The Mather School is the oldest public elementary school in North America. It is located in the Dorchester region of Boston, Massachusetts and was named after Richard Mather. Mather was an English-born American Congregational minister who emigrated to Boston and settled in Dorchester in 1635. On June 9 [O.S.
Serving 454 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mather Elementary 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% 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: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 454 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mather Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Mather Elementary School's student population of 454 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has grown by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
454 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Year Founded
1639
Colors
Blue, Orange
School Calendar
School Motto
We are the first and finest!
School Rankings
Mather Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mather Elementary School is 0.72, 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
#1299 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
32%
7%
Hispanic
20%
25%
Black
38%
10%
White
5%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mather Bee
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mather Elementary School's ranking?
Mather Elementary School is ranked #1299 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Mather Elementary School often compared to?
Mather Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Everett Elementary School, Russell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Mather Elementary School?
454 students attend Mather Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Mather Elementary School students are Black, 32% of students are Asian, 20% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mather Elementary School?
Mather Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Mather Elementary School offer ?
Mather Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mather Elementary School part of?
Mather Elementary School is part of Boston School District.
School Reviews
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