Math & reading standards and testing in New Hampshire
Updated June 2026
New Hampshire uses the Common Core State Standards for ELA and math. Students in grades 3-8 take the NH SAS each spring in reading and mathematics.
Does New Hampshire hold kids back in 3rd grade for reading?
No. New Hampshire has no 3rd-grade retention gate; promotion is local.
Standards
NH College and Career Ready Standards
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards, so grade-level skills match what most of the country teaches.
The key test
The New Hampshire state test
NH SAS covers both math and reading in grades 3-8.
Reading the results
Spring.
Four levels: Below, Approaching, Proficient, Above Proficient.
On grade level means Proficient or Above Proficient on NH SAS ELA.
What's distinctive about New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a pioneer of competency-based education and runs NH SAS alongside that framework.
Practice the skills, by grade
Whatever New Hampshire calls its test, the underlying math and reading skills are grade-level. Practice them directly:
Practice the skills behind the test
KangarooKiddo gives short, daily, grade-aligned math and reading practice mapped to Common Core, in sessions kids come back to. Honest progress for you, rewards they earn.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Education. Verified for the 2025-26 school year; policies can change, so confirm with your school.
Nearby states: Connecticut · Maine · Massachusetts · New Jersey
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