Photo: Ken Gallager at en.wikipedia · Public domainAlton’s public schools score below 77% of New Hampshire districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Alton’s districts is 27%, below the New Hampshire average (40%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Alton, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New Hampshire, not nationally.
From New Hampshire state tests taken in spring 2022, when 90% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Alton’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 150 New Hampshire towns with household incomes within a quarter of Alton’s, its schools beat 9%, lower than their 23% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Alton runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
Alton Central School (Elem) (PK–8) is Alton’s own. From grade 9, students attend the Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District with Barnstead: Prospect Mountain High School. The high school’s own results earn a B−, the highest on the path. See the path ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 46% of tested students were proficient in reading and 27% in math, against 51% and 40% statewide; 90% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire (the state reports Alton’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $27,998 per student, against $23,296 across New Hampshire (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Alton’s grade
C−: better than 23% of New Hampshire school districts, #100 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Graduation is above the New Hampshire average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Alton, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Alton
Alton Central School (Elem)
Grades PK–8 · 407 students · 9:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Alton
Prospect Mountain High School
Grades 9–12 · 402 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Alton
Prospect Mountain High School
Grades 9–12 · 402 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Alton runs its own schools through grade 8 (Alton School District). From grade 9, students attend the Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District, shared with Barnstead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Alton
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Alton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Hampshire towns that share Alton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Alton | C− | Alton PK–8 · Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District 9–12 |
| Gilford | B+ | Gilford |
| Tuftonboro | B | Governor Wentworth Regional |
| Wolfeboro | B | Governor Wentworth Regional |
| New Durham | B | Governor Wentworth Regional |
| Barnstead | D | Barnstead PK–8 · Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District 9–12 |
| Gilmanton | A− | Gilmanton |
| Farmington | C− | Farmington |
Every school in Alton
2 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New Hampshire’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Alton’s schools
Are Alton’s schools good?
On New Hampshire’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Alton children attend score below 77% of New Hampshire’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #100 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 9%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Alton in?
Two districts: Alton School District runs grades PK–8, and Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District runs grades 9–12, shared with Barnstead.
Where do Alton kids go to high school?
Prospect Mountain High School, with 402 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Alton’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Prospect Mountain High School Joint Maintenance Agreement District graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire.
How much does Alton spend per student?
$27,998 in Alton School District (FY2024), against $23,296 across New Hampshire. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Alton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Alton → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New Hampshire. Stars are from neighbors.