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Below Average

#1663 of 1,791 schools in MA

John J Shaughnessy

Elementary School · Lowell

1158 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Enrollment

469

Student-Teacher

12:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Pre-K – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Lowell

#26 of 28

public schools

Massachusetts elementary schools

#927 of 1,022

In district

#25 of 26

Lowell

About John J Shaughnessy

John J Shaughnessy is an elementary school nestled in the suburban landscape of Lowell, Massachusetts. Serving students from pre-K through fourth grade, it has a student body of 469 students and maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention. With 39 full-time equivalent teachers, the school focuses on fostering an engaging learning environment.

Academically, John J Shaughnessy ranks in the 15th percentile among Massachusetts schools, with MySchoolScout giving it a rating of 3.5 out of 10. On average, around 31% of students are proficient or above in both English Language Arts and Math, indicating areas for growth but also potential for improvement. The school’s location in a large suburban area offers a supportive community atmosphere where families can connect and engage with the educational experience.

John J Shaughnessy is situated within a neighborhood that provides a welcoming environment for students and their families to thrive both academically and socially.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.4Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-3.67 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.5Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32%
Reading/ELA Proficiency22%
Math vs. State Avg-10.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.6 pts
Overall Proficiency27%
Expected (poverty-adj.)26%
vs. Expected+0.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile37th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment6.4Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,674

John J Shaughnessy — Students at John J Shaughnessy score 27% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

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 31.5%
School
State
43.8%
ELA Proficiency 30.7%
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
43%
ELA
47.5%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
47.7%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
31.7%
2022
Math
33.3%
ELA
23%
2023
Math
25.5%
ELA
18%
2024
Math
26.5%
ELA
20%
2025
Math
28%
ELA
22%

* 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: 2.4/10.

How John J Shaughnessy Compares

See how John J Shaughnessy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
7th percentile in MA
Academic
5.5/10
5.5/10
Growth
2.4/10
Below average
Environment
6.4/10
Above average

Location

1158 Gorham Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering John J Shaughnessy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. HELLENIC AMERICAN ACADEMY (rated 6.5/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Charlotte M Murkland Elementary (rated 6.5/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL AND EDUCATION CENTER (rated 6.2/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lowell, see our Lowell schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
B.F. Butler Middle School Lowell 0.1 mi 6.3
Cardinal O'Connell Early Learning Center Lowell 0.4 mi 6.2
Rogers STEM Academy Lowell 0.9 mi 5.3
Moody Elementary Lowell 0.9 mi 5.1
Abraham Lincoln Lowell 0.9 mi 6.1
Dr. Janice Adie Day School Chelmsford 1.1 mi 5.7
Pyne Arts Lowell 0.9 mi 5.9
Laura Lee Therapeutic Day School Lowell 0.9 mi
Lowell Community Charter Public School Lowell 1.2 mi 4.9
The Career Academy Lowell 1.1 mi 6.9
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Lowell 1.4 mi 4.9
Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School Lowell 1.5 mi 4.5
Leblanc Therapeutic Day School Lowell 1.2 mi 6.9
HELLENIC AMERICAN ACADEMY Lowell 1.5 mi 6.5
Washington Lowell 1.2 mi 3.9
Lowell High Lowell 1.6 mi 4.7
SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL AND EDUCATION CENTER Lowell 1.6 mi 6.2
Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School Lowell 1.6 mi 6.5
Charlotte M Murkland Elementary Lowell 1.7 mi 6.5
ST MICHAEL SCHOOL Lowell 1.9 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01852 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$77,058

Median Home Value

$397,200

Median Rent

$1,567/mo

Population

36,700

College Educated

32.9%

Homeownership

46.2%

Avg Commute

27.8 min

Poverty Rate

13.3%

Median Age

37.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding John J Shaughnessy has a median household income of $77,058. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $397,200, with a median rent of $1,567/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.3%. The average commute for residents is 28 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
Arthur T. Cummings Elementary School Winthrop, MA 4.1
Henry B. Burkland Elementary School Middleborough, MA 4.1
James Clark School Agawam, MA 4.1
Margaret L Donovan Randolph, MA 4.1
Naquag Elementary School Rutland, MA 4.1
South Street Early Learning Center Fitchburg, MA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about John J Shaughnessy

What grades does John J Shaughnessy serve?

John J Shaughnessy serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

How many students attend John J Shaughnessy?

John J Shaughnessy has an enrollment of approximately 469 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at John J Shaughnessy?

The student-teacher ratio at John J Shaughnessy is 12:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does John J Shaughnessy rank in MA?

John J Shaughnessy is ranked #1663 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is John J Shaughnessy's MySchoolScout rating?

John J Shaughnessy has a composite rating of 4.1 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 John J Shaughnessy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, John J Shaughnessy has 31.5% math proficiency and 30.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is John J Shaughnessy a charter school?

No, John J Shaughnessy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is John J Shaughnessy a Title I school?

No, John J Shaughnessy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (2,207/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
469
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers (FTE)
39
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Middlesex County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Lowell
District Enrollment
14,273
Schools in District
27
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,440
District Rank
#25 of 26

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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