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)
(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%
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 | 1,014 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
50 Clough Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 422-8228
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?
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 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
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.