Needs Improvement
#1651 of 1,793 schools in MA
Swift River
Elementary School · New Salem-Wendell
201 Wendell Rd, New Salem, MA 01355
Enrollment
137
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
137
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Massachusetts schools
#1,651 of 1,793
School environment
8.4 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Swift River?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Swift River
Elementary School in New Salem · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ralph C Mahar Regional
4.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Fisher Hill School
5.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Swift River
Swift River is a public elementary school in New Salem, MA, part of New Salem-Wendell. Swift River serves approximately 137 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 9.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Swift River has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,651 of 1,793 schools in MA.
Structured state assessment records for Swift River show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
- MA avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
At 137 students, Swift River is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
At 9.1:1 students to teachers, Swift River sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Swift River sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Swift River — Students at Swift River score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 95 test records from MA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.1/10.
How Swift River Compares
See how Swift River performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
201 Wendell Rd, New Salem, MA 01355
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Swift River may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Gill Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Gill), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wildwood Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 12.2 miles away, in nearby Amherst), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Petersham Center (rated 8.4/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Petersham), which scores notably higher. For more schools in New Salem, see our New Salem schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ralph C Mahar Regional Orange | 4.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Fisher Hill School Orange | 5.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Shutesbury Elementary Shutesbury | 6.2 mi | 8.3 |
| Erving Elementary Erving | 8.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Leverett Elementary Leverett | 8.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Athol-Royalston Middle School Athol | 8.3 mi | 3.8 |
| Athol Community Elementary School Athol | 8.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Athol High Athol | 8.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Petersham Center Petersham | 8.8 mi | 8.4 |
| PETERSHAM MONTESSORI SCHOOLS Petersham | 8.9 mi | — |
| Franklin County Technical Turners Falls | 9.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Pelham Elementary Pelham | 11.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Gill Elementary Gill | 11.3 mi | 9.4 |
| Turners Fall High Montague | 10.5 mi | 4.5 |
| Great Falls Middle Montague | 10.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Northfield Elementary Northfield | 13.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Fort River Elementary Amherst | 12.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Wildwood Elementary Amherst | 12.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Amherst Regional Middle School Amherst | 12.2 mi | 8.3 |
| FOUR WINDS SCHOOL Gill | 11.3 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 01355 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$80,327
Median Home Value
$357,400
Median Rent
$1,180/mo
Population
963
College Educated
37.1%
Homeownership
87.5%
Avg Commute
23.3 min
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Median Age
55.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ST BRENDAN SCHOOL Dorchester, MA | 3.9 |
| Oakham Center Oakham, MA | 4.0 |
| Wawecus Road School Worcester, MA | 4.0 |
| AL-NOOR ACADEMY Sharon, MA | 4.1 |
| Lyon K-8 School Brighton, MA | 4.1 |
| Wales Elementary Wales, MA | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Swift River
What grades does Swift River serve?
Swift River serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Swift River?
Swift River has an enrollment of approximately 137 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Swift River?
The student-teacher ratio at Swift River is 9.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Swift River rank in MA?
Swift River ranks #1,651 of 1,793 schools in MA.
What is Swift River's MySchoolScout rating?
Swift River has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Swift River?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Swift River has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Swift River a charter school?
No, Swift River is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Swift River a Title I school?
No, Swift River is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 137
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Franklin County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.4%
- Phone
- (978) 544-6926
Resources & Links
District
New Salem-Wendell- District Enrollment
- 137
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $26,740
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated 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.