The Rochester School Department is preparing to welcome the community to the brand-new Salmon Falls School, which officially opened to students on September 2.

The $33.6 million school has been in the making for more than a decade and now serves up to 420 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Funded through a combination of local and state contributions, the project included $15.5 million approved by the Rochester City Council and $15.77 million from the New Hampshire Department of Education, which ranked it as a top priority for its 2024 funding cycle.

The modern facility features state-of-the-art technology, flexible learning spaces, and dedicated 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 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 citywide Open House will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 753 Salmon Falls Road. Guided tours will run every 10 minutes in groups of 20–30. Attendees are asked to arrive 20 minutes early due to limited parking and to check in at the front entrance to begin their tour.

To ensure safety and convenience for all visitors, parking will be restricted: do not park on neighboring properties or in Ida Circle, and please keep the access road clear.