special education grants. Massachusetts funding for special education under Chapter 750 became more restricted in 1972 under Chapter 766, and as a result the school elected to discontinue accepting children funded by special education funds and began limiting the student population. In 1996 the school population decreased to the current desired size of about 25 boys specifically selected for their intelligence, playfulness and good nature creating a healthy, tighter community for the students. From the 1960s to her death in 2008, actress and screenwriter Kay Linaker (aka Kate Phillips) was an English teacher and drama coach at the school. Animal scientist and author Temple Grandin (one of her biographies refers to the school as "The Hampshire School for Wayward Wizards", a sort of Hogwarts for today) as well as comedian Noel Murphy are alumni. References External links Hampshire Country School HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY SCHOOL: A Little Personal Place SENG / Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted A Hampshire Country School Play Educational institutions established in 1948 Schools in Cheshire County, New Hampshire Private middle schools in New Hampshire 1948 establishments in New Hampshire Boarding schools in New Hampshire Rindge, New Hampshire