KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Students in the Keene School District (SAU 29) remain behind pre-pandemic achievement levels in both math and reading, according to a new report from the Education Recovery Scorecard, a research collaboration between Harvard and Stanford universities.

The data shows that Keene students’ math achievement is nearly half a grade level below 2019, with recovery progressing more slowly than the state average.

Reading scores have also declined, though they are closer to the statewide trend.

One of the biggest obstacles to recovery in Keene is chronic absenteeism, which has risen significantly since 2019. Statewide, the percentage of students missing more than 10% of the school year has increased from 13% in 2019 to 24% in 2023.

To help address learning loss, New Hampshire received $544 million in federal pandemic relief for K-12 schools, or roughly $3,000 per student, which is below the national average of $3,700. The report indicates that districts using the funds for tutoring, summer learning programs, and other academic interventions saw stronger recovery. However, those federal funds expired in September 2024, leaving future efforts dependent on state and local initiatives.

While some New Hampshire districts have fully recovered—such as Governor Wentworth, which now exceeds 2019 math levels, and Oyster River, which has surpassed pre-pandemic reading scores—Keene continues to struggle, particularly in math.

With pandemic-related learning losses lingering and no new federal funding in place, researchers warn that without additional state and local efforts, students may face long-term academic setbacks. The report suggests that districts should consider redirecting existing resources toward proven interventions like expanded tutoring, summer learning programs, and attendance initiatives.