History - Next Charter School

The Origin of Next

The story of Next is unique in that it is the result of a partnership between a charter school and a traditional school district. It is no coincidence that the founding board at Next was made up of members from the Derry Cooperative School District’s (DCSD) administrative team and members of its school board. Together this group aimed to create a smaller, more flexible approach to high school that would meet the needs of a small number of students who were looking for something different. In collaboration with the DCSD, the founding board of Next organized a team to develop a charter concept and draft a charter application to the NH State Board of Education during the fall of 2011. Next, in tandem with the DCSD, presented its plan to the voters of Derry in March of 2012 and received initial approval. Next was officially approved as a state authorized public charter school by the NH State Board of Education in June of 2012.

Beginnings

Next held a lottery in the spring of 2013 and opened its doors to thirty (30) 9th and 10th grade students on August 23, 2013. Over the first three years Next grew to 60 students, celebrating its first graduating class in the spring of 2016. In 2015, Next renovated a section of Gilbert H. Hood Middle School and established a long-term lease with the Derry School District for this facility.

Today

In 2023, Next begins its 11th year, with 80 students enrolled. Over the past 8 years, Next has graduated 96 students, many of whom are currently enrolled at colleges and vocational training programs. Next has established a strong partnership with Pinkerton Academy, ensuring that Next students can enroll in elective courses, play sports, and engage in extracurricular activities on Pinkerton’s campus. Next continues to work closely with the Derry Cooperative School District.