Merrimack Valley is a four-year high school located in Penacook, a village in the northern part of Concord, New Hampshire. The school has approximately 900 students and serves the communities of Andover, Boscawen, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury, and Webster.
Serving 744 students in grades 9-12, Merrimack Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Hampshire for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the New Hampshire state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Hampshire state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 744 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in NH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merrimack Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Hampshire for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Merrimack Valley High School's student population of 744 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
744 students
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Year Founded
1967
Colors
White, Grey, Navy Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Merrimack Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 455 schools in New Hampshire (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merrimack Valley High School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.33. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#332 out of 455 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
3%
8%
Black
2%
2%
White
91%
82%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
20%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Victor E. Lion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merrimack Valley High School's ranking?
Merrimack Valley High School is ranked #332 out of 455 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Hampshire.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NH state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% NH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Merrimack Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Merrimack Valley High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 88%.
How many students attend Merrimack Valley High School?
744 students attend Merrimack Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Merrimack Valley High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merrimack Valley High School?
Merrimack Valley High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 11:1.
What grades does Merrimack Valley High School offer ?
Merrimack Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merrimack Valley High School part of?
Merrimack Valley High School is part of Merrimack Valley School District.
School Reviews
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