For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,429 students in Portsmouth, NH. The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the New Hampshire public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of New Hampshire public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public elementary school average of 19% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Portsmouth, NH (2026-27)
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 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
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 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
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 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
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 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
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 elementary schools in Portsmouth, NH?
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools are located in Portsmouth?
5 public elementary schools are located in Portsmouth.
What is the racial composition of students in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth public elementary schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public elementary schools average of 19% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Portsmouth include: Little Harbour School vs. New Franklin School, New Franklin School vs. Little Harbour School
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