Very Good
#372 of 1,793 schools in MA
Top 21% in state
Helen R Donaghue School
Elementary School · Pentucket
24 Union Street Ext., Merrimac, MA 01860
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
7.9
Grades
3rd – 6th
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
7.9
Grades
3rd – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Massachusetts schools
#372 of 1,793
In Merrimac
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#4 of 6
Pentucket
Academic growth
9.3 / 10
Excellent
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Helen R Donaghue School
Elementary School in Merrimac · grades 3rd – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Merrimac Heights Academy
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Dr Frederick N Sweetsir
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Helen R Donaghue School
Helen R Donaghue School is a public elementary school in Merrimac, MA, part of Pentucket. Helen R Donaghue School serves approximately 245 students, and covers grades 3rd-6th, and has a 11.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Helen R Donaghue School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #372 of 1,793 schools in MA.
Structured state assessment records for Helen R Donaghue School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.9 · Very Good
- District avg 7.9
- MA avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Helen R Donaghue School — Students at Helen R Donaghue School score 45% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 96 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: 9.3/10.
How Helen R Donaghue School Compares
See how Helen R Donaghue School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
24 Union Street Ext., Merrimac, MA 01860
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Helen R Donaghue School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Dr John C Page School (rated 9.0/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby West Newbury), which scores notably higher. Another option is South Hampton Barnard School (rated 8.2/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby South Hampton), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Golden Hill (rated 7.3/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Haverhill), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Merrimac, see our Merrimac schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MERRIMAC HEIGHTS ACADEMY Merrimac | 0.6 mi | — |
| Dr Frederick N Sweetsir Merrimac | 1.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Whittier Regional Vocational Haverhill | 1.6 mi | 8.2 |
| THE CHILDRENS CASTLE West Newbury | 2.4 mi | — |
| Pentucket Regional Middle West Newbury | 3.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Pentucket Regional Sr High West Newbury | 3.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Dr John C Page School West Newbury | 2.6 mi | 9.0 |
| Charles C Cashman Elementary Amesbury | 3.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Shay Elementary Amesbury | 3.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Amesbury High Amesbury | 3.5 mi | 6.6 |
| South Hampton Barnard School South Hampton | 4.3 mi | 8.2 |
| SEACOAST LEARNING COLLABORATIVE Newton | 4.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Memorial School Newton | 4.0 mi | 5.8 |
| AMESBURY MONTESSORI Amesbury | 3.8 mi | — |
| AMESBURY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL South Hampton | 4.5 mi | — |
| Golden Hill Haverhill | 4.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Amesbury Innovation High School Amesbury | 4.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Dr Paul Nettle Haverhill | 4.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Pentucket Lake Elementary Haverhill | 4.2 mi | 3.1 |
| Amesbury Middle Amesbury | 4.1 mi | 5.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 01860 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$116,477
Median Home Value
$531,300
Median Rent
$1,236/mo
Population
6,707
College Educated
36.8%
Homeownership
79%
Avg Commute
30.3 min
Poverty Rate
8.3%
Median Age
48.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Edward G. Molin Elementary School Newburyport, MA | 7.9 |
| Joseph Demello South Dartmouth, MA | 7.9 |
| THE SAGE SCHOOL Foxboro, MA | 7.9 |
| Thomson North Andover, MA | 7.9 |
| Jackson Street Northampton, MA | 8.0 |
| Lanesborough Elementary Lanesborough, MA | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Helen R Donaghue School
What grades does Helen R Donaghue School serve?
Helen R Donaghue School serves students in grades 3rd through 6th.
How many students attend Helen R Donaghue School?
Helen R Donaghue School has an enrollment of approximately 245 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Helen R Donaghue School?
The student-teacher ratio at Helen R Donaghue School is 11.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Helen R Donaghue School rank in MA?
Helen R Donaghue School ranks #372 of 1,793 schools in MA.
What is Helen R Donaghue School's MySchoolScout rating?
Helen R Donaghue School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 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 Helen R Donaghue School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Helen R Donaghue School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Helen R Donaghue School a charter school?
No, Helen R Donaghue School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Helen R Donaghue School a Title I school?
No, Helen R Donaghue School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 6th
- Enrollment
- 245
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Essex County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 13.5%
- Phone
- (978) 346-8921
Resources & Links
District
Pentucket- District Enrollment
- 2,225
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,716
- District Rank
- #4 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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