Very Good
#471 of 1,791 schools in MA
Top 26% in state
Plum Cove School
Elementary School · Gloucester
15 Hickory Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Gloucester
#1 of 6
public schools
Massachusetts elementary schools
#293 of 1,022
In district
#1 of 6
Gloucester
Academic performance
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Plum Cove School
Plum Cove School is a public elementary school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Gloucester, Massachusetts. With 208 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.2 to 1, the school provides a manageable learning environment where students receive individualized attention from its 17 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Plum Cove ranks in the 77th percentile statewide, placing it among the stronger performing schools in Massachusetts.
The school's overall rating of 7.2 out of 10 reflects solid academics, with science proficiency notably strong at 65% proficient or above. Reading and math proficiency rates stand at 58% and 59% respectively, indicating areas where the school continues to support student growth and development. Located in a large suburban area on Hickory Street, Plum Cove serves families in the Gloucester community looking for a neighborhood elementary school with accessible class sizes and personalized instruction.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Plum Cove School — Students at Plum Cove School score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 60 test records from MA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 6.5/10.
How Plum Cove School Compares
See how Plum Cove School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 57% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
15 Hickory Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Plum Cove School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Manchester Memorial Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Manchester), with a very similar rating. Another option is GLEN URQUHART SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Beverly), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Rockport Elementary (rated 7.2/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Rockport), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Gloucester, see our Gloucester schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Beeman Memorial Gloucester | 2.6 mi | 3.7 |
| FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gloucester | 3.0 mi | — |
| Ralph B O'Maley Middle Gloucester | 3.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Gloucester PreSchool Gloucester | 3.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Rockport Elementary Rockport | 2.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Rockport Middle Rockport | 2.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Rockport High Rockport | 2.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Gloucester High Gloucester | 4.2 mi | 6.4 |
| West Parish Gloucester | 4.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Essex Elementary Essex | 7.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Manchester Essex Regional High School Manchester | 8.3 mi | 9.1 |
| Manchester Essex Regional Middle School Manchester | 8.3 mi | 8.0 |
| Manchester Memorial Elementary Manchester | 8.5 mi | 7.3 |
| TARA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Manchester by the Sea | 8.6 mi | — |
| CUVILLY ARTS & EARTH CENTER Ipswich | 8.6 mi | — |
| LANDMARK ELEMENTARYMIDDLE SCHOOL Manchester | 9.9 mi | 7.7 |
| BROOKWOOD SCHOOL Manchester | 9.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Winthrop Ipswich | 9.2 mi | 6.1 |
| GLEN URQUHART SCHOOL Beverly | 10.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Miles River Middle Hamilton | 10.0 mi | 8.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 01930 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$87,898
Median Home Value
$587,800
Median Rent
$1,395/mo
Population
29,862
College Educated
38.8%
Homeownership
63.3%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Median Age
51
Community Profile
The community surrounding Plum Cove School has a median household income of $87,898. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $587,800, with a median rent of $1,395/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.6%. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| Eames Way School Marshfield, MA | 7.3 |
| GLEN URQUHART SCHOOL Beverly, MA | 7.3 |
| Helen R Donaghue School Merrimac, MA | 7.3 |
| Manomet Elementary Plymouth, MA | 7.3 |
| Marguerite E Small Elementary West Yarmouth, MA | 7.3 |
| NASHOBA BROOKS SCHOOL Concord, MA | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plum Cove School
What grades does Plum Cove School serve?
Plum Cove School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Plum Cove School?
Plum Cove School has an enrollment of approximately 208 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Plum Cove School?
The student-teacher ratio at Plum Cove 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 Plum Cove School rank in MA?
Plum Cove School is ranked #471 out of 1,791 schools in MA.
What is Plum Cove School's MySchoolScout rating?
Plum Cove School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 Plum Cove School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Plum Cove School has 56.5% math proficiency and 57.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Plum Cove School a charter school?
No, Plum Cove School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Plum Cove School a Title I school?
No, Plum Cove School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 10 Car-Dependent
- Transit Score
- 27 Some Transit
- Bike Score
- 17 Somewhat Bikeable
- City Safety
- Elevated (830/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Gloucester). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 208
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Essex County
- Phone
- (978) 282-3030
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Gloucester- District Enrollment
- 2,862
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $24,128
- District Rank
- #1 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.