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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Portsmouth Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,467 students in Portsmouth, NH (there are 4 private schools, serving 310 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Portsmouth, NH are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 86%). Portsmouth has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in New Hampshire.
The top-ranked public schools in Portsmouth, NH are New Franklin School, Little Harbour School and Mary C. Dondero Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Portsmouth, NH public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the New Hampshire public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of New Hampshire public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public school average of 18% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Portsmouth, NH (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New Franklin School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1 Franklin Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-0910
Gr: K-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Little Harbour School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
50 Clough Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1708
Gr: K-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Mary C. Dondero Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
32 Van Buren Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-2231
Gr: K-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
Newington Public School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
133 Nimble Hill Rd.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1482
Gr: K-6 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
Portsmouth Middle School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
155 Parrott Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-5781
Gr: 6-8 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Portsmouth High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-7100
Gr: 9-13 | 1,014 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Peep School - Pre School Program
50 Clough Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
Gr: PK | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 25%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Portsmouth, NH?
How many public schools are located in Portsmouth?
7 public schools are located in Portsmouth.
What percentage of students in Portsmouth go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Portsmouth are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public schools average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Portsmouth include: Little Harbour School vs. New Franklin School, New Franklin School vs. Little Harbour School

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