Amherst students, along with those from neighboring Mont Vernon, attend the award-winning Souhegan High School, which, according to the mission statement, is aimed at producing community
leaders. Souhegan operates under the Coalition of Essential Schools curriculum, which is a less-structured approach to education that emphasizes student independence. The biggest issue facing Amherst of late is what to do with the ever-increasing enrollments at the schools. The Amherst School Board and the joint board of the Souhegan High School have been considering many options.

Amherst prides itself on preserving its colonial flair, the centerpiece of which is the village green in the center of town.