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#1347 of 1,791 schools in MA

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School

High School · Sizer School: A North Central Charter Essential (District)

500 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Charter

Enrollment

302

Student-Teacher

9.7:1

Score

5.1

Grades

7th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Fitchburg

#7 of 10

public schools

Massachusetts high schools

#305 of 366

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School

Sizer School: A North Central Charter Essential School is a unique high school located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Serving students from seventh through twelfth grade, Sizer offers a diverse educational experience with an enrollment of 302 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.7 to 1. As a charter school, it operates under the Worcester County area but focuses on innovative teaching methods tailored to individual needs.

Academically, Sizer School ranks in the lower third among Massachusetts schools, with only 45% of students meeting proficiency levels in ELA/Reading and significantly fewer in Math (22%) and Science (28%). Despite these challenges, the school is committed to continuous improvement and fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes personal growth and development. The rural setting near Fitchburg provides a peaceful backdrop for students to explore their interests.

Sizer School's focus on community engagement and student-centered learning makes it an attractive option for families seeking a distinctive educational pathway in the area.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

With a student-teacher ratio of 9.7:1, Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential 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.

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School 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 Progress9.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-0.19 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendStable
Academics3.9Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17%
Reading/ELA Proficiency37%
Math vs. State Avg-22.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.5 pts
Overall Proficiency27%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-15.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
College Readiness2.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation4.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.5Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,783

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School — Students at Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School score 27% proficient, which is below 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 MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 21.9%
School
State
44.0%
ELA Proficiency 45.1%
School
State
48.5%

Based on 76 test records from MA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2018
Math
23%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
30.8%
ELA
51.2%
2021*
Math
15.8%
ELA
38%
2022
Math
15.4%
ELA
37.6%
2023
Math
23.5%
ELA
47.5%
2024
Math
19.8%
ELA
45.8%
2025
Math
26.3%
ELA
51.5%

* 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: 9.0/10.

How Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School Compares

See how Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
25th percentile in MA
Academic
3.9/10
3.9/10
Growth
9.0/10
Above average
Environment
6.5/10
Above average

Location

500 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical (rated 7.2/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Fitchburg High (rated 6.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST BERNARD'S HIGH SCHOOL INC (rated 5.3/10, 2.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fitchburg, see our Fitchburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Crocker Elementary Fitchburg 0.2 mi 4.9
APPLEWILD SCHOOL Fitchburg 0.7 mi 7.0
McKay Elementary School Fitchburg 0.8 mi 6.4
Arthur M Longsjo Middle School Fitchburg 1.1 mi 4.8
Fitchburg High Fitchburg 1.4 mi 6.2
ST BERNARD'S HIGH SCHOOL INC Fitchburg 2.0 mi 5.3
South Street Early Learning Center Fitchburg 2.2 mi 4.1
Goodrich Academy Fitchburg 2.0 mi 5.2
Memorial Middle School Fitchburg 2.2 mi 7.3
ST BERNARD ELEMENTARY Fitchburg 2.3 mi 4.8
Reingold Elementary Fitchburg 2.6 mi 6.9
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical Fitchburg 4.1 mi 7.2
Leominster High School Leominster 5.0 mi 4.6
Center For Technical Education Innovation Leominster 5.0 mi 4.2
Leominster Center for Excellence Leominster 5.0 mi 4.3
Northwest Leominster 4.9 mi 5.0
Ashby Elementary Ashby 5.4 mi 6.9
Johnny Appleseed Leominster 4.7 mi 6.7
Advanced Community Experience Program Lunenburg 4.1 mi
Priest Street Leominster 5.1 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01420 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,334

Median Home Value

$294,600

Median Rent

$1,131/mo

Population

41,677

College Educated

24.5%

Homeownership

56.5%

Avg Commute

27.1 min

Poverty Rate

15.6%

Median Age

37.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School has a median household income of $70,334. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $294,600, with a median rent of $1,131/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.6%. The average commute for residents is 27 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
David Prouty High Spencer, MA 5.1
NOTRE DAME CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL Methuen, MA 5.1
Burke High School Dorchester, MA 5.0
POPE FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL Springfield, MA 5.0
Turners Fall High Montague, MA 5.0
URSULINE ACADEMY Dedham, MA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School

What grades does Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School serve?

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School?

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School has an enrollment of approximately 302 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School?

The student-teacher ratio at Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School is 9.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School rank in MA?

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School is ranked #1347 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School has 21.9% math proficiency and 45.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School a charter school?

Yes, Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School a Title I school?

No, Sizer School: a North Central Charter Essential School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,847/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
302
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
31
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Worcester County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Sizer School: A North Central Charter Essential (District)
District Enrollment
302
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,273
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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