Update on Seabrook Schools

How are we doing?

Our Elementary and Middle schools are essential to the success of our town. Parents want their kids to get a great education. Families want to live in a town with good schools, which increases the resale value of homes. So how are our schools doing?

Student Assessment System (SAS) Trends: All New Hampshire students in grades 3 – 8 are tested each year to assess their Proficiency and Growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. For at least the past ten years, elementary/middle school student achievement on this test has been low – lower than NH state average and considerably lower than surrounding towns. There has been some progress over the past four years. Between 2021 and 2023, Seabrook scores improved slightly and then showed strong improvement in 2024 (most recent testing). ELA Proficiency rose by 8 percentage points as compared to 2023, while Math Proficiency increased by 9 points. The NH SAS also reports on student Growth Percentile, which measures the rate of acceleration of learning. For 2024, ELA Growth scores were up by 11 points from 2023, while Math Growth scores rose by 8. Seabrook’s Growth Percentile scores for 2024 were at or above surrounding towns and higher than the state average.

Clearly, the Proficiency scores are still low. But it does seem as though some things must be working to lead to the increases seen in the most recent testing. For the past few years, there has been increased focus on understanding the reasons for low scores and developing specific action plans to address them. Principals in both schools have been working on improvements in curriculum, with professional development and coaching for teachers. They’ve implemented more small group instruction and afterschool tutoring opportunities for students. Teachers, Educational Assistants and students are proud of the significant gains they achieved this year and are committed to continued progress.

In addition to academics, students in Seabrook have access to a wide range of athletic and extra-curricular activities. All-star musicians, artists and athletes all have a positive impact on the school community. Monthly RAM assemblies recognize students who demonstrate kindness, responsibility and perseverance. School leaders talk about the importance of RAM Pride: Respectful, Accountable, Motivated and Safe.

It is encouraging to see strong support for the schools from the Seabrook community. Last month’s fundraiser for the 8^th grade trip to Washington, a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Trinity United Church was a huge success, with standing room only attendance. Many local businesses and organizations provide support for school events. There is core group of committed PTO members, who accomplish so much for the students. Among their many contributions was the refurbishment of the school basketball court in the fall. They recently ran a very successful “Daughter and Someone Special” dance and are working on planning the 8^th Grade Semi-Formal. Parent/caregiver attendance at school events has been increasing this year; the schools are looking forward to hosting all at the upcoming School Exhibition Night in March.

A longtime Kindergarten teacher and Seabrook resident whose two children are successful graduates of Seabrook Schools shared her perspective at the recent School District Deliberative session. She delivered an update on how graduates of SES and SMS are doing, in high school, college and life. The teacher talked about the Seabrook students currently at Winnacunnet High School who are student leaders, consistently on the honor roll and involved in sports and extracurricular activities. She shared stories about Seabrook school graduates who are doing well in college, achieving academic success in addition to accomplishments including internships, musical careers, athletics and even one who has published a book. She provided examples of graduates who have gone on to successful careers including: teaching (some are teaching at the Seabrook schools they attended), IT, nursing, military, government, firefighting and small business ownership. To watch her presentation, see the video of the Feb. 3 Deliberative Session (starts at approximately 45:45).

Background Information: Seabrook Elementary School (SES) serves children from Pre-K through grade 4, while Seabrook Middle School (SMS) includes grades 5 – 8. Each school has a principal and the two schools are overseen by the Seabrook School Board. Seabrook students attend high school at Winnacunnet High School, a regional school located in Hampton which serves Hampton, North Hampton, Hampton Falls and Seabrook. The High School is overseen by the Winnacunnet School Board, which includes representatives from each town. Through Winnacunnet, Seabrook students who are interested in a vocational education are able to attend the Seacoast School of Technology, a regional Career and Technical Center located in Exeter.