MANCHESTER, N.H.- Manchester School District is seeing encouraging improvement in its 2026 New Hampshire Student Assessment System (NHSAS) results, with districtwide proficiency increasing in reading and writing, mathematics, and science.
From 2025 to 2026, districtwide proficiency increased from 28% to 31% in reading and writing, 18% to 20% in mathematics, and 14% to 17% in science.
While we know there is still significant work ahead of us, we are encouraged by the gains we are seeing across the District, particularly in several of our elementary grades.
Some of our strongest gains can be seen in elementary literacy. Third-grade reading and writing proficiency increased from 25% to 32% (7% increase), fourth grade increased from 30% to 34% (4% increase), and fifth grade increased from 24% to 32% (8% increase).
We are also seeing positive movement in mathematics. Third-grade mathematics proficiency increased from 26% to 32% (6% increase), while fourth grade increased from 28% to 30%. Districtwide mathematics proficiency increased two percentage points overall.
Science also showed improvement, with districtwide proficiency increasing from 14% to 17%. Fifth-grade science increased from 12% to 17%.
These results are encouraging, but they represent just one measure of student learning in our continued work to improve outcomes for Manchester students. State assessment results provide us with important information about where students are demonstrating proficiency, where we are seeing improvement, and where additional work and support are needed.
Over the past several years, the District has remained focused on strengthening core instruction, implementing consistent high-quality curriculum, providing teachers with professional learning and collaborative time, and using data throughout the year to identify where students need additional support.
"We are pleased to see movement in the right direction, particularly the gains we are seeing with some of our youngest learners," said Dr. Chmiel, Superintendent of Schools. "At the same time, we know our work is not done. Our focus is on building on this progress and making sure we continue to see improvement across grades, schools, and student groups."
The District will continue to use state assessment results alongside local assessments, attendance, graduation, and other student data to guide its work during the 2026–2027 school year.
For us, this work is about much more than improving a percentage on a state assessment. "Behind every number is a student," said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Leading Nicole Doherty. "When we see improvement in our results, it means more of our students are demonstrating the skills and knowledge we want them to have. We need to understand what is working, continue to build on it, and remain focused on the areas where our students need us to do more. This is about continued improvement over time and making sure every student has the opportunity to be successful."
The District will provide a deeper dive into the 2026 assessment results at an upcoming Teaching and Learning Committee meeting. The presentation will look more closely at grade-level and school-level results, student groups, trends over time, and the instructional strategies and next steps that will guide the District's work this school year.
"We have been very intentional about using data to drive our decisions," Doherty said. "The state assessment is an important part of that picture, but it is not the entire picture. The deeper work is understanding what the data is telling us about our students and then using that information to strengthen teaching and learning across the District."
The Manchester School District will continue to monitor student progress throughout the year and provide updates on its academic goals and key measures of student success.
For more information, click here.