Best Public Schools in Waltham, MA

The city of Waltham, Massachusetts is home to 10 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The data reveals a mix of academic performance across the district, with some standout schools like John F. Kennedy Middle School and Douglas MacArthur Elementary School consistently ranking among the top in the state, while others, such as Northeast Elementary School and Henry Whittemore Elementary School, struggle to meet state benchmarks.

The data shows that the Waltham Senior High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 80.8% and a dropout rate of 10.1%, both of which are areas for improvement compared to state averages. Additionally, the district's per-student spending ranges from $19,574 to $27,565, with an average of around $23,000, which is generally in line with the state average. The student-teacher ratios across the schools are relatively favorable, varying from 8.6 to 11.4, with most schools falling in the 10-11 range.

One unique offering in the Waltham school district is the Dual Language Program, which has shown promising results, with proficiency rates in some subjects exceeding the district and state averages. However, the data also indicates that some schools, like the high school and certain elementary schools, have seen a decline in proficiency rates over the past few years, which is a concerning trend that warrants further investigation.