2023 Best Schools in New Hampshire

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  310 reviews

Parent: Boarding School is such a unique experience, and I truly believe no school can quite encompass that authentic "boarding school" experience like Exeter. From A tier academics, to amazing sports, Exeter has it all. Topping it off, most of the faculty here hold a PHD or some sort of master's degree in their field, which leads to meaningful and impactful classroom conversations everyday. I came to Phillips Exeter as a Sophomore and my only regret is that I only got to spend three years here!... Read 310 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,077

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  94 reviews

Parent: If you want a well-rounded high school experience, St. Paul's is the place to go. It is clear that the school genuinely cares about its students, faculty, and staff. They've done a lot of research on diversity programs and, consequently, have done a great job of building a friendly and inclusive environment. Teachers are also very receptive and genuinely concerned about their student's well-being and success. SPS has had the most impact on our son's life. He adores his school classmates, deans, and advisers. As parents, we couldn't ask for a better school for our son! We are so relieved we decided to go with St. Paul's!... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Academy for Science & Design Charter School, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: When I first started at ASD in sixth grade, I was determined to go somewhere else for high school. Now, I'm a senior, and staying was the best choice I ever made. ASD might be small and nerdy, but it has an incredible community. The teachers aren't there for the money; they're there because they're passionate and knowledgeable. The students all know and support each other. We're best known for our academics, and for good reason. The high-school-level classes start in 7th grade, and they remain challenging and innovative all the way through 12th. Overall, ASD was ranked the number one high school in NH, and it truly is.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• SAU 70, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: While Hanover High School may not be the best in the nation, it is a fantastic public school that gives students rigorous learning opportunities and allows us to excel, and also gives us a safe environment. I have had a good experience with other students and faculty, and (from the perspective of a Black LGBTQ+ student) people are accepting and open-minded. I have never had a bad teacher here and have truly enjoyed the classroom environment some of them have provided. Meetings with supportive counselors helped me through the college search and application process. And the friends I have met here are great! Our school building is well-maintained and our facilities are great, with spaces for people to hang out or work quietly. One of my favorite spots to be with friends is the often-unoccupied photo classroom tucked away in the art department. (We are pretty introverted and don’t like the loud atrium or cafeteria!) I can say that Hanover has given me a fulfilling high school experience.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 697

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Meriden, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  54 reviews

Alum: Great school! The teachers are very kind and helpful, the student body is great, but the most important thing about KUA for me is the amazing community. Everyone is very nice, and the faculty really care about you. Pros: Sports and fitness are a big part of KUA for most, but there are smaller circles more focused on theater or STEM, or you can mix and match. Dorms are a bit old but ok, and the campus is beautiful! Academically it's a great place for really anyone (whether you're an athlete, academic, both or neither!), and they have many options for tutoring and writing help. The health center is absolutely AMAZING. I cannot overstate this enough. Don't hesitate to go there if you need any sort of medical/psychological help. They will do whatever they can, and trust me they are great at it. Cons: Food is iffy. I also was NOT a fan of the extreme COVID restrictions but that's over now. The bottom line: it's a fantastic community, and a really great place to spend your teen years.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: Dublin School provided the most nurturing, challenging, and accepting environment for me during critical years of development. During my four years at Dublin, I was pushed academically, athletically, artistically and socially, while being acknowledged and respected for who I was. The entire community is incredibly welcoming. My strengths were built upon, and my weaknesses were met and addressed in a way that prepared me for the upcoming chapters of my life. In my opinion, the strongest attribute of the school is its size. I knew everyone on campus and the intimate classes allowed for impactful conversations, yet it was large enough to establish friendships with people that I could relate to on deeper levels. My Dublin friends are still my best friends, and I graduated over 14 years ago. Dublin is such a special place, and I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend there!... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 169

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Holderness, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: My daughter is a junior at Holderness and she has had a wonderful journey thus far. Holderness has a way of blending a rigorous academic with a robust outdoor program/athletics on a campus that is welcoming and inclusive. My daughter loves every minute that she is at Holderness. The teachers are warm and available to the students and push them to attain their greatest academic achievements. We are excited that my son will be starting as a freshman next year!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 301

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bethlehem, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: We have 2 children enrolled at WMS. Our daughter will be graduating in May. We have absolutely loved our 4 years at this school. The teachers are thoughtful and caring. The college prep process is amazing. Kids start the process their junior year by attending college prep classes as a graded course and are completely finished and ready to apply early decision or early action by the end of October their senior year. The teachers really are the hardest working group who make themselves available as needed. The campus is gorgeous with huge glass windows and small classes. Mandatory sports allow anyone to join, even if you have never stepped foot on a soccer or lacrosse field. Everyone is welcome and everyone plays. We are so grateful for this school and everything it has given our kids.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Academy for Science & Design Charter School, NH•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  11 reviews

Middle School Student: I go here it is awesome! Everyone is so welcoming and is very kind and I already have a ton of friends. Curriculum is tough, but worth it, and you are still able to do out of school activities. Staff and Admins are amazing and genuinely care about the students education. There is a wide array of after-school clubs including but not limited to: Drama Club, Book Club, Sci-Fi Club, First Lego League, Math Counts, Science Quiz Bowl, and Band. Do note that the only sport they have is Middle School Cross-Country but you are able to participate in sports in your district. Overall, if you are a New Hampshire resident I would totally recommend going to ASD.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• New Castle, NH•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 36

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: Our daughter is a sophomore and absolutely loves her teachers, classes, coaches, classmates, sports teams, music, singing, theatre and student leadership activities. It is an excellent, student- and community-centric school with an inclusive, positive culture. There is a morning, early and late afternoon bus to the seacoast and various other locations attracting students from NH and Mass. A wonderful school with really fantastic, caring teachers - most with masters and PhD's. The teachers and leaders of the school and the caring community they create are the reasons we are there. During covid, their caring, science-centric protocols were topnotch led by an epidemiologist. This is a very caring, positive school.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• SAU 70, NH•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student, I feel that the school does a wonderful job of teaching, and giving students an opportunity to learn at a higher level by offering advanced math.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Hanover, NH•

• Public School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: I love the traditions. My kids love being challenged... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Andover, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: Proctor Academy has been an incredible gift to my son. He was doing well at a very competitive high school but was suffocating under the grind and had lost his love of learning. We kept running into apathetic teachers who did not seem to care much about the individual experience of students. He decided to make a move to this small private boarding school and it has changed his life. He has grown into a thoughtful, self aware and engaged young man who cares about his community, the people around him and the larger global context. The Proctor teachers care deeply about their students and work hard to both support and challenge them. He loves his classes and welcomes the hard work that allows him to excel academically. There is a certain joy that Proctor fosters and it comes across in the interesting curriculum, the 5 study abroad programs, the service days and all the other Proctor traditions. This place is a gem!... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• New Hampton, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  55 reviews

Alum: I was initially drawn to New Hampton for their academic prowess and diverse community. With rigorous course offerings and a large international population, my initial expectations were quickly exceeded. However, New Hampton has so much more to offer. I found the vast arts offering were particularly intriguing, which led me to participate in two pilot arts courses, one of which was co-taught by animators at the Walt Disney Family Museum. These courses led me to take additional art courses and eventually led me to take IB Visual Arts HL as part of the IB Diploma Program. New Hampton also excels in integrating experiential learning across the curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to design and lead a Project Week experience to explore a topic of their choice. Lastly, New Hampton's community is extremely inclusive — everyone has their own passion that they bring to the community. I cannot recommend New Hampton enough.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A

• Students 347

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Wolfeboro, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: i spent all four years of high school at Brewster Academy and I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life. The teachers and staff are so unbelievably inclusive in regards to learning capabilities and learning disabilities. You step on campus and every person you see says hello to you, it’s like you’ve been there your whole life. I would recommend this school to anybody. I was absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to spend high school on the beautiful campus, steps away from Lake Winnipesaukee.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Franconia, NH•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 94

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Bedford School District, NH•

• PK, K-4

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I remember having fun here. The curriculum is good, and the teachers are nice. I recommend the school because it’s a great place for kids.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 394

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Portsmouth School District, NH•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 248

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Bedford School District, NH•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We are so happy with this school. Our kids are happy and excelling and making friends. The teachers are amazing and we couldn’t be happier. If there’s any downfall, I would just like to see a bit more diversity/multi-culturalism, but we can’t complain.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 702

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Portsmouth School District, NH•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We love dondero. Wish school was more open during covid but we understand. Distance learning has improved since last spring. School still tries to get the families involved which is great. District communication is top notch. If anything, covod has helped schools to adapt so that after covid, snow days will still be school days! The kids will appreciate this come summer time :-) Looking on the bright side but can't wait to get back to normal. Portsmouth schools were so great at community building and family activities pre-covid.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Marlow, NH•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Perkins Academy is a school where everyone cares. With around 50 students, teachers know each student very well. They are a caring and dedicated staff that focus individual attention making sure each child is getting what they need to learn and grow. The small size allows for some really innovative approaches to education, especially along the lines of community and the environment.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 51

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bedford School District, NH•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 478

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Bedford School District, NH•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 512

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Grantham, NH•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The teachers in 6th grade allow children to re-submit their papers leading to a false sense of accomplishment. When they move on to the next grade & the reality hits that you are not allowed do overs it is going to be difficult for them. The school needs to bring morals, values and ethics back. Parents are very involved which makes GVS a very good school. Without the parent involvement the school would receive 2 stars (Poor ranking).... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 257

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1