Dept. of Ed’s History Rocks! Tour at Founders
Posted on 03/17/2026
Founders Academy Hosts U.S. Department of Education’s “History Rocks!” Tour in Manchester
The Founders Academy Public Charter School hosted the History Rocks! Tour from the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday, March 10, welcoming students, teachers, staff and special guests for an interactive and engaging program centered on Revolutionary history, America’s founding, and the importance of local history.
The Founders Academy, Grades 5 - 12, was selected as the only school in the state of New Hampshire to be visited during the national tour for its strong reputation for delivering high-quality history and civics education that brings the principles of the American founding to life for students.
Senior Advisor for Civic Education, Katharine “Katie” Gorka of the U.S. Department of Education presented to attendees of The History Rocks! Tour mission; it is designed to energize and engage K–12 students, encouraging them to explore the nation’s past while discovering ways to continue learning about their state’s history throughout 2026.
During the program, students participated in two interactive games facilitated by the school’s emcees, Mission Director, Greg Van Ewyk and student, Serena Mackay, Class of 2027. The activities encouraged active student involvement while highlighting key historical facts and figures.
The national tour is part of the upcoming celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, commemorating the nation’s founding and inspiring students to learn more about the history that shaped the country.
TFA’s mission is to “develop leaders who understand and apply the lessons of the past, demonstrate exceptional character and lead by example. The Academy recognizes the importance of balance in the development of the whole person, and respects each student's journey. Principled leadership is fostered by means of a curriculum of classical studies that includes analyzing the lives of great men and women of history, mining the rich classical ideals of the Western tradition, and tracing the evolution of the precious and costly idea of liberty.”
“We are excited to celebrate our country and our state,” Dean of School Cassie Hayes said.
In 2026, communities across the country are coming together with a shared purpose—to celebrate the triumph of the American spirit by honoring our history, valuing our freedoms, and shaping a bright future of opportunity for the next 250 years.
The Founders Academy is a public charter school for students in grades 5 through 12 that is free and open to all New Hampshire students. The Academy develops leaders who understand and apply the lessons of the past, demonstrate exceptional character and lead by example. The Academy recognizes the importance of balance in the development of the whole person, and respects each student's journey.
Principled leadership is fostered by means of a curriculum of classical studies that includes analyzing the lives of great men and women of history, mining the rich classical ideals of the Western tradition, and tracing the evolution of the precious and costly idea of liberty.
The Founders Academy is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. To learn more about The Founders Academy or to apply for admission, visit www.thefoundersacademy.org.