Merrimack Valley is a four-year high school located in Penacook, a village in the northern part of Concord, New Hampshire. The school has approximately 900 students and serves the communities of Andover, Boscawen, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury, and Webster.
Serving 756 students in grades 9-12, Merrimack Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Hampshire for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the New Hampshire state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Hampshire state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 756 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in NH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merrimack Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Hampshire for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Merrimack Valley High School's student population of 756 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
756 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Year Founded
1967
Colors
White, Grey, Navy Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Merrimack Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 455 schools in New Hampshire (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merrimack Valley High School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.32. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#332 out of 455 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
3%
8%
Black
2%
2%
White
91%
82%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
20%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Victor E. Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merrimack Valley High School's ranking?
Merrimack Valley High School is ranked #332 out of 455 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Hampshire.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NH state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% NH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Merrimack Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Merrimack Valley High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 88%.
How many students attend Merrimack Valley High School?
756 students attend Merrimack Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Merrimack Valley High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merrimack Valley High School?
Merrimack Valley High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 11:1.
What grades does Merrimack Valley High School offer ?
Merrimack Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merrimack Valley High School part of?
Merrimack Valley High School is part of Merrimack Valley School District.
School Reviews
Review Merrimack Valley High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
