Memorial School

I have had 2 kids already go through Memorial and once again now have a kindergartner going through. Bedford Schools are rated 10th in the entire US. They are simply amazing. My kids have thrived and have never fallen between the cracks. I totally contribute this to the amazing and dedicated staff, small quaint class sizes and they effort of all staff to know all children by sight. I just brought my two oldest back to the school they have been gone now for 6yrs and everyone of their old teachers still knew by sight who they were and their names. Amazing!! Also the everyday math program has been amazing as well. No complaints here as a parent with two kids that have gone through it. It has been great.
--Submitted by a parent

Memorial school is in a nice area. However, it has a very low reading program in first grade with no modifications unless your child is really gifted and talented 3+ reading level. The PTA is only for stay at home moms. They meet during the week in the morning. They really don't want the majority of the parents to be involved in the schools. It is still better than schools in Manchester, but for the area they could do much much better.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that something is not right. We had our kids in a Private school then decided to put them in Bedford. We were there a few years. My son was in the highest level in math in Bedford, but when we switched him back to the Private school, he was average to below average. I wouldn't rely upon the scores or the grades your child gets in Bedford. I think the bar is set far lower in the Bedford schools.. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have spent those two years in Bedford and I would have just kept him in the Private school. Having been in both schools, we can definitely see the flaws having been in both schools. Have your kids tested outside the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Bedford shows high scores in the elementary and middle school however the NECAP is a dumbed down test. I had my kids tested outside Bedford and was shocked to find them not doing as well as I thought. We've also had to do outside tutoring. When you look at the high school NECAP scores, half of the students are not proficient in math and science. Again a huge disappointment. On the up side, the teachers are wonderful and I don't blame them for what is going on in this district. Parents are very involved, but I think they need to become more vocal in the lack of quality academics.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a set of twins that have gone to BEEP, Bedford Early Education Preschool, for two years. The preschool program and the coordinator are fantastic. Ms. Nancy is wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

Basics are very good. Gifted program is adequate. Extras and 'management' are lacking and overtaxed. Hot lunches, while improved, are still poor. All staff complains of not enough time for their programs (40 min per session). Responsive classroom program is great - all teachers should be required to implement it.
--Submitted by a parent

Memorial was named the top NH elementary school in the past decade. Test scores at this school are among the highest in the state. Great teachers and over crowding problem has been taken care of with the addition of 2 new school buildings opened in Fall, 2007. Memorial is now a K-4 school.
--Submitted by a parent

Memorial school tests are high however give thanks to the parents. These children come from families who spend a lot of homeschooling time as well. There are some great teachers at Memorial but the principal is lacking in charisma. The music program is in the gym with many distractions. Parent involvement is strong however the school tends to be crazy busy and almost chaotic at times. There is no computer rooms and the playground (which was recently done) has a dangerous rock climbing mountain that the kids most of the time are unable to use. The Everyday Math program has failed in other school districts and this is the same program Memorial uses. Several children from Memorial get extra tutoring help to supplement what they don't get at school. As a parent at Memorial I am not impressed.
--Submitted by a parent

Memorial School is a treasure and tremendous blessing to our family and the community. We have 3 children at Memorial. In addition to the regular classroom studies, we have used both the special education services and the program for gifted students. All of them have been outstanding. The quality and dedication of the teachers has impressed us. There are many opportunities for parental involvement. Memorial School has received awards for the number of hours of work volunteers do on an annual basis. Mastery of basic math skills is a part of daily homework and school life. Our experience gives us insight as to why the Bedford Schools are ranked one of the best in the state. Memorial is truly a remarkable school. Come and visit and see for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

Be Warned. Bedford recently adopted Everyday Math which is being used in the Seabrook schools. Seabrook is ranked dead last on math assessments. Everyday Math does not require mastery for the basics.
--Submitted by a parent