History
Paul W. Lehmann and wife Nancy
“First there was to be independence , freedom, if you will, to work within the framework of our own abilities and our own consciences. We were not to be restrained; our efforts were not to be colored by outside influences contrary to our beliefs. This did not mean we did not listen, or observe or read. Indeed we did. But we adopted only what we believed to be sound in pursuing our goal.”
PWL, 1935
Origin Story
Dublin School opened its doors in September of 1935, with eight students, six teachers and a panoramic view of the hills of southwestern New Hampshire. Privately owned by Paul and Nancy Lehmann until 1970, Dublin School is infused with a strong entrepreneurial spirit . The Lehmanns' dream of educating students with equal measures of academic rigor and support, engagement in meaningful work, and instilling an appreciation for the out-of-doors, is still vividly apparent in the much larger school it is today.
Early Days
Between 1935 - 1970, the student body was primarily made up of boys, with the exception of a few local day student girls. Learning skills support was a part of the academic program since the beginning and during the first few decades, Dublin offered a junior diploma for students who later went on to other New England preparatory schools. Snow sports dominated the athletic program, and students were an integral part of the physical construction of the campus and taking care of its maintenance.
A true Nonprofit
Upon the retirement of Paul and Nancy Lehmann, the school became a not-for- profit independent school and expanded its boarding student population to include all genders. Athletic and artistic offerings were greatly expanded, more buildings were built and acquired, and thanks to the generosity of many alumni, more financial aid was made available to provide greater financial access to a Dublin education. International students and teachers became more numerous from countries including Chile, Columbia, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China.
