For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,309 students in Exeter, NH (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,610 private students). 68% of all K-12 students in Exeter, NH are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH are Swasey Central School, Virtual Learning Academy (E) and Kensington Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Exeter, NH public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the New Hampshire public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Exeter have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of New Hampshire public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the New Hampshire public school average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Exeter, NH (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swasey Central School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
355 Middle Rd.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 642-3487
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 642-3487
Gr: PK-5 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Virtual Learning Academy (E)
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Gr: K-8 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Kensington Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
122 Amesbury Rd.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-5705
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-5705
Gr: PK-5 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Exeter High School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Blue Hawk Dr.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8400
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,380 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Lincoln Street Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
25 Lincoln St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8860
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8860
Gr: 3-5 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Virtual Learning Academy (H)
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Great Bay Charter School (H)
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Gr: 9-12 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #88.
Great Bay Charter School (M)
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 519-9003
Gr: 5-8 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
40 Main St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8946
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 775-8946
Gr: PK-2 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Exeter, New Hampshire Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Coastal Waters Chartered Public School (E) (Closed 2025)
Charter School
2 Holland Way
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Gr: K-8 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Coastal Waters Chartered Public School (H) (Closed 2026)
Charter School
2 Holland Way
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 316-6951
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
13 School St
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-0178
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-0178
Gr: PK | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (Closed 2021)
Charter School
30 Linden St.
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2500
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH?
The top-ranked public schools in Exeter, NH include Swasey Central School, Virtual Learning Academy (E) and Kensington Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Exeter?
10 public schools are located in Exeter.
What percentage of students in Exeter go to public school?
68% of all K-12 students in Exeter are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Exeter?
Exeter public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the New Hampshire public schools average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Exeter are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Exeter include: Virtual Learning Academy (H) vs. Great Bay Charter School (H), Great Bay Charter School (H) vs. Virtual Learning Academy (H), Kensington Elementary School vs. Swasey Central School
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