Summary:
ZIP code 03820 in Dover, New Hampshire, includes four elementary schools serving 1,473 students: Woodman Park School (PK–4), Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School at Horne Street (K–4), Garrison School (K–4), and Seacoast Charter School (PK–8). Three schools are part of the Dover School District, while Seacoast is a charter school serving both elementary and middle-school grades.
Garrison School is the strongest overall performer. It ranks 74th of 230 schools statewide, with 53% of students proficient in math and 63% proficient in reading—both above state averages. It also has the most positive three-year ranking trend. Hopkins has the highest current math proficiency at 54% and especially strong third-grade math results, but its scores and ranking declined recently. Seacoast Charter ranks below those two schools overall, but stands out in reading and science, including strong upper-grade results. Its elementary math scores, especially in grades 3–5, are a concern.
Woodman Park School is the main area of concern, ranking 198th statewide with 36% math proficiency and 38% reading proficiency. Its reading result is particularly low compared with both the state and Dover district averages, and third-grade reading is its weakest area. Families comparing schools will find the greatest contrast between Woodman Park and Garrison, while Hopkins offers strong math performance and Seacoast offers notable reading and science strengths. Overall, Garrison appears to be the strongest choice based on current results and improvement, but school fit, grade level, programs, and individual student needs should also be considered.
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