Is Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) a good school?

Yes! Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) is one of the best middle schools in the state. It ranks 2 nd of 130 New Hampshire middle schools.

How many students attend Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)?

In the 2023-24 school year, 404 students attended Academy for Science and Design Charter (M).

What is the racial makeup of Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)?

Students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) are 50% Asian, 37% White, 7% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic, 2% African American.

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Summary:

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) is a highly-ranked public charter middle school serving grades 5-8 with an enrollment of 341 students in Nashua, New Hampshire. This exceptional school consistently outperforms state and nearby district averages, ranking among the top middle schools in the state.

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) is a standout institution, with 77% of students proficient or better in mathematics and 81% proficient or better in reading, compared to state averages of 41% and 53%, respectively. The school has a low student-teacher ratio and excels in the performance of specific student subgroups, such as female students, male students, Asian students, and white students, often ranking among the top schools in New Hampshire. This consistent high performance is noteworthy, as the school significantly outperforms nearby middle schools like Merrimack Middle School and Elm Street Middle School in academic achievement across all subjects and grade levels.

While Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) boasts a diverse student population with a significant Asian student representation, the school has a relatively low percentage of economically disadvantaged students, which may impact the generalizability of its exceptional performance. Nevertheless, this highly successful charter school in Nashua School District stands out as an exceptional educational institution in the state of New Hampshire.

Detail:

Public, Charter 5-8

9 Townsend West
Nashua, NH 03063-1233

(603) 595-4705

District: Academy for Science and Design Charter School

SchoolDigger Rank:
2^nd of 130 New Hampshire Middle Schools

Student/teacher ratio: 20.0

Number of students: 404

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

49.8%

White:

36.6%

Two or more races:

6.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 1.5%

See top rated New Hampshire middle schools

Compare Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) ranks better than 98.5% of middle schools in New Hampshire. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 95.68. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: Asian (49.8%), White (36.6%), two or more races (6.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 1.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) is 20. (See more...)

Compare Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) employs 20.2 full-time teachers.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M):

SchoolDigger ranks Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) 2^nd of 130 New Hampshire public middle schools. (See Academy for Science and Design Charter (M) in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

White students:

Academy for Science and Design Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Academy for Science and Design Charter School 2^nd of 163 New Hampshire school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

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Rank History for all students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile
2013	96.56	1^st	131	99.2%
2014	94.95	2^nd	132	98.5%
2015	96.71	2^nd	107	98.1%
2016	96.00	2^nd	134	98.5%
2017	97.19	1^st	125	99.2%
2018	98.72	1^st	131	99.2%
2019	97.35	1^st	128	99.2%
2021	98.36	1^st	125	99.2%
2022	96.87	2^nd	130	98.5%
2023	96.94	2^nd	134	98.5%
2024	95.68	2^nd	130	98.5%

See the entire list of New Hampshire Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile
2018	97.80	1^st	116	99.1%
2019	97.06	1^st	114	99.1%
2021	95.42	3^rd	113	97.3%
2022	94.24	3^rd	115	97.4%
2023	96.70	1^st	114	99.1%
2024	94.37	3^rd	110	97.3%

See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	85.49	1^st	2	50.0%

See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile
2018	97.98	1^st	114	99.1%
2019	96.81	1^st	113	99.1%
2021	98.95	1^st	116	99.1%
2022	97.82	1^st	117	99.1%
2023	96.07	2^nd	117	98.3%
2024	95.78	2^nd	113	98.2%

See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile
2018	90.12	3^rd	16	81.3%
2023	80.53	2^nd	10	80.0%
2024	70.07	3^rd	10	70.0%

See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for White students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NH State Percentile
2018	98.50	1^st	129	99.2%
2019	97.54	1^st	126	99.2%
2021	98.16	1^st	123	99.2%
2022	95.26	3^rd	129	97.7%
2023	95.85	2^nd	132	98.5%
2024	94.95	2^nd	128	98.4%

See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Hampshire Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: New Hampshire Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a student
Saturday, February 2, 2013

I am a student at ASD, and I never want to leave. The programs are excellent for students who find regular public schools to be slow-paced and not academically challenging. This is a fantastic place to go to school! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2008	6	0	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	7
2009	32	1	7	1	0	n/a	n/a	41
2010	73	1	12	0	0	0	0	86
2011	93	4	24	0	1	0	0	122
2012	123	4	58	1	1	0	0	187
2013	168	6	108	3	0	0	0	285
2014	162	5	135	3	0	0	0	305
2015	163	5	166	10	0	0	2	346
2016	162	3	174	7	5	1	0	352
2017	153	7	163	8	0	0	4	335
2018	127	4	160	7	1	0	1	300
2019	140	2	133	7	1	0	8	291
2020	137	4	137	8	2	0	21	309
2021	152	5	128	13	1	0	20	319
2022	114	5	155	13	1	0	21	309
2023	131	6	169	11	0	1	23	341
2024	148	9	201	15	0	4	27	404

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	7	n/a	n/a	0
2009	41	3.6	11.4	0
2010	86	n/a	n/a	0
2011	122	8.9	13.7	0
2012	187	12.0	15.5	0
2013	285	15.6	18.2	0
2014	305	17.1	17.8	0
2015	346	18.0	19.2	2
2016	352	20.0	17.6	1.1
2017	335	20.5	16.3	2.7
2018	300	18.3	16.3	1
2019	291	19.5	14.9	2.4
2020	309	18.2	16.9	2.6
2021	319	20.8	15.3	3.1
2022	309	21.2	14.5	3.9
2023	341	25.0	13.6	2.3
2024	404	20.2	20.0	1.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	7	n/a	n/a	0
2009	41	3.6	11.4	0
2010	86	n/a	n/a	0
2011	122	8.9	13.7	0
2012	187	12.0	15.5	0
2013	285	15.6	18.2	0
2014	305	17.1	17.8	0
2015	346	18.0	19.2	2
2016	352	20.0	17.6	1.1
2017	335	20.5	16.3	2.7
2018	300	18.3	16.3	1
2019	291	19.5	14.9	2.4
2020	309	18.2	16.9	2.6
2021	319	20.8	15.3	3.1
2022	309	21.2	14.5	3.9
2023	341	25.0	13.6	2.3
2024	404	20.2	20.0	1.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1^st of 128 Middle schools	Ranks 2^nd of 134 Middle schools	0.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	82	75	7%
6th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	82	75	7%
6th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)	47	42	5%
6th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	86	78	8%
6th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	86	78	8%
6th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)	56	53	3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	84	78	6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	84	78	6%
7th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)	47	39	8%
7th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	89	86	3%
7th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	89	86	3%
7th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)	56	54	2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	92	80	12%
8th Grade Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	92	80	12%
8th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)	45	35	10%
8th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	88	90	2%
8th Grade Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	88	90	2%
8th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)	53	51	2%
8th Grade Science (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	74	75	1%
8th Grade Science (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	74	75	1%
8th Grade Science (New Hampshire)	41	35	6%
All Grades Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	86	78	8%
All Grades Mathematics (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	88	79	9%
All Grades Mathematics (New Hampshire)	48	42	6%
All Grades Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	88	85	3%
All Grades Reading (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	90	87	3%
All Grades Reading (New Hampshire)	56	52	4%
All Grades Science (Academy for Science and Design Charter (M))	74	75	1%
All Grades Science (Academy for Science and Design Charter School)	81	78	3%
All Grades Science (New Hampshire)	40	37	3%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	291	341	17.2%
African American	2	6	200%
American Indian	1	0	100%
Asian	133	169	27.1%
Hispanic	7	11	57.1%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	140	131	6.4%
Two or More Races	8	23	187.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	2.4%	2.3%	0.1%

Schools Near Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				NH SAS Mathematics (2024)						NH SAS Reading (2024)						NH SAS Science (2024)			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	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	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 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
Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)	Public, Charter	5-8	9 Townsend West	Nashua	03063	Hillsborough County	Academy for Science and Design Charter School	Yes	No	No	No	(603) 595-4705	404	20	20.0	1.5%	148 (36.6%)	9 (2.2%)	15 (3.7%)	201 (49.8%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.0%)	27 (6.7%)	95.7	2^nd of 130 public middle schools	98.5%		96.9	2^nd of 134 public middle schools	98.5%			77.0	81.0	72.0	77.0	77.0		85.0	76.0	84.0	80.0	81.0	77.0	65.0	69.0
Pennichuck Middle School	Public	6-8	207 Manchester St.	Nashua	03060	Hillsborough County	Nashua School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 966-4140	557	55	10.1	50.6%	277 (49.7%)	15 (2.7%)	196 (35.2%)	20 (3.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	49 (8.8%)	30.3	96^th of 130 public middle schools	26.2%		27.7	103^rd of 134 public middle schools	23.1%	7			32.0	33.0	33.0	32.0			35.0	48.0	45.0	43.0		27.0	27.0	$15,064
Amherst Middle School	Public	5-8	14 Cross Rd.	Amherst	03031	Hillsborough County	Amherst School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 673-8944	644	56	11.6	6.1%	575 (89.3%)	7 (1.1%)	33 (5.1%)	15 (2.3%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.0%)	72.9	29^th of 130 public middle schools	77.7%		64.8	35^th of 134 public middle schools	73.9%	6		68.0	62.0	46.0	51.0	56.0		77.0	74.0	62.0	58.0	67.0	54.0	45.0	49.0	$20,246
Elm Street Middle School	Public	6-8	117 Elm St.	Nashua	03060	Hillsborough County	Nashua School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 966-3900	895	75	11.9	46.9%	457 (51.1%)	33 (3.7%)	296 (33.1%)	36 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	73 (8.2%)								(n/a)																$14,221
Fairgrounds Middle School	Public	6-8	27 Cleveland St.	Nashua	03060	Hillsborough County	Nashua School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 594-4393	546	52	10.6	37.2%	289 (52.9%)	19 (3.5%)	160 (29.3%)	39 (7.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (7.0%)	31.4	93^rd of 130 public middle schools	28.5%		26.1	105^th of 134 public middle schools	21.6%	12			39.0	29.0	29.0	32.0			47.0	39.0	47.0	45.0		27.0	27.0	$14,734
Litchfield Middle School	Public	5-8	19 McElwain Dr.	Litchfield	03052	Hillsborough County	Litchfield School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 424-0566	351	31	11.5	7.7%	306 (87.2%)	2 (0.6%)	14 (4.0%)	4 (1.1%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (6.6%)	35.4	89^th of 130 public middle schools	31.5%		44.5	70^th of 134 public middle schools	47.8%	19		23.0	23.0	41.0	31.0	29.0		60.0	42.0	61.0	47.0	52.0	30.0	22.0	26.0	$16,703
Hollis Upper Elementary School	Public	4-6	12 Drury Ln.	Hollis	03049	Hillsborough County	Hollis School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 465-9182	288	26	11.0	4.9%	255 (88.5%)	2 (0.7%)	2 (0.7%)	11 (3.8%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (5.9%)								(n/a)	63.0	75.0	66.0			68.0	70.0	81.0	76.0			76.0	68.0		68.0	$17,206
Hollis-Brookline Middle School	Public	7-8	25 Main St.	Hollis	03049	Hillsborough County	Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 324-5997	369	35	10.6	5.7%	333 (90.2%)	2 (0.5%)	7 (1.9%)	14 (3.8%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	11 (3.0%)	86	13^th of 130 public middle schools	90.0%		87.4	13^th of 134 public middle schools	90.3%					62.0	65.0	63.0				70.0	70.0	70.0		51.0	51.0	$17,320
Hudson Memorial School	Public	6-8	1 Memorial Dr.	Hudson	03051	Hillsborough County	Hudson School District	No	No	No	No	(603) 886-1240	696	63	11.0	17.5%	566 (81.3%)	7 (1.0%)	47 (6.8%)	19 (2.7%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	55 (7.9%)	42.9	72^nd of 130 public middle schools	44.6%		40.5	84^th of 134 public middle schools	37.3%	12			33.0	39.0	37.0	36.0			46.0	63.0	44.0	51.0		33.0	33.0	$15,322
James Mastricola Upper Elementary School	Public	5-6	26 Baboosic Lake Rd.	Merrimack	03054	Hillsborough County	Merrimack School District	No	No	No	Yes	(603) 424-6221	509	42	12.1	10.8%	439 (86.2%)	5 (1.0%)	15 (2.9%)	7 (1.4%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	41 (8.1%)								(n/a)		28.0	50.0			38.0		56.0	58.0			57.0	37.0		37.0	$18,479

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Academy for Science and Design Charter (M):

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Academy for Science and Design Charter School:

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for all students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for Female students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for Military Connected students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for Male students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for Asian students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rank History for White students at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Review counts

Enrollment information for Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Student/Teacher Ratio Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Impact of COVID-19 on Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Academy for Science and Design Charter (M)