Stratham Memorial School
Stratham, NH 03885
Phone: (603) 772-5413
District: Stratham School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 498 students
Stratham Memorial School, a public school located in Stratham, NH, serves grades PK-5 in the Stratham School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Stratham Memorial School is a public school located in Stratham, NH. 498 students attend Stratham Memorial School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 NH Statewide Assessment System data from New Hampshire Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 7/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from New Hampshire Department of Education. |
Posted: November 12, 2025
Posted: November 12, 2025
The elementary school lacked discipline and overall control of the students. My childrens days there were chaotic, unstructured, and marked by inconsistent consequences for unkind or disruptive behavior. The school places heavy emphasis on student choice and progressive practices while neglecting evidence-based educational methods, leaving well-behaved and motivated children overlooked.
The current principal describes herself as a social justice warrior and maverick, but her approach fails to emphasize academics, hard work, and the importance of genuine collaboration with parents. Parent involvement felt neither valued nor encouraged.
Ultimately, we chose to withdraw our children because they were not receiving an age-appropriate academic education, were frequently overlooked, and we as parents often felt intentionally kept uninformed. They now attend a new school where they are thriving both academically and socially.
Posted: November 12, 2025
Posted: November 12, 2025
Posted: November 12, 2025
Posted: November 12, 2025
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Excellent staff and school! Meets each individual child where they are and helps them thrive. Family involvement feels welcome and encouraged.
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
The two teachers we have experienced here seemed wonderful. However, it is difficult to be anything then a two-parent, heterosexual, white family here. The school does not seem to respect family values and would prefer that parents stay uninvolved and not ask questions.
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: February 7, 2023
Posted: October 21, 2021
The ranking of SMS in New Hampshire dropped from no.18 to 62 over the last two years since a new principal took over and shifted the focus to the so-called Competency Based Learning, meaning they dont really care about academic test scores. The result is, one thirds of the students failed in state standardized reading and math test.
SMS was a much better school before. The current educational leadership is so incompetent.
Many parents I know pulled their kids out from this school districts.
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: October 21, 2021
Posted: January 14, 2019
Until this year, I would've rated it the absolute best, far exceeding my expectations. After this year... my experience has changed drastically. Mostly, I am disappointed and feel the new administration is incompetent and is ruining a great school.
Posted: January 14, 2019
Posted: January 14, 2019
Almost all the teachers at SMS are dedicated and incredible. I have only had one that was horrible and one that I felt was just mediocre. But seven that were above and beyond magnificent!
Posted: January 14, 2019
I think a majority of the teachers at SMS are amazing and do an incredible job. I have always looked at parent/teacher/administration relationship as collaborative. But feel things are shifting and there are more power struggles about control than what is really best for the kids.
Posted: January 14, 2019
I have had a bullying incident and a harsh punishment since the new administration has come on board. Both situations left my child feeling unsafe, humiliated, shamed and bad! Their culture has changed and they are not upholding what they promise. I have more than one child that is/has attended SMS. Since the new leadership, I have seen a strong decline in teacher's positive attitude and interaction with students. It seems a lot less "friendly" and "cheerful". My children have all said, on their own, the last vice principal and principal were WAY better!
Posted: January 14, 2019
Posted: January 14, 2019
They deal with bullying by hyper focusing on the victim and doing nothing about it. They look at it as if to help the bully transform or change rather than protecting the victim. The focus is on making it go away at all costs.
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Excellent. Staff is kind, helpful and involved.
Posted: October 16, 2014
I have 2 children attending this school. I am continually impressed by the quality of teachers, year after year. We have only had 1 teacher with whom we were less than satisfied. The principal is excellent and fully engaged with the children and parents; when I compare stories with my friends whose children attend other schools, I'm reminded of how truly unique and outstanding his dedication and engagement is. Additionally, the after school enrichment programs offered by the teachers are a great bonus and again, not something all nearby schools offer. These mini-courses are age appropriate, small groups, that include skill areas like art, craft, foreign language, writing, acting, sport, active games, computer, etc. I've watched my little girl blossom into an artist and my son refine his motor and engineering skills in these activities. The school also has a musical instrument program and elementary level band. My children also participate in the afterschool program which is run by the YMCA. This program is a before-and-after school program, held on-site that provides quality activities, snacks and care for my children during work hours. Finally, parent volunteering is encouraged.
Posted: September 30, 2014
I attended this school when I was younger and it is the only elementary school I would ever want to send my children to someday! Wonderful school and amazing teachers!
Posted: December 7, 2013
I went to this school not so long ago, and to be honest the 6 years I spent there have been the best 6 years of my life so far. I started there in kindergarten and I was young for the grade I was in so my parents were nervous that I wasn't ready yet, but this school took care of me and my parents concerns. I love everything about this school; from the principal and the teachers, (even the janitor Bob), to the food and love I felt from the school. I recently went back to visit and everybody remembered me even though it's been 12 years since I was in their class for some of them. I almost started crying while I was there because I miss it so so much. Although this isn't the case with every child, one particular teacher here cared for me and has been my favorite teacher ever through all of the 50+ teachers I've had. And because of this teacher, I know what I want to do when I'm older: come back to SMS and teach. If you're deciding where to send your kids for elementary school, I wouldn't double think sending my kids here. Not only do they give you a strong learning base for the rest of your life, they genuinely care about every single little kid that ever walks through the doors.
Posted: September 7, 2013
Our two children have never had a bad day at this school (3rd and 1st grades). The staff really care about each child, they are expected to pay attention and learn in class, they have made math and science cool. Both kids were advanced readers by the end of kindergarten, and they enjoy music, art, and computer classes every week. The parents are invited to be involved but not excessively, and all the teachers we've seen make a big effort to communicate weekly about the goings on in the classroom.
Posted: August 26, 2013
We moved to the Seacoast area from another state with a very strong education system. Schools were our biggest concern and our number one focus. We chose Stratham because of this elementary school. It has been everything we had hoped. It all starts at the top and the Principal of this school - Tom Fosher - is extraordinary - there's no other way to describe it. It's been a great experience for our kids.
Posted: February 16, 2011
We moved to stratham this year and so its our first year in SMS and we like it. Great teacher,Great prinicipal ,good after care at school.My focus was on Math and so far it is going great and the math skills are assessed each quarter. I didn't hear even one complaint from my kid about the school or the teacher.Very happy
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Pease Air Base | 4.7 mi. |
| Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery Maine) | 8.4 mi. |
| Londonderry Armed Forces Reserve Center | 28.3 mi. |
| New Hampshire National Guard Concord | 33.9 mi. |
| New Boston Air Force Station | 37.6 mi. |
| Hanscom AFB | 44.6 mi. |
| Coast Guard Boston | 46.6 mi. |
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