Serving 370 students in grades 7-12, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher 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 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 370 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School's student population of 370 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
School Type
School Mascot
Panther
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
370 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Year Founded
1995
School Colors
White, Black, Green
School Rankings
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,631 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is 0.33, which is less 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
#405 out of 1631 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
7%
Hispanic
6%
25%
Black
3%
10%
White
81%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
3%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School's ranking?
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is ranked #405 out of 1,631 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School often compared to?
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ayer Shirley Regional High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% MA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School?
The graduation rate of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is 80-89%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School?
370 students attend Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School?
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School offer ?
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School part of?
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is part of Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School District.
School Reviews
Review Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

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.