On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Rochester School Department, held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the Salmon Falls School on Salmon Falls Road.

The new school, which has been in the making for more than 10 years, is set to open on September 2 and will accommodate up to 420 students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

The $33.6 million project was funded through a combination of local and state contributions, including $15.5 million approved by the Rochester City Council and $15.77 million from the New Hampshire Department of Education, which ranked the project as a top priority for its 2024 funding cycle.

The school features state-of-the-art technology, flexible learning spaces, and specialized areas for music, art, and special education.

Mayor Paul Callaghan described the opening of the school as the “culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and vision,” adding, “Thank you to our architects, builders, staff, and community for making this facility a reality.”

School Board member and JBC Chairperson Sarah Harrington added, “It is with great pride and excitement that we gather here today to officially open the new Salmon Falls School — a beautiful, modern elementary building that stands as a testament to what we can accomplish together. This project was not only completed on time and on budget, but it also reflects our shared vision of creating a space where students and teachers can thrive for years to come.”

A city-wide open house will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The open house is open to the public, and residents and families are encouraged to attend.