School Administrative Unit #19 · 11 School Street · Goffstown, NH 03045 · Tel: 603-497-4818 · Fax: 603-497-8425

As colleges and universities around the country continue to raise the bar for admission, Goffstown High School graduates have risen to the challenge.  In the face of greater selectivity and larger applicant pools Goffstown High School’s college matriculation rates over the last 5 years have consistently remained at an average of 80.4% for enrollment in two and four year colleges.  Most recently the graduating class of 2010 reported 60% matriculating at 4-year colleges with an additional 21% beginning their post-secondary education at 2-year schools.  Our students are clearly keeping pace with changing trends in college admissions. 

Success begins in building a strong academic foundation with high expectations for all students.  Students looking for academic challenge at the high school have the opportunity to choose from among 12 Advanced Placement courses, 11 Running Start courses, and a multitude of honors level and college preparatory classes.  Goffstown High alumni returning for the annual senior/alumni panel consistently report feeling well prepared for college course work as a result of the academic rigor and opportunities available at GHS.

In recognition of the high level of preparation that Goffstown High School provides its graduates, GHS currently has articulation agreements with both Southern New Hampshire University and UNH-Manchester.  Our partnership with SNHU continues to grow with sixteen GHS graduates from the class of 2010 enrolling at SNHU this fall to take full advantage of program offerings and merit scholarships of up to 19,000 dollars a year for high achieving students. 

The high school also participates in an On-Site Acceptance Program with Manchester Community College.  An admissions representative from MCC comes to the high school every spring to meet with interested students, review completed applications and extend on the spot offers of admission to qualified students.  This program is intended to increase awareness of post-secondary education and training options available to graduating seniors who may not have thought of college as a possibility.  

  

Though the number of colleges and universities that are becoming “test optional” continues to grow, the large majority of schools still require either the SAT or ACT in their admission criteria.  Goffstown High School has just completed the fourth year of our PSAT initiative.  All 10th and 11th grade students enrolled in honors level classes are required to take the PSAT as part of honors course expectations.  The PSAT is also available to all interested juniors not enrolled in honors classes. This year 336 students took the PSAT.  Positive gains in our SAT scores over the last 5 years support the success of our testing initiative.  

The student services department provides many ancillary resources to support students in the college process including the annual college fair field trip and a series of presentations put on by the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation.  Additionally, guidance counselors meet with all students individually and in classroom groups to facilitate greater student self-awareness, career exploration, course selection, and post-secondary planning in support of Goffstown High School’s mission.  In an ever-changing world Goffstown High School is committed to helping all students realize their dreams.