Very Good
#452 of 1,793 schools in MA
Top 25% in state
Dawson
Elementary School · Wachusett
155 Salisbury Street, Holden, MA 01520
Enrollment
488
Student-Teacher
15.2:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
488
Student-Teacher
15.2:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Massachusetts schools
#452 of 1,793
In Holden
#1 of 5
public schools
In district
#1 of 13
Wachusett
Equity
9.1 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Dawson?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
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Dawson
Elementary School in Holden · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Holden Christian Academy
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Davis Hill Elementary
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Dawson
Dawson is a public elementary school in Holden, MA, part of Wachusett. Dawson serves approximately 488 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 15.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Dawson has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranks #452 of 1,793 schools in MA.
Structured state assessment records for Dawson show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.6 · Very Good
- District avg 5.8
- MA avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dawson — Students at Dawson score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 76 test records from MA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.6/10.
How Dawson Compares
See how Dawson performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
155 Salisbury Street, Holden, MA 01520
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dawson may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Flagg Street (rated 7.9/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Worcester), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Chandler Magnet (rated 7.8/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby Worcester), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Nelson Place (rated 7.1/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Worcester), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Holden, see our Holden schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HOLDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Holden | 0.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Davis Hill Elementary Holden | 1.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Leroy E.Mayo Holden | 1.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Mountview Middle Holden | 1.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Wachusett Regional High Holden | 1.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Early Childhood Center Jefferson | 2.5 mi | 3.3 |
| BANCROFT SCHOOL Worcester | 3.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Nelson Place Worcester | 3.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Flagg Street Worcester | 3.8 mi | 7.9 |
| West Tatnuck Worcester | 3.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Norrback Avenue Worcester | 3.0 mi | 4.1 |
| Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Worcester | 3.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Tatnuck Worcester | 4.1 mi | 4.8 |
| NOTRE DAME ACADEMY Worcester | 4.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Burncoat Street Worcester | 3.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Forest Grove Middle Worcester | 3.9 mi | 5.6 |
| WORCESTER SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Worcester | 4.4 mi | — |
| Francis J McGrath Elementary Worcester | 4.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Chandler Magnet Worcester | 4.6 mi | 7.8 |
| West Boylston Junior/Senior High West Boylston | 3.9 mi | 6.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 01520 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$147,582
Median Home Value
$444,300
Median Rent
$1,578/mo
Population
16,864
College Educated
58.2%
Homeownership
85.3%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Median Age
41.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alcott Concord, MA | 7.6 |
| Claypit Hill School Wayland, MA | 7.6 |
| DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Dedham, MA | 7.6 |
| Francis Wyman Elementary Burlington, MA | 7.6 |
| George H Potter North Dartmouth, MA | 7.6 |
| High Plain Elementary Andover, MA | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dawson
What grades does Dawson serve?
Dawson serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Dawson?
Dawson has an enrollment of approximately 488 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dawson?
The student-teacher ratio at Dawson is 15.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dawson rank in MA?
Dawson ranks #452 of 1,793 schools in MA.
What is Dawson's MySchoolScout rating?
Dawson has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Dawson?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Dawson has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Dawson a charter school?
No, Dawson is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dawson a Title I school?
No, Dawson is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 488
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 32
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Worcester County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 12.7%
- Phone
- (508) 829-6828
Resources & Links
District
Wachusett- District Enrollment
- 6,676
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,152
- District Rank
- #1 of 13
Other Schools in This District
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