Photo: User:Magicpiano · CC BY-SA 4.0Derry’s public schools score below 66% of New Hampshire districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Derry, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests. 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 2020’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Derry’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 155 New Hampshire towns with household incomes within a quarter of Derry’s, its schools beat 27%, lower than their 34% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 48% of tested students were proficient in reading and 38% in math, against 51% and 40% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $23,696 per student, against $23,296 across New Hampshire (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Gilbert H. Hood Middle School. Enrollment is up 38% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Next Charter School, Wonder Years Learning Center-Derry (private) and Sonshine Preschool & Daycare (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Derry’s grade
C: better than 34% of New Hampshire school districts, #80 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Test scores are below the New Hampshire average; there is no graduation rate to add.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Derry, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Derry
Derry Early Education Program
Grades PK · 132 students · 33:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Derry
West Running Brook Intermediate School
Grades 5–6 · 639 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Derry
West Running Brook Intermediate School
Grades 5–6 · 639 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Derry’s public schools are run by Derry 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.
Below the state in reading
Derry vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Hampshire towns that share Derry’s borders.
Every school in Derry
11 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 Derry’s schools
Are Derry’s schools good?
On New Hampshire’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Derry children attend score below 66% of New Hampshire’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #80 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 27%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020.
What school district is Derry in?
Derry School District, which runs grades PK–8 and enrolls 3,011 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
How much does Derry spend per student?
$23,696 in Derry School District (FY2024), against $23,296 across New Hampshire. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Derry?
Yes: Wonder Years Learning Center-Derry (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 135 students) and Sonshine Preschool & Daycare (religious, grades PK–1, 31 students). Derry also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Derry families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Derry → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2020) 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.