Boarding School In New Hampshire 鈥� 51社区 Admissions

51社区

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You make 51社区 different.

51社区 is a boarding school in New Hampshire built on relationships, and we believe in the potential of our students. At 51社区, we are a school in pursuit of knowing, supporting, and challenging each student as we learn do to hard things well and go beyond what we thought possible.

We can't wait to meet you!

Tara_Brisson
Tara Brisson
Connor_Hardowa
Connor Hardowa
Madison_Kirker
Madison Kirker
Mike_Toomey
Mike Toomey
Sharon
Sharon Trudel
Bailey_Walsh
Bailey Walsh

Your path to 51社区

Explore Our Digital Viewbook

Dive into our new digital viewbook to learn about 51社区, meet our students, faculty, alumni, and parents, and get a firsthand look at how the people make the place.

Help us get to know you

Our admissions process is personal from the start; tell us about yourself, where you’re at in your journey, and what you hope to find in your education. Remember, our favorite subject is you!

Come see our place

If you’re learning about boarding school in New Hampshire, we’d love for you to visit 51社区. We live, learn, and play on 150 sprawling hilltop acres located simultaneously in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and also steps from Main Street.

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Explore all of our options

51社区 students come from all over, metaphorically and literally. We have programs for boarding and day students,听international students, and those considering a post-graduate year.听

Our Programs

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

We recognize the commitment of choosing an independent school education. Our goal听 is to support that commitment for all of our families.听

Financial Aid

Apply now!

Whenever you’re ready, we’re ready.听We are also听test optional and celebrate that our students are more than a letter grade or number. Most importantly, if you have a question at any stage in this process, please contact us.听

Apply

Tara Brisson

603-286-1715

Role/Title: Interim Director of Admissions
Head Coach, Girls Varsity Basketball

Joined the 51社区 Community: 2009 – beginning her 18th year

Connor Hardowa

603-286-1716

Role/Title: Associate Director of Admissions, Athletics Liaison & Head Coach, Boys Varsity Ice Hockey

Joined the 51社区 Community: 2022

Entering his fifth year at the 51社区, Connor is passionate about helping adolescents discover what they’re made of, both in the classroom and as active members of the community. As a former D1 student athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Connor knows firsthand the balancing act it takes to play an active role on a team and in the classroom. It’s an experience that fundamentally shaped who he is 鈥� and one he draws on every day in his work with students at 51社区. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Connor also has the unique perspective of having been an international student, giving him a genuine understanding of what that journey looks like for families coming to the Hill from across the world.

Connor spent nearly a decade playing professional ice hockey in the AHL, ECHL, and internationally in Finland, Denmark, and France 鈥� collecting Championships and international adventures along the way. Connor graduated from UNH in 2013 with bachelor’s degrees in both finance and accounting. When he is not in the rink or the admissions office you can find Connor out on Lake Winnipesaukee or on a nearby golf course.听

In addition to his coaching and admissions roles, Connor also serves as Co-Dorm Head of East Knowles and an Advisor. He lives on campus with his wife Heather, and their two young sons Henry and Carter. You can always find the Hardowa boys running around the rink at the Mac or sneaking into the admissions office for a starburst.听

Madison Kirker ’20

603-286-1776

Role/Title: Assistant Director of Admissions

The 51社区 community is delighted to welcome back Madison Kirker 鈥�20 as she joins the Admissions team, bringing her journey full circle to the place where it all began.

After graduating from 51社区, Madison attended the United States Air Force Academy before transferring to the College of Charleston. While at Charleston, she discovered her passion for higher education leadership, serving in multiple pivotal roles within the admissions office. Upon graduation, she stepped into the professional arena as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Plymouth State University, where she excelled at recruiting, advising, and guiding prospective students through the enrollment process.

Now back on the Hill, Madison is eager to give back to the community that invested so heavily in her own future. She credits 51社区 with teaching her that relationships are everything鈥攁 philosophy that lies at the very heart of admissions work.

“I was fortunate to have faculty and staff who challenged me, believed in me, and became incredible role models,” Madison reflects. “I hope to have that same impact on students now.”

In her new role, Madison is most excited to help the next generation of Rams discover what makes 51社区 so unique, ensuring they find the same sense of belonging, confidence, and opportunity that she did. For current students, she offers a powerful piece of advice: “Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to be all in. The more you invest in this community, the more you’ll get back from it.”

Summing up her feelings about her return in just three words, Madison is simply: Grateful. Honored. Excited.

Mike Toomey

603-286-1757

Role/Title: Director of Strategic Enrollment Initiatives and Financial Aid

We welcome Mike Toomey as our new Director of Financial Aid. Mike holds an MBA from Saint Joseph鈥檚 University and a BS in Business/Marketing from UMASS Lowell. An industry leader and invited speaker at EMA and NBOA conferences, he brings extensive expertise in financial stewardship, net tuition revenue optimization, and data-driven enrollment management. Across leadership roles at institutions including Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, The Haverford School, and George School, Mike has managed multimillion-dollar financial aid budgets with a proven track record of expanding access and ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.

Mike is a dedicated boarding school educator who deeply values whole-student development. Having previously served as a residential dorm parent, academic advisor, and championship-winning cross-country and track & field coach (including 9-time Coach of the Year honors and an induction into the UMASS Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame), he naturally connects with students in all areas of campus life. Mike believes that education is built on intentional community, and his strategic vision and mentorship will play a vital role in supporting our families and strengthening campus life.

Sharon Trudel

603-286-1733

Role/Title: Administrative Assistant

听

Bailey Walsh

603-286-1723

Role/Title: Assistant Director of Admissions,
Head Coach, Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Driven by the energy, humor, and unique perspectives of high schoolers, this New Hampshire native is passionate about guiding students through some of the most formative years of their lives. Whether helping adolescents uncover their strengths, navigate the college process, or find a school community where they will thrive, he approaches mentorship with a focus on helping young people figure out who they are and who they want to become.

A former student at Pinkerton Academy and Holderness School, he went on to earn a B.S. in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Sport Management and Marketing from Merrimack College. His background combines extensive experience in athletics and student recruitment.

At 51社区, his impact spans all areas of campus life. In addition to leading the Boys Varsity Lacrosse program and serving as Assistant Director of Admission, he coordinates signature enrollment events, works closely with the Ambassador Club and student tour guides, serves as a dorm parent, and an advisor. Above all, he strives to be an accessible, trusted sounding board for students鈥攚hether they need advice on academics, sports, or just life.

Outside of work, you鈥檒l find him golfing, skiing, attending live music events, trying out new restaurants, or exploring New Hampshire with his dog. Jet. Ask him about his favorite spots for grilling, his hopes for the Boston Bruins, or a surprisingly impressive hidden talent he possesses.