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Below Average

#1442 of 1,791 schools in MA

Joseph Metcalf School

Middle School · Holyoke

2019 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Enrollment

205

Student-Teacher

9.3:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Holyoke

#10 of 11

public schools

Massachusetts middle schools

#249 of 305

In district

#10 of 10

Holyoke

School environment

8.4 / 10

Very strong

About Joseph Metcalf School

Joseph Metcalf School is a middle school located in the heart of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Situated on Northampton Street, this regular public school serves students from sixth through eighth grade with an enrollment of 205 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.3:1, providing ample support for each child's academic needs. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 22 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to help their students succeed.

According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, Joseph Metcalf School currently ranks at the 6th percentile in Massachusetts with a state ranking of #1681 out of 1796 schools. Academically, the school's performance indicators show areas where growth is needed: only 23% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 17% meet proficiency standards in math and just 13% in science. Despite these challenges, Joseph Metcalf School remains committed to fostering an environment where every student can develop their skills and reach their full potential.

The school is situated in a large suburban area of Holyoke, offering students access to both urban amenities and more spacious surroundings conducive to learning and community engagement.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 9.3:1, Joseph Metcalf School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.4Significantly Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-5.49 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22%
Reading/ELA Proficiency22%
Math vs. State Avg-20.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.9 pts
Overall Proficiency22%
Expected (poverty-adj.)4%
vs. Expected+18.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
Resources & Environment8.4Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$23,447

Joseph Metcalf School — Students at Joseph Metcalf School score 22% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 4%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 17.5%
School
State
40.9%
ELA Proficiency 23.3%
School
State
44.4%

Based on 69 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
38%
ELA
44%
2019
Math
40.3%
ELA
44.3%
2021*
Math
15.6%
ELA
31.6%
2022
Math
22.5%
ELA
22.3%
2023
Math
17.5%
ELA
23%
2024
Math
4%
ELA
6.3%
2025
Math
3.8%
ELA
11.3%

* 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: 1.4/10.

How Joseph Metcalf School Compares

See how Joseph Metcalf School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
20th percentile in MA
Academic
6.3/10
6.3/10
Growth
1.4/10
Below average
Environment
8.4/10
Above average

Location

2019 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Joseph Metcalf School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Holyoke STEM Academy (rated 6.2/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lt Clayre Sullivan Elementary (rated 5.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Holyoke, see our Holyoke schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
BLESSED SACRAMENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Holyoke 0.2 mi 5.1
CENTER SCHOOL Holyoke 0.3 mi 8.2
FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Holyoke 0.5 mi 4.7
Holyoke Community Charter School Holyoke 0.5 mi 4.5
Holyoke High Holyoke 0.6 mi 5.8
Holyoke STEM Academy Holyoke 1.0 mi 6.2
Lt Clayre Sullivan Elementary Holyoke 1.1 mi 5.4
Maurice A Donahue Elementary Holyoke 1.2 mi 6.9
H.B. Lawrence School Holyoke 1.1 mi 7.0
Lt Elmer J McMahon Elementary Holyoke 1.1 mi 6.9
SPRINGDALE EDUCATION CENTER Holyoke 1.2 mi 7.7
Gateway to College at Holyoke Community College Holyoke 1.1 mi
Morgan Full Service Community School Holyoke 1.2 mi 6.0
LIGHTHOUSE HOLYOKE Holyoke 1.4 mi 6.0
Gen John J Stefanik Chicopee 2.0 mi 5.9
MATER DOLOROSA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Holyoke 1.8 mi 6.3
Kelly Elementary Holyoke 1.7 mi 7.0
E N White Elementary Holyoke 2.2 mi 8.0
NEW ENGLAND ADOLESCENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE Holyoke 2.0 mi 7.3
Lambert-Lavoie Chicopee 2.2 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01040 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,892

Median Home Value

$255,300

Median Rent

$1,016/mo

Population

37,949

College Educated

24.3%

Homeownership

41.6%

Avg Commute

19.4 min

Poverty Rate

23.7%

Median Age

39.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Joseph Metcalf School has a median household income of $51,892. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $255,300, with a median rent of $1,016/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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
Gateway Regional Middle School Huntington, MA 4.9
Quaboag Regional Middle Innovation School Warren, MA 4.9
Luther Burbank Middle School Lancaster, MA 5.2
Springfield Realization Academy Springfield, MA 5.3
UP Academy Charter School of Boston South Boston, MA 5.3
Vassal Lane Upper School Cambridge, MA 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Joseph Metcalf School

What grades does Joseph Metcalf School serve?

Joseph Metcalf School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Joseph Metcalf School?

Joseph Metcalf School has an enrollment of approximately 205 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Joseph Metcalf School?

The student-teacher ratio at Joseph Metcalf School is 9.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Joseph Metcalf School rank in MA?

Joseph Metcalf School is ranked #1442 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Joseph Metcalf School's MySchoolScout rating?

Joseph Metcalf School has a composite rating of 4.9 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 Joseph Metcalf School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Joseph Metcalf School has 17.5% math proficiency and 23.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Joseph Metcalf School a charter school?

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

Is Joseph Metcalf School a Title I school?

No, Joseph Metcalf School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (5,291/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
205
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Hampden County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Holyoke
District Enrollment
4,898
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$27,313
District Rank
#10 of 10

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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