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Average

#1314 of 1,791 schools in MA

Gardner Elementary School

Elementary School · Gardner

278 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Enrollment

1,053

Student-Teacher

18.2:1

Score

5.2

Grades

Pre-K – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Gardner

#2 of 4

public schools

Massachusetts elementary schools

#730 of 1,022

In district

#2 of 4

Gardner

Academic growth

7.1 / 10

Strong

About Gardner Elementary School

Gardner Elementary School serves 1,053 students in prekindergarten through fourth grade on Pearl Street in Gardner, Massachusetts. With 58 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio, providing a manageable classroom environment for young learners in this Worcester County community. The school is working to strengthen academic outcomes, with room for growth in both English language arts and mathematics.

Currently, 25% of students demonstrate proficiency in reading while 26% meet proficiency standards in math across tested grade levels. Gardner Elementary ranks in the lower tier of Massachusetts elementary schools, holding the 1704th position out of 1796 schools statewide. The school serves a diverse economic community where the median household income is $57,289 and median home values average $243,700.

About one in five residents holds a bachelor's degree or higher, while 14.8% of families experience poverty. This economic diversity brings varied perspectives and experiences to the classroom environment. Gardner Elementary operates within a mid-size suburban setting that offers families the benefits of small-town community feel while maintaining access to regional resources.

The school's location in central Massachusetts provides students with a stable learning environment as they build foundational academic and social skills during these crucial early elementary years.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Gardner Elementary School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-1.25 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Math vs. State Avg-16.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.6 pts
Overall Proficiency26%
Expected (poverty-adj.)34%
vs. Expected-8.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.5Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,991

Gardner Elementary School — Students at Gardner Elementary School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 23.6%
School
State
43.8%
ELA Proficiency 27.6%
School
State
45.6%

Based on 34 test records from MA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
Math
27.5%
ELA
31.5%
2019
Math
29%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
18.3%
ELA
38.3%
2022
Math
25.7%
ELA
25%
2023
Math
23%
ELA
21%
2024
Math
23.5%
ELA
23.5%
2025
Math
17.5%
ELA
23%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Gardner Elementary School Compares

See how Gardner Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
27th percentile in MA
Academic
4.4/10
4.4/10
Growth
7.1/10
Above average
Environment
1.5/10
Below average

Location

278 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gardner Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Templeton Elementary School (rated 6.4/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Templeton), which scores notably higher. Another option is HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY (rated 5.8/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Briggs Elementary (rated 5.7/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Ashburnham), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Gardner, see our Gardner schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Gardner Middle School Gardner 0.3 mi 4.9
Gardner High Gardner 0.4 mi 5.2
Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology Gardner 0.9 mi 5.7
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY Gardner 1.6 mi 5.8
WACHUSETT HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gardner 1.7 mi
Overlook Middle School Ashburnham 2.6 mi 4.8
Briggs Elementary Ashburnham 3.0 mi 5.7
Oakmont Regional High School Ashburnham 2.8 mi 4.3
Meetinghouse School Westminster 4.2 mi 4.2
Westminster Elementary Westminster 4.3 mi 5.4
Templeton Elementary School Templeton 5.3 mi 6.4
Narragansett Regional High Baldwinville 5.2 mi 3.9
Narragansett Middle Baldwinville 5.2 mi 3.4
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical Fitchburg 5.9 mi 7.2
Hubbardston Center Hubbardston 7.8 mi 4.6
Toy Town Elementary Winchendon 8.2 mi 5.3
Murdock Academy for Success Winchendon 8.2 mi
Memorial Winchendon 8.6 mi 4.8
Winchendon PreSchool Program Winchendon 8.6 mi 5.0
Murdock High School Winchendon 8.7 mi 3.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01440 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,526

Median Home Value

$270,500

Median Rent

$1,071/mo

Population

21,298

College Educated

22.7%

Homeownership

57.2%

Avg Commute

30.9 min

Poverty Rate

14.1%

Median Age

43.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Gardner Elementary School has a median household income of $63,526. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $270,500, with a median rent of $1,071/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Chandler Elementary Duxbury, MA 5.2
Edgar B Davis Brockton, MA 5.3
Florence Sawyer School Bolton, MA 5.3
Mountain View School Easthampton, MA 5.3
Rogers STEM Academy Lowell, MA 5.3
Belmonte STEAM Academy Saugus, MA 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gardner Elementary School

What grades does Gardner Elementary School serve?

Gardner Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

How many students attend Gardner Elementary School?

Gardner Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 1,053 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gardner Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Gardner Elementary School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gardner Elementary School rank in MA?

Gardner Elementary School is ranked #1314 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Gardner Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Gardner Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Gardner Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gardner Elementary School has 23.6% math proficiency and 27.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Gardner Elementary School a charter school?

No, Gardner Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gardner Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Gardner Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
14 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (958/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Gardner). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
1,053
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
58
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Worcester County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Gardner
District Enrollment
2,472
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,199
District Rank
#2 of 4

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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