Belknap County Schools & Education
Belknap County, New Hampshire
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.2%
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,574
National avg $13,239
State avg $12,649
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 66/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#10
of 10 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Belknap County
School Verdict
Belknap County has average school quality (score: 56/100) with a graduation rate of 82.9%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
With $12,574 per pupil, Belknap County has adequate funding that generally covers core educational needs and some supplemental services.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Belknap County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 15% below the New Hampshire average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Belknap County, New Hampshire
A Network of Seven Diverse School Districts
Belknap County manages an educational infrastructure of 23 public schools serving 7,590 students. The system includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools spread across 7 distinct districts. This provides a focused learning environment with one school for every 330 students on average.
Assessing Student Success and Educational Investment
The county reports a graduation rate of 82.9%, which sits below the state average of 87.2% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local leaders invest $12,574 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $12,649. With a school score of 61.8, the county remains competitive against the state's 64.2 average.
Spotlight on Laconia and Shaker Regional Districts
Laconia School District stands as the largest provider, overseeing 5 schools and 1,828 students. The Shaker Regional and Gilford districts follow closely, together educating over 2,200 children. Notably, the county currently operates without charter schools, relying entirely on traditional district structures.
Rural Roots and Intimate Learning Environments
Education here feels personal, with 14 rural schools and 9 town-based settings defining the landscape. Laconia High School is the largest campus with 590 students, while many others, like Alton Central, maintain a smaller feel. The average school size of 330 ensures students do not get lost in the crowd.
Find Your Home Near Belknap Schools
Families looking for a blend of town and rural schooling will find many options in the Laconia and Gilford areas. School quality is a primary driver of local property values and long-term community stability. Explore homes in these districts to secure a place in this dedicated educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
23
in Belknap County
Total Enrollment
7,590
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Belknap County
Laconia School District
Shaker Regional School District
Gilford School District
Barnstead School District
Alton School District
Prospect Mountain JMA School District
Gilmanton School District
23 Public Schools in Belknap County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laconia High School | Laconia School District | 9–UG | High | 590 |
| Gilford High School | Gilford School District | 9–12 | High | 499 |
| Barnstead Elementary School | Barnstead School District | PK–8 | Primary | 469 |
| Winnisquam Regional High School | Winnisquam Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 421 |
| Alton Central School (Elem) | Alton School District | PK–8 | Primary | 417 |
| Laconia Middle School | Laconia School District | 6–8 | Middle | 408 |
| Inter-Lakes Elementary School | Inter-Lakes Cooperative School District | PK–6 | Primary | 401 |
| Winnisquam Regional Middle School | Winnisquam Regional School District | 5–8 | Middle | 398 |
| Prospect Mountain High School | Prospect Mountain JMA School District | 9–12 | High | 387 |
| Belmont High School | Shaker Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 366 |
| Gilmanton Elementary School | Gilmanton School District | KG–8 | Primary | 365 |
| Belmont Middle School | Shaker Regional School District | 5–8 | Middle | 345 |
| Belmont Elementary School | Shaker Regional School District | PK–4 | Primary | 334 |
| Gilford Elementary School | Gilford School District | KG–4 | Primary | 322 |
| Gilford Middle School | Gilford School District | 5–8 | Middle | 305 |
| Woodland Heights Elementary School | Laconia School District | PK–5 | Primary | 304 |
| Inter-Lakes High School | Inter-Lakes Cooperative School District | 9–UG | High | 289 |
| Pleasant Street School | Laconia School District | PK–5 | Primary | 266 |
| Elm Street School | Laconia School District | PK–5 | Primary | 260 |
| Sanbornton Central School | Winnisquam Regional School District | KG–4 | Primary | 177 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$12,574
State avg $12,649
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Belknap County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Belknap County?
How much does Belknap County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Belknap County, New Hampshire — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Belknap County, New Hampshire?
Belknap County manages an educational infrastructure of 23 public schools serving 7,590 students. The system includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools spread across 7 distinct districts. This provides a focused learning environment with one school for every 330 students on average.
How do schools in Belknap County perform academically?
The county reports a graduation rate of 82.9%, which sits below the state average of 87.2% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local leaders invest $12,574 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $12,649. With a school score of 61.8, the county remains competitive against the state's 64.2 average.
What are the major school districts in Belknap County, New Hampshire?
Laconia School District stands as the largest provider, overseeing 5 schools and 1,828 students. The Shaker Regional and Gilford districts follow closely, together educating over 2,200 children. Notably, the county currently operates without charter schools, relying entirely on traditional district structures.
What is the school experience like in Belknap County?
Education here feels personal, with 14 rural schools and 9 town-based settings defining the landscape. Laconia High School is the largest campus with 590 students, while many others, like Alton Central, maintain a smaller feel. The average school size of 330 ensures students do not get lost in the crowd.
How can I find homes near good schools in Belknap County, New Hampshire?
Families looking for a blend of town and rural schooling will find many options in the Laconia and Gilford areas. School quality is a primary driver of local property values and long-term community stability. Explore homes in these districts to secure a place in this dedicated educational community.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.