Photo: Ascended Dreamer · CC BY 4.0Canaan’s public schools score below 54% of New Hampshire districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Canaan, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. On the state math tests, 35% of Canaan’s students scored proficient, below the New Hampshire average (40%). 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 96% 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.
Canaan’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 146 New Hampshire towns with household incomes within a quarter of Canaan’s, its schools beat 60%, higher than their 46% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 44% of tested students were proficient in reading and 35% in math, against 51% and 40% statewide; 96% 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 Canaan’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $25,731 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 Indian River School, then Mascoma Valley Regional High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Cardigan Mountain 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 Canaan’s grade
B−: better than 46% of New Hampshire school districts, #65 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 Canaan, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Canaan
Canaan Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 236 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Canaan
Indian River School
Grades 5–8 · 292 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Canaan
Indian River School
Grades 5–8 · 292 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Canaan
Indian River School
Grades 5–8 · 292 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Canaan
Indian River School
Grades 5–8 · 292 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Canaan
Mascoma Valley Regional High School
Grades 9–12 · 303 students · 10:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Canaan
Mascoma Valley Regional High School
Grades 9–12 · 303 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Canaan’s public schools are run by Mascoma Valley Regional School District, which also serves Dorchester, Enfield, Grafton and Orange. 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 below the state in reading
Canaan vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Hampshire towns that share Canaan’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Canaan | B− | Mascoma Valley Regional |
| Enfield | B− | Mascoma Valley Regional |
| Dorchester | — | Mascoma Valley Regional |
| Orange | — | Mascoma Valley Regional |
| Hanover | A+ | Hanover K–5 · Dresden 6–12 |
| Groton | — | Newfound Area |
| Grafton | B− | Mascoma Valley Regional |
4 of the 6 neighbors share Mascoma Valley Regional with Canaan, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Canaan
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).
Questions about Canaan’s schools
Are Canaan’s schools good?
On New Hampshire’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Canaan children attend score below 54% of New Hampshire’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #65 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 60%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Canaan in?
Mascoma Valley Regional School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,026 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Canaan kids go to high school?
Mascoma Valley Regional High School, with 303 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Canaan’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Mascoma Valley Regional School District graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire.
How much does Canaan spend per student?
$25,731 in Mascoma Valley Regional School District (FY2024), against $23,296 across New Hampshire. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Canaan?
Yes: Cardigan Mountain School (nonsectarian · all-boys, grades 6–9, 231 students).
Parents talk
What Canaan families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Canaan → 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.