LONDONDERRY — The results are in, and staff in the Londonderry School District are, for the most part, pleased with the latest science scores for the New England Common Assessment Program.

According to Assistant Superintendent Andy Corey, the district’s curriculum coordinator, Londonderry students’ overall performances were at or above the state averages.

Last May, fourth-, eighth- and 11th-graders across the state took their NECAP science exams.

Londonderry’s fourth-graders fared slightly better than the state average, with 56 percent of them scoring proficient or higher, compared to the state average of 51 percent.

Thirty-two percent of the town’s eighth-graders scored proficient or higher, which is the same as the state average. Scores for the town’s high school juniors likewise matched the state average of 33 percent proficient or higher.

Corey stressed, however, that the NECAPS are just one of many tools used to determine student progress.

“While results of statewide assessments are important ... Londonderry relies on multiple measures of success,” he said.

Other factors under consideration are scores from the science portion of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the College Board’s SAT results, current graduation and dropout rates, and the percentage of students pursuing post-secondary opportunities.

Corey said a high percentage of this year’s college seniors are enrolled in advanced science courses, which hint at the actual success rate of the district’s curriculum in action.

Twenty-six percent of the Class of 2013 are enrolled in College Prep Physics, 14 percent in Honors Physics, 13 percent in Anatomy and Physiology, 11 percent in Advanced Topics in Chemistry and 7 percent in Advanced Placement Environmental Science.

Corey said he’s in the process of meeting with administrators to further review the students’ progress and determine what’s needed to better address the needs of challenged students.

Percentages of local students struggling in science also appear to be relatively in sync with state averages.

At Londonderry Middle School, 200 of the 409 students tested, or 31 percent, were found to be partially proficient in science. Seventy-eight students, or 19 percent of the eighth-graders tested, were below proficient.

On average, 49 percent of the state’s eighth-graders were partially proficient in science and 19 percent were below proficient.

At Londonderry High School, 190 of the 415 students tested, or 46 percent, were found to be partially proficient in science. Eighty-seven students, or 21 percent of the 11th-graders tested, were below proficient.

On average, 45 percent of the state’s high school juniors were partially proficient in science. Twenty-two percent were below proficient.

At Matthew Thornton Elementary School, 37, or 40 percent of the 92 fourth-graders tested were found to be partially proficient in science. Seven fourth-graders, representing 8 percent, were below proficient.

At North Elementary School, 40 of the school’s 115 fourth-graders tested, or 35 percent, were found to be partially proficient in science. Fourteen students, or 12 percent, were below proficient.

At South Elementary School, 40 of the 130 tested fourth-graders, representing 31 percent, were found to be partially proficient in science. Twelve students, representing 9 percent, were below proficient.

On average, 37 percent of the state’s fourth-graders were partially proficient in science. Ten percent were below proficient.

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April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.