Self-contained classrooms Kindergarten - Grade 5
Integrated language arts program with emphasis on literature (wide use of trade books) and phonics supplemented with a structured reading and spelling program utilizing a district-wide core reading program
Implementation of NCTM Standards using a rich variety of hands-on and written materials
Thematic integrated units in social studies, science, and other core academic areas
Art, music, physical education, and library instruction provided
School-wide practice of the Greenfield School model of the responsive classroom social curriculum program
Guidance and reading program support
Inclusion of special needs students
Resource room support on a need basis
Quest - a challenge program for motivated students
Activities include: plays and musical presentations; recorder; band; environmental school; soccer; basketball; clubs such as stamp, chess and cribbage; and safety patrol.
Keene is located geographically almost in the center of New England. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state. The city is built on a broad plain surrounded on all sides by hills varying from 800 to 1500 feet in height. These are overshadowed by majestic Mount Monadnock, 15 miles away, with an elevation of 3166 feet. Keene is situated on the Ashuelot River with undeveloped and developed park areas along its banks. Keene may be accessed by four major highways or Dillant-Hopkins Airport. It is 20 miles to Brattleboro, VT; 86 to Boston; and 210 to New York City. Keene is both a commercial and retail center for southwestern, New Hampshire. Numerous attractive dining and lodging facilities are available in the city and surrounding area. Located in the heart of vacation land, beautiful lakes and majestic mountain scenery surround the city. Keene is served by the Cheshire Medical Center - a modern hospital with close affiliation to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital.
The city's public schools are supervised by an elected School Board. It has a tradition of providing the best education possible for its youth and spends as much or more, per pupil, as any city in the state. A relatively high percentage of graduates of Keene High School go on to college. Public schools include Keene High School, The Cheshire Vocational Technical Center, TNT (an alternative educational program), Keene Middle School and five elementary schools: Jonathan M. Daniels, Franklin, Fuller, Symonds and Wheelock Schools.
There are two institutions of higher education in Keene: Antioch Graduate School of New England and Keene State College, a division of the University of New Hampshire.