For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,243 students in Exeter, NH (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,615 private students). 67% of all K-12 students in Exeter, NH are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 84%).
The top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH are Swasey Central School, Kensington Elementary School and Exeter High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Exeter, NH public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the New Hampshire public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Exeter have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of New Hampshire public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the New Hampshire public school average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Exeter, NH (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swasey Central School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
355 Middle Rd.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 642-3487
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 642-3487
Gr: PK-5 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Kensington Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
122 Amesbury Rd.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-5705
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-5705
Gr: PK-5 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Exeter High School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Blue Hawk Dr
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8400
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,348 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Lincoln Street Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
25 Lincoln St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8860
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8860
Gr: 3-5 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Virtual Learning Academy (H)
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
19 Hampton Rd, Building B Suit
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Great Bay Charter School (H)
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Gr: 9-12 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #77.
Great Bay Charter School (M)
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Gr: 3-8 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
40 Main St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8946
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8946
Gr: PK-2 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Exeter, New Hampshire Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Coastal Waters Chartered Public School (E) (Closed 2025)
Charter School
2 Holland Way
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Gr: K-8 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Coastal Waters Chartered Public School (H) (Closed 2026)
Charter School
2 Holland Way
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
13 School St
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-0178
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-0178
Gr: PK | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH?
The top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH include Swasey Central School, Kensington Elementary School and Exeter High School.
How many public schools are located in Exeter?
9 public schools are located in Exeter.
What percentage of students in Exeter go to public school?
67% of all K-12 students in Exeter are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 84%).
What is the racial composition of students in Exeter?
Exeter public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the New Hampshire public schools average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Exeter are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Exeter include: Great Bay Charter School (H) vs. Virtual Learning Academy (H), Virtual Learning Academy (H) vs. Great Bay Charter School (H), Swasey Central School vs. Kensington Elementary School
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