Derry Cooperative School District

Derry Cooperative School District includes six public schools serving students in grades K–8 in Derry, New Hampshire: four elementary schools and two middle schools, with about 2,879 students overall. The district’s schools generally perform below New Hampshire averages, especially in reading and middle-school mathematics, although several schools show notable strengths. Districtwide, Derry is ranked 131st of 166 New Hampshire districts and is in the 21st percentile; this is a district ranking, not an individual-school ranking.

Among elementary schools, South Range Elementary School has the strongest mathematics results, with 52% of students proficient compared with 37% districtwide and 44% statewide. Ernest P. Barka Elementary School is also strong in mathematics, particularly fourth grade, while East Derry Memorial Elementary School has the highest fourth-grade reading result and a relatively balanced academic profile. Among the middle schools, West Running Brook Intermediate School leads in reading and science, including 42% science proficiency—above both district and state averages. Gilbert H. Hood Middle School has comparatively weak mathematics and science results.

The most important districtwide concern is reading: no school reaches the 55% state reading average, and Grinnell School has the lowest reading performance at 38%. Grinnell also has the highest proportion of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, so families may want to look closely at its literacy supports and intervention programs. Mathematics is notably stronger in elementary schools than in middle schools, suggesting a need to examine the transition from fourth to fifth grade. Parents may also wish to note recent declines in reading at several schools and ranking declines at East Derry and South Range, while recognizing that individual yearly results can vary.