Summary:
Zip code 03104 has eight schools serving about 3,997 students across elementary, middle, and high school grades in the Manchester area, with six schools in the Manchester School District and two small schools operated by Kreiva Academy Public Charter School. The school landscape is uneven: elementary results are generally stronger and improving, while middle and high school outcomes are more concerning.
Among elementary schools, Webster School and Smyth Road School stand out. Webster has the highest elementary ranking percentile, along with 42% math and 49% reading proficiency. Smyth Road leads in math at 47% and has especially strong third-grade math results. Weston Elementary School shows meaningful year-over-year improvement, while McDonough School has also improved but remains the lowest-ranked elementary school, with 21% math and 23% reading proficiency. All four elementary schools improved in both subjects, although their average results remain below statewide levels. The schools also differ in student economic need, with reported free/reduced-lunch rates ranging from about 36% at Smyth Road and Weston to 65% at McDonough.
Secondary schools present the greatest challenges. Hillside Middle School ranks near the bottom statewide, with 14% math, 28% reading, and 15% science proficiency. At Manchester Central High School, reading is a relative strength at 36%, but math proficiency is 15%, graduation is 69.6%, and the dropout rate is 16.5%. The small Kreiva Academy Public Charter School (M) and Kreiva Academy Public Charter School (H) have very small enrollments, so their percentages can change sharply from year to year; their reported results should be interpreted cautiously. Overall, parents may find the strongest academic indicators at Webster and Smyth Road, while middle-school transition, high-school completion, and mathematics achievement deserve the closest attention.
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