Thornton Central School

Summary:

Thornton Central School is a public elementary school serving 185 students in grades K-8 in the town of Thornton, New Hampshire. The school is part of the Holderness School District, which is ranked 36 out of 163 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Thornton Central School consistently performs well above the state average in mathematics, reading, and science proficiency across all grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 61% of Thornton Central students were proficient or better in mathematics, compared to the state average of 41%. Similarly, 66% were proficient or better in reading, compared to the state average of 53%. The school has maintained a strong statewide ranking, placing in the top 25% of New Hampshire elementary schools for most years, and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger in the 2023-2024 school year. Thornton Central School has also demonstrated exceptional performance among specific student groups, with female students consistently ranking in the top 25% of New Hampshire elementary schools.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Sandwich Central School and Holderness Central School, Thornton Central School generally outperforms its counterparts in academic performance and statewide rankings. The school's relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 8.0 to 8.4 over the past three school years, suggests a more personalized learning environment for students. However, the school's predominantly White student population may warrant further investigation into the school's efforts to promote inclusivity and address any potential equity concerns.


Detail:

Public K-8

 1886 NH Rte. 175
       Thornton, NH  03285


(603) 726-8904

District: Thornton School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
53rd of 234 New Hampshire Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $19,780 Help


Students who attend Thornton Central School usually attend:

High:    Plymouth Regional High School

Student/teacher ratio:  8.0 Help
Number of students:  185

Racial breakdown:

White:
93.0%
Hispanic:
2.7%
Two or more races:
2.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  25.4% Help


 See top rated New Hampshire elementary schools

 Compare Thornton Central School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thornton Central School ranks better than 77.4% of elementary schools in New Hampshire. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 72.25. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details Thornton Central School ranks better than 86.9% of middle schools in New Hampshire. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 85.19. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (93%), Hispanic (2.7%), two or more races (2.2%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 25.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Thornton Central School is 8. (See more...)
Help
Compare Thornton Central School employs 23 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thornton Central School is $19,780.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thornton Central School:

SchoolDigger ranks Thornton Central School 53rd of 234 New Hampshire public elementary schools. (See Thornton Central School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Thornton Central School 17th of 130 New Hampshire public middle schools. (See Thornton Central School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


White students:


Thornton School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Thornton School District 36th of 163 New Hampshire school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Thornton Central School?

Rank History for Thornton Central School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all elementary school students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 38.72 159th 238 33.2%
2007 33.44 177th 237 25.3%
2008 46.32 148th 236 37.3%
2009 52.31 127th 240 47.1%
2010 58.24 110th 242 54.5%
2011 67.94 77th 237 67.5%
2012 69.36 64th 241 73.4%
2013 74.43 46th 241 80.9%
2014 74.02 41st 242 83.1%
2015 63.23 71st 206 65.5%
2016 56.23 109th 244 55.3%
2017 67.53 70th 229 69.4%
2018 75.35 38th 231 83.5%
2019 64.75 72nd 231 68.8%
2021 79.82 30th 211 85.8%
2022 71.72 53rd 233 77.3%
2023 76.14 46th 237 80.6%
2024 72.25 53rd 234 77.4%
See the entire list of New Hampshire Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.78 26th 190 86.3%
2019 48.37 102nd 192 46.9%
2021 92.54 9th 160 94.4%
2022 87.09 15th 187 92.0%
2023 69.70 49th 193 74.6%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.98 63rd 195 67.7%
2022 76.37 33rd 194 83.0%
2023 65.41 61st 199 69.3%
2024 69.59 53rd 193 72.5%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.92 34th 227 85.0%
2019 66.60 67th 229 70.7%
2021 79.09 31st 209 85.2%
2022 70.83 54th 229 76.4%
2023 74.98 47th 233 79.8%
2024 71.82 49th 228 78.5%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary Schools for White Students!

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

Rank History for Thornton Central School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 35.83 85th 126 32.5%
2007 43.91 73rd 125 41.6%
2008 62.38 46th 129 64.3%
2009 83.39 15th 127 88.2%
2010 70.42 32nd 127 74.8%
2011 67.27 38th 128 70.3%
2012 79.15 18th 131 86.3%
2013 77.23 22nd 131 83.2%
2014 89.16 6th 132 95.5%
2015 57.09 45th 107 57.9%
2016 56.74 59th 134 56.0%
2017 67.73 37th 125 70.4%
2018 85.02 13th 131 90.1%
2019 75.94 24th 128 81.3%
2021 69.93 28th 125 77.6%
2022 84.38 13th 130 90.0%
2023 91.68 9th 134 93.3%
2024 85.19 17th 130 86.9%
See the entire list of New Hampshire Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 80.24 16th 116 86.2%
2019 85.73 11th 114 90.4%
2021 72.76 20th 113 82.3%
2022 71.62 24th 115 79.1%
2023 89.52 7th 114 93.9%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.06 17th 114 85.1%
2019 74.61 24th 113 78.8%
2021 46.95 55th 116 52.6%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Thornton Central School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 83.53 15th 129 88.4%
2019 76.64 24th 126 81.0%
2021 69.95 28th 123 77.2%
2022 85.46 14th 129 89.1%
2023 91.14 8th 132 93.9%
2024 85.10 16th 128 87.5%
See the entire list of Best New Hampshire Elementary 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.

Thornton Central 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Thornton Central School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 193 0 2 1 0 n/a n/a 0 196
1992 198 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 198
1993 202 1 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 205
1994 205 4 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 211
1995 235 1 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 238
1996 235 1 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 238
1997 240 1 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 244
1998 225 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 227
1999 225 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 227
2000 231 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 232
2001 206 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 206
2002 191 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 191
2003 191 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 191
2004 179 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 179
2005 184 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 186
2006 184 2 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 188
2007 195 2 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 199
2008 188 2 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 191
2009 208 2 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 211
2010 201 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 205
2011 199 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 204
2012 204 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 209
2013 220 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 226
2014 205 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 212
2015 204 5 2 3 0 0 1 0 215
2016 171 5 3 1 1 0 1 0 182
2017 189 5 3 1 1 0 1 0 200
2018 189 5 10 1 0 0 0 0 205
2019 204 5 6 0 0 0 0 0 215
2020 191 7 9 3 0 0 0 0 210
2021 188 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 203
2022 175 4 3 5 0 0 2 0 189
2023 172 2 1 5 1 0 4 0 185

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 Thornton Central School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 196 14.0 14.0 11.2
1992 198 12.1 16.3 17.2
1993 205 13.3 15.4 17.1
1994 211 15.7 13.4 22.3
1995 238 16.7 14.3 26.9
1996 238 16.7 14.3 26.9
1997 244 19.0 12.8 23.4
1998 227 17.2 13.2 18.1
1999 227 17.6 12.9 17.2
2000 232 17.5 13.3 20.7
2001 206 18.0 11.4 18
2002 191 16.5 11.6 18.3
2003 191 16.5 11.6 18.3
2004 179 17.9 10.0 20.1
2005 186 17.9 10.4 21
2006 188 17.9 10.5 24.5
2007 199 18.5 10.8 22.6
2008 191 19.6 9.7 26.7
2009 211 20.8 10.1 26.1
2010 205 22.2 9.2 31.7
2011 204 21.1 9.6 34.3
2012 209 20.4 10.2 31.1
2013 226 21.5 10.5 38.1
2014 212 21.8 9.7 42.5
2015 215 22.0 9.7 47
2016 182 22.0 8.2 47.3
2017 200 21.0 9.5 34
2018 205 22.5 9.1 36.1
2019 215 22.0 9.7 35.3
2020 210 23.0 9.1 33.3
2021 203 24.0 8.4 35
2022 189 23.0 8.2 24.3
2023 185 23.0 8.0 25.4

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 Thornton Central School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 196 14.0 14.0 11.2
1992 198 12.1 16.3 17.2
1993 205 13.3 15.4 17.1
1994 211 15.7 13.4 22.3
1995 238 16.7 14.3 26.9
1996 238 16.7 14.3 26.9
1997 244 19.0 12.8 23.4
1998 227 17.2 13.2 18.1
1999 227 17.6 12.9 17.2
2000 232 17.5 13.3 20.7
2001 206 18.0 11.4 18
2002 191 16.5 11.6 18.3
2003 191 16.5 11.6 18.3
2004 179 17.9 10.0 20.1
2005 186 17.9 10.4 21
2006 188 17.9 10.5 24.5
2007 199 18.5 10.8 22.6
2008 191 19.6 9.7 26.7
2009 211 20.8 10.1 26.1
2010 205 22.2 9.2 31.7
2011 204 21.1 9.6 34.3
2012 209 20.4 10.2 31.1
2013 226 21.5 10.5 38.1
2014 212 21.8 9.7 42.5
2015 215 22.0 9.7 47
2016 182 22.0 8.2 47.3
2017 200 21.0 9.5 34
2018 205 22.5 9.1 36.1
2019 215 22.0 9.7 35.3
2020 210 23.0 9.1 33.3
2021 203 24.0 8.4 35
2022 189 23.0 8.2 24.3
2023 185 23.0 8.0 25.4

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 Thornton Central School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $19,780

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Thornton Central 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 72nd of 231 Elementary schoolsRanks 46th of 237 Elementary schools
 11.8%
Ranks 24th of 128 Middle schoolsRanks 9th of 134 Middle schools
 12%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)5994
 35%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)5994
 35%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)5752
 5%
3rd Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)6567
 2%
   3rd Grade Reading (Thornton School District)6567
 2%
   3rd Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5246
 6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)6973
 4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)6973
 4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)5251
 1%
4th Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)5046
 4%
   4th Grade Reading (Thornton School District)5046
 4%
   4th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5550
 5%
5th Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)5933
 26%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)5933
 26%
   5th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4439
 5%
5th Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)8274
 8%
   5th Grade Reading (Thornton School District)8274
 8%
   5th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5754
 3%
5th Grade Science (Thornton Central School)4541
 4%
   5th Grade Science (Thornton School District)4541
 4%
   5th Grade Science (New Hampshire)3836
 2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)5265
 13%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)5265
 13%
   6th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4742
 5%
6th Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)5680
 24%
   6th Grade Reading (Thornton School District)5680
 24%
   6th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5653
 3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)7267
 5%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)7267
 5%
   7th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4739
 8%
7th Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)6475
 11%
   7th Grade Reading (Thornton School District)6475
 11%
   7th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5654
 2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Thornton Central School)7976
 3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Thornton School District)7976
 3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (New Hampshire)4535
 10%
8th Grade Reading (Thornton Central School)7186
 15%
   8th Grade Reading (Thornton School District)7186
 15%
   8th Grade Reading (New Hampshire)5351
 2%
8th Grade Science (Thornton Central School)7552
 23%
   8th Grade Science (Thornton School District)7552
 23%
   8th Grade Science (New Hampshire)4135
 6%
All Grades Mathematics (Thornton Central School)6565
   All Grades Mathematics (Thornton School District)6565
   All Grades Mathematics (New Hampshire)4842
 6%
All Grades Reading (Thornton Central School)6570
 5%
   All Grades Reading (Thornton School District)6570
 5%
   All Grades Reading (New Hampshire)5652
 4%
All Grades Science (Thornton Central School)6246
 16%
   All Grades Science (Thornton School District)6246
 16%
   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 Students215185
 14%
African American52
 60%
American Indian01
Asian61
 83.3%
Hispanic05
Pacific Islander00
White204172
 15.7%
Two or More Races04
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients35.3%25.4%
 9.9%


Schools Near Thornton Central School









Frequently Asked Questions about Thornton Central School

In the 2022-23 school year, 185 students attended Thornton Central School.

Thornton Central School ranks 53rd of 234 New Hampshire elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students at Thornton Central School are 93% White, 3% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races, 1% African American.

Students who attend Thornton Central School usually go on to attend:

High : Plymouth Regional High School


Rate Thornton Central School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Thornton Central School!




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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 51 milliseconds.