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
Enrollment
1,053
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.2
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
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Gardner Elementary School — Students at Gardner Elementary School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 34 test records from MA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How Gardner Elementary School Compares
See how Gardner Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 28% (2019) to 26% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 26% (2019) to 25% (2022).
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.
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (978) 991-0900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Gardner- District Enrollment
- 2,472
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,199
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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