Back to School & Your Home Search:

Don’t Let the Lakes Region Dream Slip Away

Back-to-school season is intense. Anxiety over early alarms, class schedules, carpools, and lunch packing consumes many families—especially when you're also trying to keep your home search on track. If you're eyeing a move to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and aren’t already familiar with its school landscape, this is a great time to dive into why this area offers both educational excellence and lifestyle balance.

The Lakes Region School Districts at a Glance

Navigating school districts can feel overwhelming—so here’s a clear overview of districts serving the Lakes Region:

Belknap County

1. Inter-Lakes School District (SAU 2)

   • Towns: Meredith, Center Harbor (plus Sandwich in Carroll County; Ashland via SAU 2) interlakes.org

2. Gilford School District (SAU 73)

   • Towns: Gilford (also serves Gilmanton high school students) sau73.org

3. Gilmanton School District (SAU 79)

   • Towns: Gilmanton — Gilmanton School (K–8), then tuition to Gilford HS sau79.org

4. Laconia School District (SAU 30)

   • Towns: City of Laconia (3 elementary schools, middle, and high school sau30.org

5. Winnisquam Regional School District (SAU 59)
   Towns: Sanbornton (PreK–5), Tilton, Northfield scs.wrsdsau59.org

Carroll County

1. Governor Wentworth Regional School District (SAU 49)

   • Towns: Wolfeboro, Brookfield, Effingham, New Durham, Ossipee, Tuftonboro

     gwrsd.sau49nh.gov

2. Moultonborough School District (SAU 45)
   Towns: Moultonborough — Moultonborough Central School (K–6) & Moultonborough Academy (7–12) sau45.org

3. Alton School District

   Towns: Alton — Alton Central School (PK–8) pmsau.org/o/acs

Across the region, families also have access to private and preparatory schooling options.

Why the Lakes Region Stands Out for Families New to the Area

• Educational Quality & Variety – Whether you want the personalized environment of smaller schools or access to technical and arts programs there’s something for every learning style.

• Close-Knit Communities – With smaller enrollments, support systems are tighter—meaning parents and students often feel seen and supported quicker.

• Balanced Lifestyle – Imagine running school drop-offs and then unwinding lakeside or exploring hiking trails. The area offers a slower pace and an outdoor-rich sanctuary to counterbalance back-to-school chaos.

Don’t Let the Home Search Stall Out

Even when the school-year shuffle is in full swing, keeping your home search alive matters—especially in competitive markets like the Lakes Region. Here’s how to stay engaged:

• Set micro-goals, like browsing listings or attending open houses once a week.

• Plan short visits tied to school exploration or activities—visit neighborhoods with schools you like, scout for homes nearby, and test drive morning commutes. Or pair attending an athletic or extracurricular activity with a showing or open house.

• Work with a knowledgeable agent who understands local zoning, school boundaries, and timing—so you’re not scrambling if a great opportunity pops up.

** Takeaway**

The Lakes Region isn’t just a beautiful place—it’s a community with strong school districts, thoughtful academic options, and the kind of lifestyle that balances learning with living. As your kids head back into the classroom, don’t let the home search swing to the back burner. Keep moving forward—and soon, your family could be settling into a new home where both education and everyday life feel just right.

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