Serving 270 students in grades 6-8, Putnam Avenue Upper School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 33% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 270 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Putnam Avenue Upper School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Putnam Avenue Upper School's student population of 270 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
270 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Putnam Avenue Upper School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,631 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Putnam Avenue Upper School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#820 out of 1631 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
19%
7%
Hispanic
10%
25%
Black
27%
10%
White
29%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Putnam Avenue Upper School's ranking?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is ranked #820 out of 1,631 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% MA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Putnam Avenue Upper School?
270 students attend Putnam Avenue Upper School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Putnam Avenue Upper School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 19% of students are Asian, 15% of students are Two or more races, and 10% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Putnam Avenue Upper School?
Putnam Avenue Upper School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Putnam Avenue Upper School offer ?
Putnam Avenue Upper School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Putnam Avenue Upper School part of?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is part of Cambridge School District.
In what neighborhood is Putnam Avenue Upper School located?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is located in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, MA. There are 1 other public schools located in Riverside.
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