Pennichuck Middle School

Summary:

Pennichuck Middle School is a public middle school in Nashua, New Hampshire, serving 559 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Nashua School District, which is ranked 114 out of 163 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Pennichuck Middle School has consistently underperformed compared to state and district averages in standardized test scores for mathematics, reading, and science. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 32% of Pennichuck students were proficient or better in mathematics, compared to 41% statewide and 34% in the Nashua School District. Similarly, in reading, Pennichuck's proficiency rate was 43%, while the state and district averages were 53% and 44%, respectively. The school has a low statewide ranking, typically in the bottom quarter of New Hampshire middle schools, and its performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with Hispanic and special education students performing much worse than their peers.

Despite these challenges, Pennichuck Middle School appears to provide strong support for English Language Learner (ELL) students, ranking in the top two ELL programs in the state for the past few years. However, the school has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, reaching 43.83% in the 2022-2023 school year, indicating a relatively high level of economic disadvantage among the student population. Compared to nearby middle schools, such as Fairgrounds Middle School and Elm Street Middle School, Pennichuck's performance is generally lower, though it performs better than some other nearby schools, such as Hudson Memorial School.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 207 Manchester St.
       Nashua, NH  03060-8112


(603) 966-4140

District: Nashua School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
96th of 130 New Hampshire Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,064 Help


Students who attend Pennichuck Middle School usually attend:

High:    Nashua High School North

Feeder schools for Pennichuck Middle School:

Elementary:    Amherst Street School
    Charlotte Ave Elementary School
    Mt. Pleasant School

Student/teacher ratio:  10.1 Help
Number of students:  559

Racial breakdown:

White:
52.1%
Hispanic:
32.4%
Two or more races:
7.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  43.8% Help


 See top rated New Hampshire middle schools

 Compare Pennichuck Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Pennichuck Middle School ranks worse than 73.8% of middle schools in New Hampshire. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 30.33. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Pennichuck Middle School has the smallest middle school student body size in the Nashua School District. Racial makeup is: White (52.1%), Hispanic (32.4%), two or more races (7.9%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 43.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Nashua School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Pennichuck Middle School is 10.1, which is the highest among 3 middle schools in the Nashua School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Pennichuck Middle School employs 55 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Pennichuck Middle School is $15,064, which is the highest among 3 middle schools in the Nashua School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Pennichuck Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Pennichuck Middle School 96th of 130 New Hampshire public middle schools. (See Pennichuck Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Nashua School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Nashua School District 114th of 163 New Hampshire school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Pennichuck Middle School?

Rank History for Pennichuck Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 59.88 45th 126 64.3%
2007 56.66 50th 125 60.0%
2008 51.37 64th 129 50.4%
2009 45.17 79th 127 37.8%
2010 25.14 105th 127 17.3%
2011 21.25 106th 128 17.2%
2012 21.94 108th 131 17.6%
2013 32.77 98th 131 25.2%
2014 21.05 110th 132 16.7%
2015 24.68 86th 107 19.6%
2016 34.11 100th 134 25.4%
2017 27.89 97th 125 22.4%
2018 25.26 103rd 131 21.4%
2019 19.07 108th 128 15.6%
2021 16.01 112th 125 10.4%
2022 38.63 83rd 130 36.2%
2023 27.66 103rd 134 23.1%
2024 30.33 96th 130 26.2%
See the entire list of New Hampshire Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.99 4th 8 50.0%
2019 37.59 7th 11 36.4%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 60.58 2nd 7 71.4%
2023 23.96 2nd 3 33.3%
2024 40.00 2nd 2 0.0%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 23.24 43rd 49 12.2%
2019 19.70 46th 48 4.2%
2022 16.91 45th 47 4.3%
2024 32.93 38th 48 20.8%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Female students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 24.24 94th 116 19.0%
2019 20.71 96th 114 15.8%
2021 12.17 108th 113 4.4%
2022 37.17 76th 115 33.9%
2023 28.06 85th 114 25.4%
2024 28.58 85th 110 22.7%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.41 82nd 114 28.1%
2019 20.70 95th 113 15.9%
2021 22.54 97th 116 16.4%
2022 42.81 72nd 117 38.5%
2023 30.32 86th 117 26.5%
2024 34.49 75th 113 33.6%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.50 10th 16 37.5%
2019 25.31 12th 18 33.3%
2021 25.96 10th 12 16.7%
2022 31.49 10th 15 33.3%
2023 28.77 13th 18 27.8%
2024 29.11 12th 16 25.0%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Pennichuck Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.35 79th 129 38.8%
2019 37.86 80th 126 36.5%
2021 27.69 87th 123 29.3%
2022 47.08 63rd 129 51.2%
2023 44.75 72nd 132 45.5%
2024 49.38 55th 128 57.0%
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.

Pennichuck 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: 3.7)
67%

0%

0%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Open Quote Great school and staff they dont let kids get away with not turning in homework and expect our children to work for their grades!! Close Quote


by a citizen
Monday, July 10, 2017

Open Quote Caring, wonderful teachers and great opportunities for our students. I'm proud PMS is in our district! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Pennichuck 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 563 26 16 55 18 n/a n/a 0 678
1992 587 20 19 49 8 n/a n/a 0 683
1993 584 14 20 48 16 n/a n/a 0 682
1994 584 11 24 56 10 n/a n/a 0 685
1995 647 25 27 80 2 n/a n/a 0 781
1996 647 25 27 80 2 n/a n/a 0 781
1997 665 31 30 78 5 n/a n/a 0 809
1998 641 25 23 60 7 n/a n/a 0 756
1999 660 28 23 62 7 n/a n/a 0 780
2000 630 37 23 71 6 n/a n/a 0 767
2001 631 38 21 71 3 n/a n/a 0 764
2002 681 26 23 77 4 n/a n/a 0 811
2003 681 26 23 77 4 n/a n/a 0 811
2004 676 21 28 83 6 n/a n/a 0 814
2005 588 29 27 105 4 n/a n/a 0 753
2006 577 43 28 114 5 n/a n/a 0 767
2007 585 37 26 109 4 n/a n/a 0 761
2008 525 39 26 108 6 n/a n/a 0 704
2009 511 31 19 115 5 n/a n/a 0 681
2010 467 35 27 127 4 0 4 0 664
2011 492 32 31 137 2 1 9 0 704
2012 474 32 22 148 2 0 20 0 698
2013 471 31 21 142 3 0 21 0 689
2014 449 37 29 160 2 0 18 0 695
2015 434 34 31 163 1 0 15 0 678
2016 440 30 28 152 1 0 18 0 669
2017 380 29 29 169 1 0 29 0 637
2018 360 27 32 176 1 0 43 0 639
2019 327 27 31 197 1 0 44 0 627
2020 343 30 26 200 1 0 50 0 650
2021 329 27 19 183 0 0 49 0 607
2022 331 13 20 169 0 0 51 0 584
2023 291 15 28 181 0 0 44 0 559

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 Pennichuck Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 678 53.0 12.7 9.6
1992 683 47.5 14.3 12.2
1993 682 50.2 13.6 13.6
1994 685 50.6 13.5 15.9
1995 781 49.1 15.9 16.1
1996 781 49.1 15.9 16.1
1997 809 50.0 16.2 17.1
1998 756 49.2 15.4 12.7
1999 780 53.0 14.7 13.6
2000 767 54.3 14.1 20.3
2001 764 53.0 14.4 22.6
2002 811 53.0 15.3 24.5
2003 811 53.0 15.3 24.5
2004 814 53.0 15.4 24.4
2005 753 55.0 13.7 28.7
2006 767 58.0 13.2 31.7
2007 761 55.0 13.8 35.2
2008 704 57.0 12.4 35.9
2009 681 58.0 11.7 36.6
2010 664 55.0 12.0 40.1
2011 704 53.6 13.1 43.8
2012 698 53.5 13.0 48.4
2013 689 55.6 12.3 49.1
2014 695 55.0 12.6 49.9
2015 678 56.0 12.1 47.5
2016 669 56.0 11.9 46.9
2017 637 54.0 11.7 48.5
2018 639 54.0 11.8 46.6
2019 627 52.0 12.0 53.6
2020 650 54.1 12.0 48.6
2021 607 53.0 11.4 33.1
2022 584 54.0 10.8 37
2023 559 55.0 10.1 43.8

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 Pennichuck Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 678 53.0 12.7 9.6
1992 683 47.5 14.3 12.2
1993 682 50.2 13.6 13.6
1994 685 50.6 13.5 15.9
1995 781 49.1 15.9 16.1
1996 781 49.1 15.9 16.1
1997 809 50.0 16.2 17.1
1998 756 49.2 15.4 12.7
1999 780 53.0 14.7 13.6
2000 767 54.3 14.1 20.3
2001 764 53.0 14.4 22.6
2002 811 53.0 15.3 24.5
2003 811 53.0 15.3 24.5
2004 814 53.0 15.4 24.4
2005 753 55.0 13.7 28.7
2006 767 58.0 13.2 31.7
2007 761 55.0 13.8 35.2
2008 704 57.0 12.4 35.9
2009 681 58.0 11.7 36.6
2010 664 55.0 12.0 40.1
2011 704 53.6 13.1 43.8
2012 698 53.5 13.0 48.4
2013 689 55.6 12.3 49.1
2014 695 55.0 12.6 49.9
2015 678 56.0 12.1 47.5
2016 669 56.0 11.9 46.9
2017 637 54.0 11.7 48.5
2018 639 54.0 11.8 46.6
2019 627 52.0 12.0 53.6
2020 650 54.1 12.0 48.6
2021 607 53.0 11.4 33.1
2022 584 54.0 10.8 37
2023 559 55.0 10.1 43.8

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 Pennichuck Middle School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $15,064

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Pennichuck 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 108th of 128 Middle schoolsRanks 103rd of 134 Middle schools
 7.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Pennichuck Middle School)3333
   6th Grade Mathematics (Nashua School District)2928
 1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4742
 5%
6th Grade Reading (Pennichuck Middle School)4235
 7%
   6th Grade Reading (Nashua School District)3934
 5%
   6th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5653
 3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Pennichuck Middle School)4038
 2%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Nashua School District)3629
 7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4739
 8%
7th Grade Reading (Pennichuck Middle School)5149
 2%
   7th Grade Reading (Nashua School District)4543
 2%
   7th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5654
 2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Pennichuck Middle School)2829
 1%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Nashua School District)2724
 3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4535
 10%
8th Grade Reading (Pennichuck Middle School)3742
 5%
   8th Grade Reading (Nashua School District)3738
 1%
   8th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5351
 2%
8th Grade Science (Pennichuck Middle School)2124
 3%
   8th Grade Science (Nashua School District)2421
 3%
   8th Grade Science (New Hampshire)4135
 6%
All Grades Mathematics (Pennichuck Middle School)3433
 1%
   All Grades Mathematics (Nashua School District)3934
 5%
   All Grades Mathematics (New Hampshire)4842
 6%
All Grades Reading (Pennichuck Middle School)4442
 2%
   All Grades Reading (Nashua School District)4642
 4%
   All Grades Reading (New Hampshire)5652
 4%
All Grades Science (Pennichuck Middle School)2124
 3%
   All Grades Science (Nashua School District)3027
 3%
   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 Students627559
 10.8%
African American2715
 44.4%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian3128
 9.7%
Hispanic197181
 8.1%
Pacific Islander00
White327291
 11%
Two or More Races4444
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients53.6%43.8%
 9.8%


Schools Near Pennichuck Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Pennichuck Middle School

Pennichuck Middle School ranks 96th of 130 New Hampshire middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Students who attend Pennichuck Middle School usually go on to attend Nashua High School North

In the 2022-23 school year, 559 students attended Pennichuck Middle School.

Students at Pennichuck Middle School are 52% White, 32% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 5% Asian, 3% African American.


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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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