Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0Manchester’s public schools score below 99% of New Hampshire districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 16% of Manchester’s students scored proficient, below the New Hampshire average (40%). The grade covers the public school district serving Manchester, 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 88% 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.
Manchester’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 28% of tested students were proficient in reading and 16% in math, against 51% and 40% statewide; 88% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
73% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire. Districts ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $19,453 per student in FY2024, against $23,296 across New Hampshire. 21% of its revenue that year was federal (New Hampshire 8%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
12 elementary schools, then four middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Mill Falls Charter School, Polaris Charter School, Two The Founders Academy Charter School campuses, Two Kreiva Academy Public Charter School campuses, Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies Charter School, Trinity High School (private), St. Peter's Home (private), North End Montessori School (private), Alpha Bits Learning Center II (private), Mt. St. Mary Academy (private), St. Benedict Academy (private), Cardinal Lacroix Academy (private), Holy Family Academy (private), St. Joseph Regional Jr. High School (private), St. Augustin Preschool (private), St. Marie Child Care Center (private), Child Guidance Early Learning Center (private) and Holycross Early Childhood Center (private) are 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 Manchester’s grade
D−: better than 1% of New Hampshire school districts, #125 of 126 New Hampshire towns. Both inputs trail the New Hampshire average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Manchester, with each school’s own grade.
Manchester’s public schools are run by Manchester 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 below the state in reading
Manchester vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Hampshire towns that share Manchester’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | D− | Manchester |
| Bedford | A | Bedford |
| Hooksett | A− | Hooksett |
| Londonderry | B+ | Londonderry |
| Auburn | A− | Auburn |
| Merrimack | B− | Merrimack |
| Goffstown | B+ | Goffstown |
| Litchfield | B+ | Litchfield |
Every school in Manchester
40 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 (NH Career Academy).
Questions about Manchester’s schools
Are Manchester’s schools good?
On New Hampshire’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Manchester children attend score below 99% of New Hampshire’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 1%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Manchester in?
Manchester School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 11,907 students in 20 schools (2024–25).
Where do Manchester kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Manchester Memorial High School, Manchester Central High School, Manchester West High School and Manchester School of Technology (High School).
What is Manchester’s graduation rate?
73% of the class of 2023 in Manchester School District graduated in four years, against 88% across New Hampshire.
How much does Manchester spend per student?
$19,453 in Manchester School District (FY2024), against $23,296 across New Hampshire. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Manchester?
Yes: Trinity High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 327 students), St. Peter's Home (Catholic, grades PK–K, 320 students), North End Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–4, 267 students), Alpha Bits Learning Center II (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 202 students), Mt. St. Mary Academy (Catholic, grades PK–6, 158 students), St. Benedict Academy (Catholic, grades PK–6, 143 students), Cardinal Lacroix Academy (Catholic, grades PK–6, 110 students), Holy Family Academy (Catholic, grades 7–12, 108 students), St. Joseph Regional Jr. High School (Catholic, grades 7–8, 106 students), St. Augustin Preschool (Catholic, grades PK–K, 65 students), St. Marie Child Care Center (Catholic, grades PK–K, 54 students), Child Guidance Early Learning Center (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 48 students) and Holycross Early Childhood Center (Catholic, grades PK–K, 31 students). Manchester also has 7 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Manchester families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Manchester → 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.