The Educational Landscape in Hooksett, NH

April 21, 2025

Suzanne Damon

The Educational Landscape in Hooksett, NH

Schools in Hooksett

Are you thinking about moving to Hooksett, NH and wondering if the local schools are up to snuff? I gotta say, if you’re scouting the Best schools in and around Hooksett for your buyers (or even for yourself), you’ve stumbled onto a gem of a community. Let’s face it—when folks look for a home, their biggest question is almost always: “How are the schools?” (I bet you get that question a hundred times a year.) So this post dives right into why Hooksett is legit packed with quality educational options. I’ve been around real estate for a while, and I can’t tell you how important it is to have solid school districts in your back pocket.

But first, let’s talk about the vibe of Hooksett itself.

It’s a growing town with a tight-knit community, tucked right between Manchester and Concord in southern New Hampshire. That means easy access to urban amenities but with the cozy feeling of a suburban neighborhood. Families here love the sense of community—volunteer groups, sports leagues, local events, that kind of thing. And a big part of that community pride revolves around the schools. If you’re selling a listing or helping folks relocate, you want to highlight that Hooksett invests heavily in its education system. Let’s dive in so you can get all the details you need (and maybe show off a bit at your next open house).

Top Public Elementary Schools

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Elementary school is usually where families start asking questions first. After all, that’s where kids get their foundation—academics, social skills, after-school clubs, and all that. Around Hooksett, two names pop up again and again: Hooksett Memorial School and Fred C. Underhill Elementary School. They’re sort of the dynamic duo when it comes to early education in this town.

But you might be wondering: “All right, what’s so special?” or “How do I pitch these schools to a new family?” Let’s unravel that right now.

Hooksett Memorial School
I’ve heard parents rave about the supportive culture at Hooksett Memorial. And no, I don’t mean just academically—although they consistently rate high in state assessments. I’m talking about that intangible factor: teacher commitment. As you know, you can have the best technology and the shinest new textbooks, but if teachers aren’t invested, families will notice. Memorial’s teachers are known to go the extra mile, like hosting after-school tutoring or creating special family nights to get parents more involved.

And speaking of parent involvement—there’s a reason family engagement is high on Memorial’s priority list. Teachers and administrators here actively encourage parents to volunteer in classrooms, assist with fun fairs, or join committees that help shape school policies. Trust me, families relocating from out of state respond to that sense of community. They want to be part of a school where they know everyone is on the same team.

Academics are no joke either. Their curriculum aligns closely with state and national standards, but that doesn’t make it stuffy. Hooksett Memorial integrates group projects, hands-on experiments, and a solid focus on reading comprehension. They definitely keep it interesting. Students also have access to a variety of extracurricular clubs—think coding clubs, arts programs, and sports teams. Not every elementary school can boast that range of fun.

Fred C. Underhill Elementary School
Now Fred C. Underhill might be smaller than Memorial, but it has a big heart. I’ve met families who love the close-knit environment there—everyone sort of knows everyone else, from staff to bus drivers. If your clients have younger kids, they might appreciate the smaller class sizes and that personal touch. The teachers tend to stick around for a very long time, which (to me) is a big indicator they like what they do.

Curriculum-wise, Underhill places a hefty emphasis on reading skills—especially in the early grades. They believe in building that literacy foundation right from the get-go. But that doesn’t mean math, science, and the arts get left behind. Remember how some homes have that “curb appeal” that just draws you in? Underhill has that intangible “school appeal.”—the bright hallways decked with student art and reading corners that feel like mini living rooms. It’s classic small-town warmth wrapped up in a well-regarded curriculum.

Comparing the Two
So, what sets them apart? Some folks will focus on the test scores—and, fair enough, Hooksett Memorial has historically posted consistently high marks in reading and math. Underhill might come in slightly below Memorial in certain metrics, but it’s still right up there in terms of performance. Another factor to consider is that Memorial is slightly newer, so if families prioritize modern facilities (like that shiny new gym), Memorial might be the ticket. But if a more intimate vibe ranks higher, Underhill might win them over.

Community Feedback & Ratings
Outside of the stats, both schools have scored positive community reviews. It’s not unusual to find parents swapping stories about how their kids actually look forward to Monday mornings—rare, I know. The supportive environment, the range of activities, and the teacher commitment are big draws.

So if you’re a real estate agent trying to lure prospective buyers, you can confidently tout Hooksett’s public elementary schools as strong local assets. Because let’s be real: families care about schools even more than square footage sometimes (don’t judge me, it’s just the truth).

Middle and High Schools in the Area

Next up, we have David R. Cawley Middle School—often referred to as the place where kids start finding themselves academically and socially. Middle school can be tough, right? Hormones, bigger workloads, giant backpacks that weigh more than the average 12-year-old. But Cawley has built a solid reputation for balancing academics with real-life experiences. I’ve talked to kiddos who’ve raved about their extracurricular clubs—things like robotics, drama, and environmental groups that keep them engaged well beyond the standard 8-to-3 schedule.

Teachers at Cawley seem big on project-based learning. That means your typical “book report” might turn into a multimedia presentation or a hands-on demonstration. Kids learn collaboration, public speaking, and problem-solving in a more organic way. And families love that. If you’re marketing a property nearby, definitely mention Cawley Middle School’s broad extracurricular scene. It’s one of the reasons families pick Hooksett over other towns with less robust middle school programs.

Now, Hooksett doesn’t have its own public high school that’s physically located within the town boundaries. Instead, students attend high schools in nearby communities—often Manchester or Pinkerton Academy in Derry—through established agreements. Let’s unpack that. You might wonder, “Is that a drawback for families?” Actually, it can be a strength. For instance, Pinkerton Academy is massive (over 3,000 students, last I checked) and offers an insane range of electives and specialized career tracks. Wanna study automotive mechanics in high school? Pinkerton’s got that. Craving astronomy or marine biology classes? Pinkerton’s got that, too. Some families love the idea of an enormous campus with near-college-level facilities.

But large schools aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (especially if you’re used to a small-town vibe). That said, many from Hooksett also have pathways into Manchester’s schools like Manchester Central, West, or Memorial High. Each has distinct programs—some folks rave about the advanced placement opportunities at Central, while others say West has a super inclusive environment and strong arts programs. The bottom line: Hooksett kids have options. And that can be a huge selling point. Because let’s get real, how many times have your clients said, “We want a small community but also big opportunities for our teenagers?” This arrangement is basically that in a nutshell.

Special programs? Yup, you’ll find them. Hooksett’s middle school often partners with Pinkerton or Manchester high schools for transitional events, joint extracurriculars, and advanced coursework. There’s also a push for career and technical education, which kids can explore at local high schools or joint programs. If you’re chatting with a buyer who’s concerned about how their child will find resources for, say, a pre-med track, let them know these partnerships are in place and widely used.

The community consensus is that while having no dedicated Hooksett High School might feel odd at first, the variety is actually a huge advantage. Some families might choose Manchester for a more urban setting, while others head to Pinkerton for the expansive suburban campus. Either way, your future homeowners have the final say, given the agreements in place. That’s pretty unique—and often a welcome surprise for families used to a more rigid “district line” approach.

So, if you’re showcasing listings in Hooksett, definitely highlight this middle-and-high-school setup. Emphasize the academic programs, the extracurricular breadth, and the fact that families can find a fit that’s just right for their teenager’s goals. And let’s be honest: if the kids are happy in school, that’s one fewer complaint parents will bring to you (I’ve been there).

Private and Charter School Options

Now, not every family wants the public school path. Some might be looking for smaller classes, specialized curricula, or a faith-based option. Around Hooksett—and in the nearby towns—you’ll find several private and charter schools that can fill those niches. And, hey, if you’re a real estate agent, being able to offer “extra schooling options” is a gold star your buyers will remember.

A few miles from Hooksett, you’ll stumble upon some well-regarded private academies. One popular choice is Trinity High School in Manchester, known for its Catholic-based education and close-knit environment. Small class sizes, mandatory service hours, and an emphasis on moral development. Some families love it, especially if they’re seeking a more traditional approach that blends academics with faith. Plus, extracurriculars at Trinity include everything from varsity basketball to drama club, so students can still get that well-rounded factor.

Next, charter schools—a different breed altogether. They often have specialized missions, like focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or the arts. A couple of charter schools near Hooksett let kids dive deeper into project-based learning. Teachers there might hold class in multi-age groups or facilitate community projects that connect students with local businesses. If you’ve got a client with a child who’s gifted in a certain area (like a budding coder or a violin prodigy), private or charter schools might be the perfect fit. Plus, many charter schools are public and tuition-free, so they’re not necessarily a financial burden.

Speaking of finances: that’s usually the top question with private schools—“How much is tuition?” Well, it varies widely. Some families view it as an investment in specialized education; others think it’s too steep. You can’t blame them—real estate agents are often asked to weigh in: “Is it worth paying private school tuition, or should we go with public?” My quick advice: remind them that Hooksett’s public options are strong. But if they want an even smaller teacher-to-student ratio or a specific educational philosophy (like Montessori or Waldorf), then private schools might fit the bill. Or if they’re super focused on that free-and-alternative approach, a charter school could be their sweet spot.

Real talk, though: I’ve chatted with parents who do a cost-benefit analysis. For example, if a family’s current rent or mortgage is low enough, they decide to splurge on private education. Or if both parents work in Boston or Concord, a private school near a convenient commuter route might be non-negotiable. The key is that Hooksett’s location makes it easy to zip onto I-93 or I-293 to reach a bunch of these private or charter campuses.

Community feedback on private and charter schools is generally positive (though always check specific reviews, because each has its own culture). Some parents adore the individualized attention; others say the smaller social environment can be both a blessing and a challenge. It depends on the child, obviously.

But from a real estate perspective, that range of options—public, private, charter—means you can cast a wider net when selling Hooksett. Buyers who were previously on the fence about small-town living might feel more comfortable knowing they don’t have to sacrifice variety in education. And guess what? That can translate into more leads and a quicker sale. Just saying.

Hooksett’s Educational Landscape

Ready to make a change in your sales pitch? Highlight the fact that Hooksett is more than just a pit stop along I-93. It’s a place where families actually want to plant their roots—mainly because the schooling scene is so strong and diverse. From dedicated public elementary schools like Hooksett Memorial and Fred C. Underhill, to a middle school that keeps the kids exploring, to high school agreements with a variety of renowned institutions (Pinkerton Academy says hi), Hooksett’s got your back. And if all that doesn’t seal the deal, the private and charter school ecosystem around town might just turn your buyers into raving fans.

So, is it time to introduce your clients to the Best schools in and around Hooksett? I’m betting it is. Let them see how these well-rounded, well-supported schools make Hooksett a real contender for families who want a cozy community without losing out on big opportunities.

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About the author

Suzanne Damon is a top-ranked New Hampshire real estate expert with over 30 years of experience in residential sales, specializing in seller representation, luxury marketing, and investment advising. Recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s, she leads DAMON HOMES, LLC with her family and serves clients across Manchester, Bedford, and surrounding areas with a client-first approach and proven results.

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