-campus internships
- Courses at Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center
- Connections to Vocational Rehabilitation, NH-JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) services, vocational programs, and area agencies
- Tours of Job Corps sites
- Tours of area colleges