Thom Hartmann introduced the theory of hunters and farmers in his groundbreaking book, Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, which was first published in the early 1990's.  In its introduction, Thom Hartmann states, "This book is the first I know of to present the idea that ADHD is not always a disorder --but instead may be a trait of personality and metabolism; that ADHD comes from a specific evolutionary need in the history of humankind; that ADHD can actually be an advantage (depending on the circumstances); and that, through an understanding of the mechanism which led to ADHD's presence in our gene pool, we can recreate our schools and workplaces to not only accommodate ADHD individuals, but allow them to again become the powers behind the cultural, political, and scientific change which they so often historically represented."

The theory of ADHD children is the idea that they are the "hunters" who are able to take in continuous stimuli and react quickly to changing circumstances. Whereas, non-ADHD children are the "farmers" who are patient, methodical, and focused over long periods of time.  Unfortunately for ADHD children, traditional schools teach for the patient "farmers", and not the alert and quick reacting "hunters."

In 1998, NESCT determined the children who lived there, and many others in the surrounding region and beyond, were not being adequately educated because of the challenges their situations presented. In order to provide these children with quality educational opportunities, the New England Salem Children's Trust established The Hunter School.

The Hunter School opened its doors that year, and began to serve children who struggle in traditional education settings because of the educational and behavioral differences associated with ADHD.  Since opening, the Hunter School has served well over 100 students.