The Birchtree Center Photo #1

The Birchtree Center

previous
The Birchtree Center Photo #1
next
The Birchtree Center Photo #1
The Birchtree Center is a nonprofit organization that operates the only year-round school in New Hampshire that serves students with autism exclusively.
The school welcomes students with autism ranging from preK to grade 12.
Students receive individualized instruction and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy year-round.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, and/or Multiple Disabilities (with one of those disabilities being autism)
Year Founded
2002
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 26, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed

Academics and Faculty

Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL

School Notes

  • School Motto: We change behavior and transform lives
  • School Mascot: Birch Tree
The Birchtree Center operates theonlyyear-round school in New Hampshire that serves students with autism exclusively. The schoolis approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education to serve students in grades preK-12 whose primary special education eligibility is any of the following:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Developmental Delay
  • Multiple Disabilities (with one of those disabilities being autism)
Students who benefit from Birchtree's individualized approach to applied behavior analysis (ABA) travel daily to the school from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.

At The Birchtree Center, students receive individualized instruction designed to:
  • Build strong foundation skills
  • Maximize individual strengths
  • Develop resiliency to personal learning barriers (for example, auditory sensitivities)
  • Facilitate functional communication systems
  • Build independence across all targeted skill areas
  • Promote generalization of skills across environments
Direct support providers rotate among the students in their classrooms in a block schedule format, so that each student works with several instructors over the course of the day. This kind of rotation facilitates generalization of skills and fosters relationships. Student groups are provided throughout the day in structured and unstructured social settings.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Expertise at Birchtree's Day School
Birchtree's Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Special Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists develop student programs using the principles ofapplied behavior analysis (ABA).

Direct support staff, including Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), are highly trained in ABA and closely supervised by BCBAs while delivering individualized instruction.

Every hour of every school day, Birchtree's staff collects data to document students' progress toward their learning and behavior goals. Staff enters the data into a secure online portal; Birchtree's autism experts can view this data in real time. Parents/guardians can also view their child's data on the portal. Birchtree's autism experts analyze the data at least once a week to assess students' progress and determine when programs should be modified to suit students' evolving needs.

Instructional Areas
All student programs follow New Hampshire state education standards and frameworks and are designed to suit each student's unique strengths, challenges, and Individualized Education Program.Instructional areas include:
  • Standards-Based Academics
  • Communication & Social Skills
  • Self-Care & Hygiene
  • Mobility & Fitness
  • Behavior & Self-Regulation
  • Vocational & Independent-Living Skills
Students aged 14 years and up participate in a wide range oftransition activitiesto learn the skills necessary to attain full and productive lives at home, at school, and in the community.

Learning at School & in Our Community
The school's location in Portsmouth provides ideal opportunities for students to interact with the local community and prepare for life beyond school-based services. Students visit local businesses, gyms, museums, and nature centers while working with instructors to develop life skills including shopping, physical fitness, and leisure.

Duration of Enrollment
Since the school's 2002 opening, 40+ public school districts in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts have relied on Birchtree's expertise by sending students to the school. Birchtree's staff works closely with families and referring school districts to prepare students to succeed outside of our specialized program.

Some students attend the school for two to three years and then transition back to their neighborhood schools. Other students may require the ongoing intensive educational and behavioral supports that the day school program provides and remain enrolled for longer periods of time.

Enrollment Process
Prospective parents and public school district representatives are invited tocontact Birchtree's Director of Student Services regarding any questions they may have about the school program or to schedule a tour of the school.

Typically, a student's family and the staff at their local school district come to an agreement that a student should be referred for eligibility consideration at Birchtree's day school. Then the district's representative assembles a referral packet to submit to Birchtree's Director of Student Services. Applications are accepted year-round. More information about the enrollment process is on Birchtree's website.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for The Birchtree Center?
The application deadline for The Birchtree Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

Endorse The Birchtree Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
June 09, 2025
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
June 09, 2025
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Rockingham County, NH is $21,040 for elementary schools and $36,224 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Rockingham County, NH is 59% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links