Published July 16, 2026

Amherst NH Schools Guide (2026): Rankings, Ratings & Homes

Written by Christina Grover

Large gabled New England family home with a covered patio and lush green summer backyard — Amherst NH schools and homes for families

Quick answer: Amherst NH schools are among the strongest in the state. The town's K–8 students attend Clark-Wilkins Elementary and Amherst Middle School (SAU 39), then feed into Souhegan High School—ranked #11 in New Hampshire by U.S. News with a 95% graduation rate. Strong schools are the main reason family buyers pay a premium for a home in Amherst.

For families moving to Southern New Hampshire, the quality of the Amherst NH schools is usually the first question—and often the deciding factor. Every week our team fields some version of “which town has the best schools?” and Amherst is almost always in the conversation. Here is a clear, current breakdown of the Amherst NH school district, how it ranks, and what it costs to buy a home in the district in 2026.

How are Amherst, NH schools ranked?

Amherst’s reputation is built on Souhegan High School. For 2026, U.S. News ranks Souhegan #11 among New Hampshire high schools, and Public School Review places it in the top 20% statewide (#65 of 455). Academic proficiency runs well above the state average: roughly 55–59% of Souhegan students test proficient in math (versus about 42% statewide) and 65–69% proficient in reading (versus about 51% statewide). The graduation rate is 95%, compared with an 88% New Hampshire average. Those numbers are why “SAU 39 schools” carries so much weight with relocating families.

What schools are in the Amherst NH school district (SAU 39)?

Amherst is served by SAU 39, which runs a simple, well-organized path from kindergarten through graduation:

Clark-Wilkins Elementary School — the town’s elementary school (roughly 670 students).
Amherst Middle School — grades 6–8 (roughly 640 students).
Souhegan High School — grades 9–12 (roughly 790 students), a cooperative high school shared by Amherst and neighboring Mont Vernon.

One thing new buyers should understand about the Amherst NH school district: the high school is a cooperative. Amherst and Mont Vernon jointly operate Souhegan, so every Amherst student who completes middle school moves into the same well-regarded high school—there is no separate “which high school will we be zoned for?” question that comes up in larger towns.

Is Souhegan High School actually good?

Beyond the rankings, Souhegan is known statewide for its teaching model. The school was founded on the “essential schools” philosophy—smaller learning communities, block scheduling, an advisory system that keeps students with the same mentor group for four years, and a required senior project. Families who tour it often describe a culture that is academically serious but personal. For buyers comparing Souhegan High School in Amherst NH against other Southern NH options, the combination of top-15 state ranking and that hands-on model is the differentiator.

How much do homes near Amherst schools cost?

Access to the schools comes at a price. Amherst is one of the more expensive towns in the region, and inventory is thin, so exact medians swing month to month. As of mid-2026, Zillow puts the typical Amherst home value near $595,000, while recent three-month closed-sale medians have ranged from roughly $505,000 into the $600,000s depending on the mix of homes that sold. For context, the New Hampshire statewide single-family median was about $575,000 in June 2026 (NHAR), so Amherst generally trades at or above the state median.

Financing costs matter just as much as price. The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged about 6.49% the week of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac), so buyers should budget carefully and get pre-approved before touring—well-priced Amherst homes still move quickly. If you’re early in the process, start with our New Hampshire home buying guide and the town’s Amherst NH real estate page.

What are property taxes in Amherst, NH?

New Hampshire has no state income or sales tax, so towns fund schools largely through property taxes—and strong districts tend to carry higher rates. Amherst’s 2025 total property tax rate was $23.98 per $1,000 of assessed value, an effective rate near 2.29% of home value. In ZIP code 03031, the median annual tax bill runs roughly $10,105. Note that Amherst began a town-wide revaluation in late 2025, so assessed values—and the rate applied to them—may shift on 2026 bills. It’s a real line item to work into any Amherst budget.

Who is Amherst, NH best for?

Amherst is a classic fit for family buyers who prioritize schools, want a village-and-woods New England setting, and can stretch to the town’s price point. Commuters get reasonable access to Nashua, Manchester, and the Route 101 corridor toward the Seacoast, while still landing in a quieter, lower-density town. If your top priority is the strongest possible Amherst NH schools for families paired with classic New Hampshire character, it belongs at the top of your list—budget permitting.

Amherst NH schools: frequently asked questions

What high school do Amherst, NH students attend?

Amherst students attend Souhegan High School, a cooperative high school that Amherst shares with Mont Vernon. It’s ranked #11 in New Hampshire by U.S. News for 2026, with a 95% graduation rate, so every Amherst student feeds into the same top-ranked school.

Is Amherst, NH a good school district?

Yes. The Amherst NH school district (SAU 39) posts math and reading proficiency well above the state average and sends students to Souhegan, one of New Hampshire’s top-15 high schools. Schools are the single biggest reason families choose Amherst over lower-priced neighboring towns.

How much does a home in Amherst, NH cost in 2026?

Typical Amherst home values sit near $595,000 in mid-2026, with recent closed-sale medians ranging from about $505,000 into the $600,000s. Amherst generally trades at or above the New Hampshire statewide single-family median of roughly $575,000.

What is the property tax rate in Amherst, NH?

Amherst’s 2025 total property tax rate was $23.98 per $1,000 of assessed value—an effective rate around 2.29%—with a median annual bill near $10,105 in ZIP 03031. A 2026 revaluation may change assessed values on upcoming bills.

Thinking about buying into the Amherst NH school district? The Phinney Team lives and works in Southern New Hampshire and can help you weigh Amherst against nearby towns, line up financing, and find the right home in the district. Reach out through teamphinney.com to get started.