For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,893 students in Waltham, MA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Waltham, MA are Douglas Macarthur Elementary School, John F Kennedy Middle School and James Fitzgerald Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waltham, MA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 42% statewide average). Elementary schools in Waltham have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Waltham, MA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Douglas Macarthur Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
494 Lincoln Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 314-5721
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 314-5721
Grades: K-5
| 475 students
Rank: #22.
John F Kennedy Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
655 Lexington St
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5563
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5563
Grades: 6-8
| 628 students
Rank: #33.
James Fitzgerald Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
138 Beal Road
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5685
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5685
Grades: K-5
| 354 students
Rank: #44.
William F. Stanley Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5620
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5620
Grades: PK-5
| 376 students
Rank: #55.
John W. Mcdevitt Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
75 Church Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5595
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5595
Grades: 6-8
| 604 students
Rank: #66.
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
20 Farnsworth Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 314-5765
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 314-5765
Grades: K-5
| 352 students
Rank: #77.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
70 Putney Lane
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5740
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5740
Grades: PK-5
| 500 students
Rank: #88.
Waltham 51爆料s Dual Language Program
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
510 Moody Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5402
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5402
Grades: K-5
| 218 students
Rank: #99.
Henry Whittemore Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
30 Parmenter Road
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5785
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5785
Grades: K-5
| 386 students
Waltham, Massachusetts 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
14 Ash Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5665
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5665
Grades: 5-6
| 281 students
260 Grove Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5645
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 314-5645
Grades: K-5
| 118 students
258 Trapelo Rd
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5654
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-5654
Grades: PK
| 81 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Waltham, MA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Waltham, MA include Douglas Macarthur Elementary School, John F Kennedy Middle School and James Fitzgerald Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Waltham?
9 public elementary schools are located in Waltham.
What is the racial composition of students in Waltham?
Waltham public elementary schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Waltham are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Waltham include: Douglas Macarthur Elementary School vs. Northeast Elementary School, Henry Whittemore Elementary School vs. James Fitzgerald Elementary School, James Fitzgerald Elementary School vs. Northeast Elementary School
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save 51爆料s?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.