Main Dunstable School

I had two children at Main Dunstable this year. One a typical learning child and one with special needs. Main Dunstable has been wonderful in meeting both of their needs. The special ed teachers are top notch and I wouldn't change one thing about my kids' time at MDES. My oldest child graduated fifth grade this year and I am sad to see him go. He has been there since kindergarten. I'm just glad my younger child is still there so I can return to visit. I encourage anyone to attend this school, you will be very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends this school and the staff is amazing! She will finish kindergarten soon and her amazing teacher and helper deserve a big pat on the back. She has learned so much in such a short tim, the teachers are great and you can talk to any staff member and they will help in any way possible. The principal has also been very helpful and is caring to all the children. Main Dunstable is all about family involvement. Im greatful that my daughter can attend Main Dunstable and I couldn't see her at any other elementary. Thank you to all the dedication and hardwork the staff puts in everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

We did have wonderful experience so far. The teachers are very nice and responsible. My kid has made big progress.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a child with special needs who attended MD for first and second grade. It was an absolute disaster.... they are woefully inept at dealing with anything outside their preconceived norm. When living there we met with Dr. Ross Greene at Harvard after the school effectively expelled our daughter for conditions (Sensory integration Dysfunction, Asperger's, etc) beyond her control. Dr Greene urged us to move out of the district to a more progressive school district. Our daughter is now in 8th grade and thriving academically, socially and emotionally. She is also in therapy to recover from the treatment she received while at Main Dunstable - from one teacher in particular... I welcome any responses as I would love to help other families from having to endure the same experience.
—Submitted by a parent

When our family was trying to decide about living in NH or MA we were considering Westford, MA and Nashua, NH. It was a really hard decision because we were told that the Westford public school system was better than the Nashua public school system. After considering the pros and cons and our family situation we decided to live in Nashua, NH. We have been here for two years now and both our children have been going to this school. My son is in 4th grade and my daughter is in 3rd grade. Although we thought like we were settling at that time, I think we actually made the best decision for our children. The teachers are easy to approach and communicate with. The children are challenged well and both my children actually enjoy going to school. Parents are wonderful too!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school environment, and staff. I think that what you give in to your child's education, you will get back. If your child has special needs, its not going to be easy anywhere at anytime, there will always be bumps. I also have a child with special needs, and I have had a wonderful experience. Every teacher my child has had, has been quite understanding and responsive to our needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I also agree if you are a parent with a special needs child, there are other schools that can meet your needs. I am one of those parents looking elsewhere. I also strongly agree that the children who do have an attention issue never get used to the open concept. It is difficult on a daily basis for my child. I do look forward to middle school next year since I've heard so many positive comments on the help in the special needs department. Plus they have doors!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with many of the reviews where special needs/special considerations are concerned. If you're a parent of a child with special needs, look elsewhere, because there are better schools to meet your needs.Also, I find that parental involvement is heavily controlled and inflexible. The open plan is an issue, particularly for students who are easily distracted. We've experienced one wonderful teacher and one disastrous teacher, so I think there are good and not so good teachers. In general, the principal and the teachers are very difficult to contact for feedback.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers are very good. Others not so good. Many teachers need professional development in behavior management, especially the old school teachers. If the only standard of success is accademic ability, then those kids not yet accademic stars will fall from the sky. However, if teachers highlight each child's wonderful qualities, then all children will shine and are more inclined to accademic success. Mr. Gosselin is a great guy, but avoids conflict. Any principal has a difficult job mediating between the different interests. Mr. Gosselin should consider finding mentors who do it well. He'll be a wonderful principal when he chooses conflict solutions that best help the children, as opposed to ones that ruffle the least amount of feathers.
—Submitted by a parent

I rate MDES As 4 out of 5.Its a great school. My kids love their school. We have 2 girls who is in 4 gr and 2 gr. They love it and we love he school. We love their curriculam so much,its like private school. Their principal is an awesome guy, Mr.Gosselin. The teachers are great. We had only one year when the teacher was not very great for one of my daughter.Other than that everything about MDES is great especially the teachers and the curriculam and its safe environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Mr. Gosselin as principal of the school is one of the best. His dedication to education and to the students is unmatched. Just like every other school there are some standout teachers and some that leave more to be desired. Overall one of the better elementary schools in Nashua. My kids previously went to Catholic schools and I have found English to be below our standard in the public school but Math to be above. So again like every school there ups and downs.
—Submitted by a parent

The best I can say is its an OK school. Not a recommended school if your child has any attention issues as the school is quite open plan only divided by lockers and no doors on the classrooms I've seen so you can very well hear what is going on in the next class. We will be moving at the end of this year and I will definately be looking for solid wall constructed rooms.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Mr. Gosslin is top-notch, could not ask for a better one. The teaching staff is the best that can be found. The special needs program is one of the best in the city.
—Submitted by a parent