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Mary C. Dondero Elementary School

Public Grades K-5

11^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 230 New Hampshire Elementary Schools

Better than 95% of New Hampshire elementary schools

Summary

Mary C. Dondero Elementary School is a K–5 public school in Portsmouth, NH, serving 328 students in one of the state’s strongest elementary-school areas. Part of the highly rated Portsmouth School District, Dondero ranks 11th out of 230 New Hampshire elementary schools for 2025–2026, placing it in the 95th percentile and earning a five-star rating. The surrounding area is notably competitive: New Franklin School and Little Harbour School also rank among the state’s top 12 schools.

Academic performance is strong across all three tested subjects. In 2025–2026, 79% of students were proficient in math, 78% in reading, and 70% in science—well above New Hampshire averages of 44%, 55%, and 38%, respectively. Science is Dondero’s clearest academic distinction: its 70% proficiency rate exceeded New Franklin School by 16 points and Little Harbour School by 19 points. Reading results improve notably by grade, rising from 69% in third grade to 85% in fifth grade. Mathematics is strongest in fourth grade, at 84%.

Dondero’s results have generally improved in recent years, with math increasing 11 points, reading 10 points, and science 30 points since 2022–2023. Its latest student-teacher ratio of 9.3 is competitive with New Franklin School and Little Harbour School. Nearby Rye Elementary School posts slightly higher math and reading results, but Dondero remains a top-tier choice. Areas to monitor include third-grade reading, the small math gap with Portsmouth peers, and year-to-year consistency in reading and science.

328

Students ?

9.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$20,733

Per pupil spending ?

13.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

32 Van Buren Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801-5898

(603) 436-2231

District: Portsmouth School District

Students who attend Mary C. Dondero Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Portsmouth Middle School
High:	Portsmouth High School

Racial breakdown:

White:

71.0%

Asian:

11.9%

Hispanic:

6.4%

See top rated New Hampshire elementary schools

Compare Mary C. Dondero Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 81st percentile in 2016 → 95th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the New Hampshire average (76% vs 46% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 5% of New Hampshire elementary schools

✓Ranking is trending up — up 14 percentile points since 2016

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school76%

District avg68%

New Hampshire avg46%

11^th of 230

New Hampshire public elementary schools ?

Top 5%▲ up 14 pts since 2016

From top 19% (2016) to top 5% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of New Hampshire Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 3Elementary Schools in the Portsmouth School District

9^th of 166Portsmouth School District among New Hampshire districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	New Hampshire percentile	Rating
2026	93.5	11 of 230	95.2%	★★★★★
2025	95.0	6 of 224	97.3%	★★★★★
2024	88.8	16 of 234	93.2%	★★★★★
2023	77.1	44 of 237	81.4%	★★★★☆
2022	79.9	31 of 233	86.7%	★★★★☆
2021	84.7	22 of 211	89.6%	★★★★★
2019	88.3	11 of 231	95.2%	★★★★★
2018	93.5	4 of 231	98.3%	★★★★★
2017	81.2	27 of 229	88.2%	★★★★☆
2016	75.0	46 of 244	81.1%	★★★★☆
2015	71.4	51 of 206	75.2%	★★★★☆
2014	62.7	89 of 242	63.2%	★★★☆☆
2013	49.8	140 of 241	41.9%	★★☆☆☆
2012	56.7	108 of 241	55.2%	★★★☆☆
2011	43.1	152 of 237	35.9%	★★☆☆☆
2010	26.9	200 of 242	17.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	37.5	177 of 240	26.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	58.4	104 of 236	55.9%	★★★☆☆
2007	47.7	135 of 237	43.0%	★★☆☆☆
2006	78.2	46 of 238	80.7%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	New Hampshire percentile	Rating
2026	93.4	5 of 184	97.3%	★★★★★
2025	92.9	7 of 182	96.2%	★★★★★
2024	88.5	12 of 187	93.6%	★★★★★
2023	72.2	43 of 193	77.7%	★★★★☆
2022	81.0	21 of 187	88.8%	★★★★☆
2021	86.2	16 of 160	90.0%	★★★★★
2019	86.6	11 of 192	94.3%	★★★★★
2018	93.5	2 of 190	98.9%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	New Hampshire percentile	Rating
2026	90.1	11 of 184	94.0%	★★★★★
2025	93.8	5 of 186	97.3%	★★★★★
2024	88.0	14 of 193	92.7%	★★★★★
2023	78.2	37 of 199	81.4%	★★★★☆
2022	74.2	36 of 194	81.4%	★★★★☆
2021	81.2	27 of 168	83.9%	★★★★☆
2019	86.5	17 of 195	91.3%	★★★★★
2018	90.6	7 of 195	96.4%	★★★★★

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	New Hampshire percentile	Rating
2023	63.2	24 of 70	65.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	99.9	1 of 52	98.1%	★★★★★

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	New Hampshire percentile	Rating
2026	94.0	9 of 229	96.1%	★★★★★
2025	96.1	4 of 223	98.2%	★★★★★
2024	89.7	12 of 228	94.7%	★★★★★
2023	79.7	33 of 233	85.8%	★★★★☆
2022	79.3	31 of 229	86.5%	★★★★☆
2021	84.8	22 of 209	89.5%	★★★★☆
2019	88.4	10 of 229	95.6%	★★★★★
2018	94.4	2 of 227	99.1%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Female (2026)97th percentile~ school

White (2026)96th percentile~ school

Male (2026)94th percentile~ school

Special Education (2023)66th percentile-16 vs school

By subject vs New Hampshire (2025-2026) ?

Mathematics79%+35 vs state

Reading78%+23 vs state

Science70%+32 vs state

3.0

1 rating · 1 written review

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What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, April 3, 2009

The student teacher ratio is off!! Classroom size is twice what you are reporting!! The city across the board is suffering with budget cuts! This is not just a Dondero issue. Little Harbor is severely overcrowded along with New Franklin. Expect more services to be cut and classroom sizes to continue climb. Close Quote

Schools Near Mary C. Dondero Elementary School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				NH SAS Mathematics (2026)							NH SAS Reading (2026)							NH SAS Science (2026)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	NH SAS Mathematics 3rd Grade	NH SAS Mathematics 4th Grade	NH SAS Mathematics 5th Grade	NH SAS Mathematics 6th Grade	NH SAS Mathematics 7th Grade	NH SAS Mathematics 8th Grade	NH SAS Mathematics All Grades	NH SAS Reading 3rd Grade	NH SAS Reading 4th Grade	NH SAS Reading 5th Grade	NH SAS Reading 6th Grade	NH SAS Reading 7th Grade	NH SAS Reading 8th Grade	NH SAS Reading All Grades	NH SAS Science 5th Grade	NH SAS Science 8th Grade	NH SAS Science All Grades	Total
Mary C. Dondero Elementary School	Public	K-5	32 Van Buren Ave.	Portsmouth	03801	Rockingham County	Portsmouth School District	No	No	No	Yes	(603) 436-2231	328	35	9.3	13.7%	233 (71.0%)	12 (3.7%)	21 (6.4%)	39 (11.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (6.4%)	93.5	11^th of 230 public elementary schools	95.2%		95	6^th of 224 public elementary schools	97.3%	5	76.0	84.0	76.0				79.0	69.0	81.0	85.0				78.0	70.0		70.0	$20,733
Rye Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-4	461 Sagamore Rd	Rye	03870	Rockingham County	Rye School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 436-4731	211	22	9.6	1.4%	202 (95.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (3.3%)	95.5	7^th of 230 public elementary schools	97.0%		94.2	11^th of 224 public elementary schools	95.1%	4	91.0	76.0					83.0	84.0	84.0					84.0				$38,135
Little Harbour School	Public	K-5	50 Clough Dr.	Portsmouth	03801	Rockingham County	Portsmouth School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 436-1708	325	34	9.5	12.3%	260 (80.0%)	5 (1.5%)	17 (5.2%)	22 (6.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (6.5%)	91.7	12^th of 230 public elementary schools	94.8%		94.9	7^th of 224 public elementary schools	96.9%	5	82.0	87.0	81.0				84.0	71.0	72.0	91.0				78.0	51.0		51.0	$20,066
PEEP School - Pre School Program	Public	PK-K	50 Clough Dr	Portsmouth	03801	Rockingham County	Portsmouth School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 422-8228	24	6	4.0	33.3%	18 (75.0%)	1 (4.2%)	2 (8.3%)	1 (4.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (8.3%)								(n/a)
New Franklin School	Public	K-5	1 Franklin Dr.	Portsmouth	03801	Rockingham County	Portsmouth School District	No	No	No	Yes	(603) 436-0910	247	29	8.5	19.8%	204 (82.6%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (6.5%)	4 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (9.3%)	93.6	10^th of 230 public elementary schools	95.7%		95.7	5^th of 224 public elementary schools	97.8%	5	78.0	93.0	69.0				80.0	84.0	88.0	85.0				85.0	54.0		54.0	$24,986
Maude H. Trefethen School	Public	K-6	142 Cranfield St	New Castle	03854	Rockingham County	New Castle School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 436-5416	33	4	9.1		30 (90.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (6.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (3.0%)								(n/a)							≥ 90%							100.0				$25,003
Greenland Central School	Public	K-8	70 Post Rd	Greenland	03840	Rockingham County	Greenland School District	No	No	No	Yes	(603) 431-6723	367	39	9.4	4.4%	328 (89.4%)	1 (0.3%)	12 (3.3%)	8 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (4.9%)	76	43^rd of 230 public elementary schools	81.3%		78.6	34^th of 224 public elementary schools	84.8%	9	58.0	80.0	79.0	56.0	88.0	43.0	65.0	42.0	60.0	89.0	70.0	91.0	72.0	70.0	52.0	51.0	51.0	$17,146
North Hampton School	Public	PK, KG-8	201 Atlantic Ave.	North Hampton	03862	Rockingham County	North Hampton School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 964-5501	268	30	8.9	3.4%	248 (92.5%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.6%)	4 (1.5%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (3.0%)	91.7	13^th of 230 public elementary schools	94.3%		91.6	13^th of 224 public elementary schools	94.2%		90.0	68.0	80.0	79.0	47.0	35.0	66.0	88.0	76.0	75.0	86.0	73.0	68.0	78.0	52.0	50.0	51.0	$25,507
Newington Public School	Public	PK, KG-6	133 Nimble Hill Rd.	Newington	03801	Rockingham County	Newington School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 436-1482	43	7	6.5	9.3%	41 (95.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (2.3%)								(n/a)							57.0							57.0				$26,559
Stratham Memorial School	Public	PK, KG-5	39 Gifford Farm Rd	Stratham	03885	Rockingham County	Stratham School District	No	No	No	Yes	(603) 772-5413	498	49	10.1	4.0%	454 (91.2%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (3.0%)	14 (2.8%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.6%)	80.9	31^st of 230 public elementary schools	86.5%		83.6	28^th of 224 public elementary schools	87.5%	3	64.0	85.0	67.0				71.0	67.0	78.0	77.0				74.0	37.0		37.0	$19,425

Frequently Asked Questions about Mary C. Dondero Elementary School

What schools do graduates of Mary C. Dondero Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Mary C. Dondero Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Portsmouth Middle School
High : Portsmouth High School

What is the racial makeup of Mary C. Dondero Elementary School?

Students at Mary C. Dondero Elementary School are 71% White, 12% Asian, 6% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 4% African American.

How many students attend Mary C. Dondero Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 328 students attended Mary C. Dondero Elementary School.

What district is Mary C. Dondero Elementary School in?

Portsmouth School District

Is Mary C. Dondero Elementary School a good school?

Yes! Mary C. Dondero Elementary School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 11^th of 230 New Hampshire elementary schools.

Rate Mary C. Dondero Elementary School!

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Latest New Hampshire data All new data »

2025–26 NH SAS & SAT test scoresNewSep 7, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesNov 12, 2025

2024–25 NH SAS & SAT test scoresSep 6, 2025

2015–16 through 2023–24 dropout rates & graduation ratesJul 30, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the New Hampshire Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.