Very Good
#520 of 1,791 schools in MA
Top 29% in state
Walter S Parker Middle
Middle School · Reading
45 Temple Street, Reading, MA 01867
Enrollment
451
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
7.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
451
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
7.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Reading
#7 of 9
public schools
Massachusetts middle schools
#77 of 305
In district
#7 of 9
Reading
Academic growth
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About Walter S Parker Middle
Walter S Parker Middle serves grades six through eight in Reading, Massachusetts, a large suburban community in Middlesex County. The school enrolls 451 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1 with 37 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a reasonably sized learning environment. Academically, Walter S Parker Middle holds a MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks in the 74th percentile among Massachusetts schools (#472 out of 1,796 statewide).
The school's academic score of 7.6 reflects mixed performance across subjects. In English language arts, 61% of students test proficient or above, while 59% meet proficiency in science. Mathematics shows an opportunity for growth, with 54% of students proficient or above at present.
These scores suggest the school is performing solidly in some areas while working to strengthen student achievement in others. Located at 45 Temple Street in Reading, Walter S Parker Middle serves its suburban community with a focus on middle-grade education. The school's moderate size and staffing levels allow for meaningful teacher-student interactions as young adolescents navigate their academic and social development during these important middle years.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Walter S Parker Middle — Students at Walter S Parker Middle score 55% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)
Based on 74 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: 8.3/10.
How Walter S Parker Middle Compares
See how Walter S Parker Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 59% (2019) to 52% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64% (2019) to 58% (2022).
Location
45 Temple Street, Reading, MA 01867
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Walter S Parker Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Arthur W Coolidge Middle (rated 7.4/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is John F Kennedy Middle School (rated 5.7/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Woburn), a more accessible option. Additionally, Stoneham Central Middle School (rated 5.5/10, 2.8 miles away, in nearby Stoneham), a more accessible option. For more schools in Reading, see our Reading schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Alice M Barrows Reading | 0.4 mi | 7.4 |
| Joshua Eaton Reading | 0.6 mi | 8.1 |
| AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL Reading | 0.7 mi | 3.7 |
| READING MONTESSORI SCHOOL Reading | 0.7 mi | — |
| Reading Memorial High Reading | 0.9 mi | 7.7 |
| RISE PreSchool Reading | 0.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Birch Meadow Reading | 1.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Arthur W Coolidge Middle Reading | 1.1 mi | 7.4 |
| Wood End Elementary School Reading | 2.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Robin Hood Stoneham | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| J Warren Killam Reading | 1.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Walton Wakefield | 1.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Stoneham Central Middle School Stoneham | 2.8 mi | 5.5 |
| John F Kennedy Middle School Woburn | 2.6 mi | 5.7 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Wakefield | 2.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Goodyear Elementary School Woburn | 3.0 mi | 3.8 |
| ST PATRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Stoneham | 2.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Early Childhood Center at the Doyle School Wakefield | 2.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Malcolm White Woburn | 3.0 mi | 5.9 |
| E Ethel Little School North Reading | 3.2 mi | 8.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 01867 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$163,407
Median Home Value
$741,100
Median Rent
$1,722/mo
Population
25,474
College Educated
65%
Homeownership
83%
Avg Commute
30.6 min
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Median Age
44.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Walter S Parker Middle has a median household income of $163,407. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $741,100, with a median rent of $1,722/month. The local poverty rate of 2.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 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 |
|---|---|
| Dedham Middle School Dedham, MA | 7.2 |
| Marshall Middle School Billerica, MA | 7.2 |
| Robert E. Melican Middle School Northborough, MA | 7.2 |
| Duxbury Middle Duxbury, MA | 7.3 |
| Memorial Middle School Fitchburg, MA | 7.3 |
| Ohrenberger School West Roxbury, MA | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Walter S Parker Middle
What grades does Walter S Parker Middle serve?
Walter S Parker Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Walter S Parker Middle?
Walter S Parker Middle has an enrollment of approximately 451 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Walter S Parker Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Walter S Parker Middle 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 Walter S Parker Middle rank in MA?
Walter S Parker Middle is ranked #520 out of 1,791 schools in MA.
What is Walter S Parker Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Walter S Parker Middle has a composite rating of 7.2 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 Walter S Parker Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Walter S Parker Middle has 54.3% math proficiency and 61.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Walter S Parker Middle a charter school?
No, Walter S Parker Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Walter S Parker Middle a Title I school?
No, Walter S Parker Middle is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Reading). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 451
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Middlesex County
- Phone
- (781) 944-1236
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Reading- District Enrollment
- 3,850
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,138
- District Rank
- #7 of 9
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
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