Merrimack Valley Middle School

Summary:

Merrimack Valley Middle School is a public middle school located in Penacook, New Hampshire, serving grades 6-8 with a student population of 472. The school is part of the Merrimack Valley School District, which is ranked 113 out of 163 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Merrimack Valley Middle School faces significant academic challenges, with lower proficiency rates, lower rankings, and a student population that is less diverse compared to the state and nearby schools. The school's proficiency rates in mathematics (34%), reading (45%), and science (23%) are all lower than the state averages (41%, 53%, and 36%, respectively). The school has consistently ranked in the bottom half of New Hampshire middle schools, with a ranking of 94 out of 130 schools in the 2023-2024 school year, and a 1-star or 2-star rating from SchoolDigger over the past several years. The school's performance is particularly low for male students and white students, who rank in the bottom half of New Hampshire middle schools.

Interestingly, Merrimack Valley Middle School's academic performance is generally lower than the nearby middle schools, such as Bow Memorial School, Hopkinton Middle School, and Maple Street Elementary School, which have significantly higher proficiency rates and rankings. The school's higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (25.64% in 2022-2023) compared to the higher-performing nearby schools, such as Bow Memorial School (5.32%) and Hopkinton Middle School (4.51%), suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in the school's academic outcomes.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 14 Allen St.
       Penacook, NH  03303-1645


(603) 753-6336

District: Merrimack Valley School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
94th of 130 New Hampshire Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,978 Help


Students who attend Merrimack Valley Middle School usually attend:

High:    Merrimack Valley High School

Feeder schools for Merrimack Valley Middle School:

Elementary:    Boscawen Elementary School
    Loudon Elementary School
    Penacook Elementary School
    Salisbury Elementary School
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  11.6 Help
Number of students:  479

Racial breakdown:

White:
90.0%
Two or more races:
3.1%
Hispanic:
2.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  21.7% Help


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 Compare Merrimack Valley Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Merrimack Valley Middle School ranks worse than 72.3% of middle schools in New Hampshire. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 31.29. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (90%), two or more races (3.1%), Hispanic (2.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 21.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Merrimack Valley Middle School is 11.6. (See more...)
Help
Compare Merrimack Valley Middle School employs 41 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Merrimack Valley Middle School is $16,978.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Merrimack Valley Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Merrimack Valley Middle School 94th of 130 New Hampshire public middle schools. (See Merrimack Valley Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Merrimack Valley School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Merrimack Valley School District 113th of 163 New Hampshire school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Merrimack Valley Middle School?

Rank History for Merrimack Valley Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Merrimack Valley Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 38.48 80th 126 36.5%
2007 31.05 92nd 125 26.4%
2008 32.10 97th 129 24.8%
2009 25.95 107th 127 15.7%
2010 32.07 93rd 127 26.8%
2011 28.11 97th 128 24.2%
2012 31.90 98th 131 25.2%
2013 28.68 102nd 131 22.1%
2014 33.79 95th 132 28.0%
2015 28.51 81st 107 24.3%
2016 38.88 89th 134 33.6%
2017 28.69 95th 125 24.0%
2018 21.68 109th 131 16.8%
2019 27.86 97th 128 24.2%
2021 26.43 91st 125 27.2%
2022 46.32 67th 130 48.5%
2023 32.81 94th 134 29.9%
2024 31.29 94th 130 27.7%
See the entire list of New Hampshire Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Merrimack Valley Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.84 38th 49 22.4%
2019 23.70 42nd 48 12.5%
2022 47.12 24th 47 48.9%
2024 30.24 39th 48 18.8%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Female students at Merrimack Valley Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 29.95 84th 116 27.6%
2019 33.70 84th 114 26.3%
2021 24.22 90th 113 20.4%
2022 46.27 59th 115 48.7%
2023 33.07 80th 114 29.8%
2024 34.79 72nd 110 34.5%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Merrimack Valley Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.88 97th 114 14.9%
2019 26.01 87th 113 23.0%
2021 32.00 77th 116 33.6%
2022 49.85 57th 117 51.3%
2023 34.80 79th 117 32.5%
2024 30.82 82nd 113 27.4%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Merrimack Valley Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.99 110th 129 14.7%
2019 27.46 94th 126 25.4%
2021 25.47 90th 123 26.8%
2022 41.63 76th 129 41.1%
2023 29.42 98th 132 25.8%
2024 30.62 93rd 128 27.3%
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.

Merrimack Valley Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: New Hampshire Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
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0%

100%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Merrimack Valley Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 509 5 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 514
1992 547 5 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 552
1993 607 1 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 614
1994 607 1 2 2 1 n/a n/a 0 613
1995 667 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 668
1996 667 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 668
1997 700 3 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 705
1998 633 3 2 1 0 n/a n/a 0 639
1999 627 4 2 1 1 n/a n/a 0 635
2000 621 4 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 628
2001 636 2 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 642
2002 677 6 8 1 0 n/a n/a 0 692
2003 677 6 8 1 0 n/a n/a 0 692
2004 635 3 3 1 0 n/a n/a 0 642
2005 605 5 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 613
2006 599 8 3 1 0 n/a n/a 0 611
2007 580 9 3 12 2 n/a n/a 0 606
2008 602 6 6 7 0 n/a n/a 0 621
2009 608 5 7 6 0 n/a n/a 0 626
2010 594 10 4 13 1 0 0 0 622
2011 607 7 3 10 1 0 1 0 629
2012 594 6 4 11 2 0 0 0 617
2013 585 11 10 8 4 0 0 0 618
2014 575 8 10 9 2 0 0 0 604
2015 575 8 8 11 1 0 0 0 603
2016 576 7 1 12 2 0 0 0 598
2017 550 2 7 12 2 0 0 0 573
2018 515 8 6 12 2 0 3 0 546
2019 500 8 5 8 2 0 22 0 545
2020 502 18 4 5 1 0 17 0 547
2021 470 14 4 9 0 0 17 0 514
2022 440 13 5 8 1 0 10 0 477
2023 431 8 5 12 1 0 15 0 472
2024 431 10 8 14 1 0 15 0 479

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 Merrimack Valley Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 514 30.0 17.1 7.8
1992 552 31.3 17.6 10
1993 614 32.5 18.9 7
1994 613 37.7 16.3 9.6
1995 668 33.5 19.9 8.7
1996 668 33.5 19.9 8.7
1997 705 40.2 17.5 9.6
1998 639 39.5 16.2 7.8
1999 635 47.0 13.5 6
2000 628 51.0 12.3 16.4
2001 642 55.0 11.7 17.1
2002 692 50.2 13.8 20.4
2003 692 50.2 13.8 20.4
2004 642 48.0 13.4 17.6
2005 613 47.9 12.8 18.4
2006 611 47.1 13.0 17.8
2007 606 48.5 12.5 17.3
2008 621 49.3 12.6 17.9
2009 626 48.4 12.9 21.4
2010 622 48.7 12.7 28.6
2011 629 48.2 13.0 30.4
2012 617 49.0 12.5 29
2013 618 48.5 12.7 29.4
2014 604 48.5 12.4 32.3
2015 603 48.0 12.5 29.4
2016 598 48.0 12.4 29.8
2017 573 46.0 12.4 26.2
2018 546 46.0 11.8 28.6
2019 545 46.0 11.8 26.1
2020 547 46.0 11.8 23.9
2021 514 47.0 10.9 16.7
2022 477 45.0 10.6 19.5
2023 472 44.0 10.7 25.6
2024 479 41.0 11.6 21.7

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 Merrimack Valley Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 514 30.0 17.1 7.8
1992 552 31.3 17.6 10
1993 614 32.5 18.9 7
1994 613 37.7 16.3 9.6
1995 668 33.5 19.9 8.7
1996 668 33.5 19.9 8.7
1997 705 40.2 17.5 9.6
1998 639 39.5 16.2 7.8
1999 635 47.0 13.5 6
2000 628 51.0 12.3 16.4
2001 642 55.0 11.7 17.1
2002 692 50.2 13.8 20.4
2003 692 50.2 13.8 20.4
2004 642 48.0 13.4 17.6
2005 613 47.9 12.8 18.4
2006 611 47.1 13.0 17.8
2007 606 48.5 12.5 17.3
2008 621 49.3 12.6 17.9
2009 626 48.4 12.9 21.4
2010 622 48.7 12.7 28.6
2011 629 48.2 13.0 30.4
2012 617 49.0 12.5 29
2013 618 48.5 12.7 29.4
2014 604 48.5 12.4 32.3
2015 603 48.0 12.5 29.4
2016 598 48.0 12.4 29.8
2017 573 46.0 12.4 26.2
2018 546 46.0 11.8 28.6
2019 545 46.0 11.8 26.1
2020 547 46.0 11.8 23.9
2021 514 47.0 10.9 16.7
2022 477 45.0 10.6 19.5
2023 472 44.0 10.7 25.6
2024 479 41.0 11.6 21.7

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.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Merrimack Valley Middle School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $16,978

Data source: New Hampshire Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Merrimack Valley Middle School

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 97th of 128 Middle schoolsRanks 94th of 134 Middle schools
 5.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley Middle School)4546
 1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley School District)4546
 1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4742
 5%
6th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley Middle School)5048
 2%
   6th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley School District)5048
 2%
   6th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5653
 3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3330
 3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley School District)3330
 3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4739
 8%
7th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3750
 13%
   7th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley School District)3749
 12%
   7th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5654
 2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3429
 5%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Merrimack Valley School District)3429
 5%
   8th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4535
 10%
8th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley Middle School)5042
 8%
   8th Grade Reading (Merrimack Valley School District)5042
 8%
   8th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5351
 2%
8th Grade Science (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3725
 12%
   8th Grade Science (Merrimack Valley School District)3726
 11%
   8th Grade Science (New Hampshire)4135
 6%
All Grades Mathematics (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3835
 3%
   All Grades Mathematics (Merrimack Valley School District)4336
 7%
   All Grades Mathematics (New Hampshire)4842
 6%
All Grades Reading (Merrimack Valley Middle School)4647
 1%
   All Grades Reading (Merrimack Valley School District)5144
 7%
   All Grades Reading (New Hampshire)5652
 4%
All Grades Science (Merrimack Valley Middle School)3725
 12%
   All Grades Science (Merrimack Valley School District)3827
 11%
   All Grades Science (New Hampshire)4037
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students545472
 13.4%
African American88
American Indian21
 50%
Asian55
Hispanic812
 50%
Pacific Islander00
White500431
 13.8%
Two or More Races2215
 31.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients26.1%25.6%
 0.4%


Schools Near Merrimack Valley Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Merrimack Valley Middle School

In the 2023-24 school year, 479 students attended Merrimack Valley Middle School.

Students who attend Merrimack Valley Middle School usually go on to attend Merrimack Valley High School

Merrimack Valley Middle School ranks 94th of 130 New Hampshire middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Students at Merrimack Valley Middle School are 90% White, 3% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic, 2% African American, 2% Asian.


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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.





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