Photo: John Phelan · CC BY-SA 3.0Bow’s public schools outscore 79% of New Hampshire districts
On the state reading tests, 62% of Bow’s students scored proficient, above the New Hampshire average (51%). The grade covers the public school district serving Bow, 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 95% 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.
Bow’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 41 New Hampshire towns with household incomes within a quarter of Bow’s, its schools beat 56%, lower than their 79% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 62% and math 49% in spring 2022, against 51% and 40% statewide; 95–100% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,788 per student, against $23,296 across New Hampshire (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is Bow Memorial School, then Bow High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Meeting House Montessori School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
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 Bow’s grade
A−: better than 79% of New Hampshire school districts, #20 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the New Hampshire average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bow, with each school’s own grade.
Bow’s public schools are run by Bow School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Bow vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Hampshire towns that share Bow’s borders.
Every school in Bow
4 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Bow Preschool). 1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Bow’s schools
Are Bow’s schools good?
By New Hampshire’s own tests, yes: the public schools Bow children attend outscore 79% of New Hampshire’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #20 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 56%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bow in?
Bow School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,688 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
Where do Bow kids go to high school?
Bow High School, with 622 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Bow’s graduation rate?
95–100% of the class of 2023 in Bow School District graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire.
How much does Bow spend per student?
$19,788 in Bow School District (FY2024), against $23,296 across New Hampshire. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bow?
Yes: Meeting House Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–4, 48 students).
Parents talk
What Bow families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bow → 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.