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#999 of 1,791 schools in MA

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)

School · Pioneer Charter School of Science II (District)

97 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906

Charter

Enrollment

566

Student-Teacher

11.8:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Saugus

#2 of 5

public schools

Massachusetts schools

#44 of 98

Academic performance

9.6 / 10

Exceptional

About Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (PCSS-II) serves 566 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Saugus, Massachusetts, earning recognition as one of the state's top-performing schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10, this charter school ranks an impressive #67 out of 1,796 Massachusetts schools, placing it in the 96th percentile statewide. The school demonstrates strong academic achievement, with 74% of students scoring proficient or above in math and 66% reaching proficiency in English Language Arts across all grade levels.

These results contribute to the school's exceptional 9.2 out of 10 academic score. With 48 full-time equivalent teachers serving the student body, PCSS-II maintains a favorable 11.8-to-1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and support. The school draws from a community where the median household income reaches $96,064 and 30% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

Located on Main Street in this large suburban area of Essex County, Pioneer Charter School of Science II operates within a stable neighborhood where median home values average $543,300 and the poverty rate remains relatively low at 8.8%.

What Parents Should Know

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.67 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.6Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency74%
Reading/ELA Proficiency66%
Overall Proficiency70%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected+27.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile94th
College Readiness4.5Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation14.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.1Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,178

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) — Students at Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

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 EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 72.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 68.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2022
Math
74%
ELA
66%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) Compares

See how Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
44th percentile in MA
Academic
9.6/10
9.6/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
6.1/10
Above average

Location

97 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) may also want to explore other schools in the area. Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (rated 7.9/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Malden), which scores notably higher. Another option is Winthrop (rated 7.8/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Melrose), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SACRED HEART SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Lynn), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Saugus, see our Saugus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Saugus High Saugus 0.3 mi 6.5
Saugus Middle School Saugus 0.3 mi 4.7
Belmonte STEAM Academy Saugus 0.5 mi 5.1
Veterans Early Learning Center Saugus 1.1 mi 2.8
Classical High Lynn 1.7 mi 4.3
Julia F Callahan Lynn 1.7 mi 5.8
Winthrop Melrose 1.8 mi 7.8
Breed Middle School Lynn 1.8 mi 3.7
Linden Malden 2.3 mi 5.9
Herbert Clark Hoover Melrose 1.9 mi 6.4
Horace Mann Melrose 2.0 mi 7.2
Northeast Metro Regional Vocational Wakefield 2.4 mi 6.2
Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Malden 2.5 mi 7.9
Lincoln-Thomson Lynn 2.1 mi 4.0
Forestdale Malden 2.5 mi 6.0
Early Childhood Center Melrose 2.2 mi 4.4
SACRED HEART SCHOOL Lynn 2.3 mi 7.6
Wakefield Memorial High Wakefield 2.7 mi 7.2
A. C. Whelan Elementary School Revere 3.1 mi 4.4
Susan B. Anthony Middle School Revere 3.2 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01906 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$100,819

Median Home Value

$589,500

Median Rent

$1,982/mo

Population

28,599

College Educated

31.4%

Homeownership

73.9%

Avg Commute

29.1 min

Poverty Rate

6.4%

Median Age

43.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) has a median household income of $100,819. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $589,500, with a median rent of $1,982/month. The local poverty rate of 6.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 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
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Peabody, MA 6.0
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON Boston, MA 5.7
MAIMONIDES SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SECTION Brookline, MA 6.3
Pioneer Charter School of Science Everett, MA 6.7
WHITINSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Whitinsville, MA 4.9
THE CARROLL SCHOOL Lincoln, MA 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)

What grades does Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) serve?

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)?

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) has an enrollment of approximately 566 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)?

The student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) rank in MA?

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) is ranked #999 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)'s MySchoolScout rating?

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii)?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) has 72.7% math proficiency and 68.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) a charter school?

Yes, Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) a Title I school?

No, Pioneer Charter School of Science II (pcss-ii) is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,655/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
566
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
48
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Essex County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (District)
District Enrollment
566
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,416
District Rank
#1 of 1

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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