Merrimack County Schools & Education

Merrimack County, New Hampshire

School Score

62/100

Higher = better

Rating

Average

Graduation Rate

86.6%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

86.6%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 87.2%

Per-Pupil Spending

$12,007

National avg $13,239

State avg $12,649

School Score

62/100

Higher = better

State avg 66/100

State School Rank

#6

of 10 counties (1 = best)

Education Overview

About Schools in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Centralized Schooling in the Capital Region

Merrimack County hosts 55 public schools serving a total of 17,493 students. The educational system is organized into 20 districts and features 33 elementary and 10 high schools. This provides a stable and wide-reaching network for families living in and around the state capital.

Steady Academic Performance and Balanced Funding

The graduation rate of 86.6% nearly matches the state's 87.2% average and the national benchmark. Spending per pupil is $12,007, slightly under the state average but reflecting a balanced approach to resource management. The county earns a school score of 62.6, maintaining solid performance in the state's middle tier.

Concord and Kearsarge Lead the Way

The Concord School District is the county's largest, managing 7 schools and 4,025 students. Merrimack Valley and Kearsarge Regional are also significant players, each overseeing 7 schools. Charter schools make up 7.3% of the local options, with 4 institutions available to residents.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

Most schools here are rural (31) or town-based (18), though a small suburban pocket exists near the capital. Concord High School is the largest in the county with 1,467 students, providing a comprehensive large-school experience. On average, schools serve about 318 students, offering a middle-ground size for most families.

Find Your Home in the Capital’s Best Districts

Merrimack County is ideal for families who want a mix of small-town charm and large-district resources. Real estate near high-performing schools in Concord and Bow remains in high demand for local buyers. Explore the diverse housing options available in these well-regarded central New Hampshire districts.

School Overview

Total Schools

55

in Merrimack County

Total Enrollment

17,493

students

School Districts

20

districts

Charter Schools

4

7% of total

School Type Breakdown

Elementary33
Middle11
High10
Other1

20 School Districts in Merrimack County

Concord School District

7 schools
4,025 students

Merrimack Valley School District

7 schools
2,226 students

Kearsarge Regional School District

7 schools
1,728 students

Bow School District

3 schools
1,663 students

Pembroke School District

3 schools
1,431 students

Winnisquam Regional School District

5 schools
1,296 students

Hooksett School District

3 schools
1,251 students

Franklin School District

3 schools
935 students

Hopkinton School District

4 schools
935 students

Pittsfield School District

3 schools
517 students

55 Public Schools in Merrimack County

Concord High School

Concord School District

9–12High1,467 students
Rundlett Middle School

Concord School District

6–8Middle826 students
Merrimack Valley High School

Merrimack Valley School District

9–12High784 students
Pembroke Academy

Pembroke School District

9–12High783 students
Bow High School

Bow School District

9–12High604 students
Bow Elementary School

Bow School District

PK–4Primary533 students
Bow Memorial School

Bow School District

5–8Middle526 students
Kearsarge Regional High School

Kearsarge Regional School District

9–UGHigh508 students
Merrimack Valley Middle School

Merrimack Valley School District

6–8Middle472 students
David R. Cawley Middle School

Hooksett School District

6–8Middle429 students
Fred C. Underhill School

Hooksett School District

PK–2Primary428 students
Kearsarge Regional Middle School

Kearsarge Regional School District

6–8Middle410 students
Henniker Community School

Henniker School District

PK–8Primary400 students
Hooksett Memorial School

Hooksett School District

3–5Primary394 students
Epsom Central School

Epsom School District

KG–8Primary392 students
Franklin Middle School

Franklin School District

4–8Middle378 students
Beaver Meadow School

Concord School District

PK–5Primary365 students
Christa McAuliffe School

Concord School District

KG–5Primary363 students
Mill Brook School

Concord School District

PK–2Primary354 students
Kearsarge Reg. Elem. School at New London

Kearsarge Regional School District

KG–5Primary353 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$12,007

State avg $12,649

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Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Merrimack County hosts 55 public schools serving a total of 17,493 students. The educational system is organized into 20 districts and features 33 elementary and 10 high schools. This provides a stable and wide-reaching network for families living in and around the state capital.

How do schools in Merrimack County perform academically?

The graduation rate of 86.6% nearly matches the state's 87.2% average and the national benchmark. Spending per pupil is $12,007, slightly under the state average but reflecting a balanced approach to resource management. The county earns a school score of 62.6, maintaining solid performance in the state's middle tier.

What are the major school districts in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

The Concord School District is the county's largest, managing 7 schools and 4,025 students. Merrimack Valley and Kearsarge Regional are also significant players, each overseeing 7 schools. Charter schools make up 7.3% of the local options, with 4 institutions available to residents.

What is the school experience like in Merrimack County?

Most schools here are rural (31) or town-based (18), though a small suburban pocket exists near the capital. Concord High School is the largest in the county with 1,467 students, providing a comprehensive large-school experience. On average, schools serve about 318 students, offering a middle-ground size for most families.

How can I find homes near good schools in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Merrimack County is ideal for families who want a mix of small-town charm and large-district resources. Real estate near high-performing schools in Concord and Bow remains in high demand for local buyers. Explore the diverse housing options available in these well-regarded central New Hampshire districts.

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.