The best candidates for Hampshire Country School are those who will respond to the attention of its faculty, seek the help of its teachers, enjoy being part of a small school community, and enjoy its outdoor activities. Most students, however, have not had such success elsewhere, and many parents are quite discouraged by the time they first inquire about the school. Many students have had trouble fitting into the structure of larger schools and many have had difficulty adapting to the demands of peers. Many are more comfortable with adults than with age mates. It is designed instead to involve and educate the bright, active, and interested side of each child rather than to dwell on the student's limitations and difficulties.
Students come from throughout the United States and occasionally from other countries.
A fifth grader might, for instance, take Math, General Science, Western Hemisphere, English, and Writing Lab. A tenth grader might take Geometry, Biology, Modern World History, Concepts in Literature, and Language Arts. Courses follow a traditional curriculum but may be modified to fit the needs of particular students. Most students have about an hour of homework each day. Dorm Life Afternoon, evening, and weekend hours are as important in the life and development of a student as are the hours spent in class.