New Hampshire funds its K-12 education system primarily through local property taxes, with the state contributing only a small percentage of the total school budget. This makes New Hampshire unique among the New England states, which fund schools primarily through broad base taxes, and creates a wide disparity in school funding conditions. This case study aims to take a closer look at three districts; Grantham School District, Hampton School District, and Bethlehem School District. These three districts have the highest test scores in the state while having below average property values, family incomes, and disadvantaged student rates. This study attempts to identify the reasoning behind this, and potential gaps that districts can close to improve academic performance with limited financial resources. After the AEC study will be published by Dr. Carozza in the NH School Scoop, a weekly newsletter sent out on New Hampshire education news.
