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Average

#1096 of 1,791 schools in MA

Mccarthy Middle School

Middle School · Chelmsford

250 North Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824

Enrollment

782

Student-Teacher

12.2:1

Score

5.8

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Chelmsford

#4 of 7

public schools

Massachusetts middle schools

#185 of 305

In district

#5 of 8

Chelmsford

Equity

8.0 / 10

Very strong

About Mccarthy Middle School

McCarthy Middle School serves grades 7 and 8 in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 782 students. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1, supported by 64 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a manageable class environment for this age group. Academically, McCarthy ranks in the 66th percentile statewide, placing it at #608 out of 1,796 Massachusetts schools.

The school's MySchoolScout rating is 6.4/10, with an academic score of 7.3/10. Performance varies by subject: English language arts and reading show the strongest results, with 62% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards. Science follows at 60% proficiency, while mathematics shows more room for growth at 53% proficient or above across grade levels.

Like many middle schools navigating this transitional age, McCarthy is focused on supporting students' academic development and helping them build foundational skills. The school's suburban setting in Chelmsford offers students a connected community environment while they work toward mastery of core academic competencies.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.0Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-2.18 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.5Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50%
Reading/ELA Proficiency58%
Math vs. State Avg+10.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+15.5 pts
Overall Proficiency54%
Expected (poverty-adj.)54%
vs. Expected-0.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile62th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,638

Mccarthy Middle School — Students at Mccarthy Middle School score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 52.8%
School
State
42.1%
ELA Proficiency 62.3%
School
State
46.2%

Based on 84 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
57.4%
ELA
68.2%
2019
Math
66.5%
ELA
72.5%
2021*
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2022
Math
50.2%
ELA
57.8%
2023
Math
50.2%
ELA
54.4%
2024
Math
48.3%
ELA
52.3%
2025
Math
48.7%
ELA
60%

* 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: 5.0/10.

How Mccarthy Middle School Compares

See how Mccarthy Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.8/10
39th percentile in MA
Academic
7.5/10
7.5/10
Growth
5.0/10
Above average
Environment
4.6/10
Below average

Location

250 North Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mccarthy Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. James S Daley Middle School (rated 7.1/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lowell), which scores notably higher. Another option is Col Moses Parker School (rated 5.6/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Dr An Wang School (rated 4.2/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Lowell), a more accessible option. For more schools in Chelmsford, see our Chelmsford schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Chelmsford High North Chelmsford 0.5 mi 7.1
Charles D Harrington North Chelmsford 0.7 mi 5.6
GREATER VISIONS CHILDRENS CENTER Chelmsford 0.8 mi
Col Moses Parker School Chelmsford 0.8 mi 5.6
Collegiate Charter School of Lowell Lowell 1.3 mi 2.9
KEYSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL North Chelmsford 1.4 mi 7.1
Community Education Center Chelmsford 1.4 mi 5.0
Center Elementary School Chelmsford 1.8 mi 6.0
James S Daley Middle School Lowell 1.6 mi 7.1
Dr Gertrude Bailey Lowell 1.6 mi 6.9
LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL, INC North Chelmsford 2.0 mi 7.1
Pawtucketville Memorial Lowell 2.2 mi 4.5
Dr An Wang School Lowell 2.2 mi 4.2
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lowell 2.0 mi 5.4
Charles W Morey Lowell 2.1 mi 4.7
Washington Lowell 2.0 mi 3.9
Gr Lowell Regional Vocational Technical Tyngsborough 2.6 mi 6.5
Laura Lee Therapeutic Day School Lowell 2.3 mi
Joseph McAvinnue Lowell 2.8 mi 6.0
Bartlett Community Partnership Lowell 2.7 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01824 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$141,337

Median Home Value

$590,900

Median Rent

$2,076/mo

Population

26,628

College Educated

56.9%

Homeownership

82.7%

Avg Commute

29.9 min

Poverty Rate

4.6%

Median Age

42.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Mccarthy Middle School has a median household income of $141,337. It is a well-educated community where 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $590,900, with a median rent of $2,076/month. The local poverty rate of 4.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 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
Melrose Middle Melrose, MA 5.8
East Middle School Braintree, MA 5.7
John F Kennedy Middle School Woburn, MA 5.7
Westfield Middle School Westfield, MA 5.7
Freetown-Lakeville Middle School Lakeville, MA 5.9
Henry J Robinson Middle Lowell, MA 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mccarthy Middle School

What grades does Mccarthy Middle School serve?

Mccarthy Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Mccarthy Middle School?

Mccarthy Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 782 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mccarthy Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Mccarthy Middle School is 12.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mccarthy Middle School rank in MA?

Mccarthy Middle School is ranked #1096 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Mccarthy Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Mccarthy Middle School has a composite rating of 5.8 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 Mccarthy Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mccarthy Middle School has 52.8% math proficiency and 62.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Mccarthy Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Mccarthy Middle School a Title I school?

No, Mccarthy Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
Elevated (1,250/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
782
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
64
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Middlesex County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Chelmsford
District Enrollment
5,130
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,243
District Rank
#5 of 8

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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