For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,488 students in Portsmouth, NH (there are 4 private schools, serving 283 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Portsmouth, NH are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 84%). 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 (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
New Franklin School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1 Franklin Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-0910
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-0910
Gr: K-5 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Little Harbour School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
50 Clough Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1708
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1708
Gr: K-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Mary C. Dondero Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
32 Van Buren Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-2231
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-2231
Gr: K-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Newington Public School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
133 Nimble Hill Rd.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1482
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1482
Gr: K-6 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Portsmouth Middle School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
155 Parrott Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-5781
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-5781
Gr: 6-8 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Portsmouth High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-7100
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-7100
Gr: 9-13 | 1,022 student Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
50 Clough Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
Gr: PK | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Portsmouth, New Hampshire Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Campus Dr Ste 21
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
Gr: PK | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Portsmouth, NH?
The top-ranked public schools in Portsmouth, NH include New Franklin School, Little Harbour School and Mary C. Dondero Elementary School. Portsmouth has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in New Hampshire.
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 84%).
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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