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Helen R Donaghue School

24 Union Street Ext.
Merrimac, MA 01860
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 245 students in grades 3-6, Helen R Donaghue School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 3-6
  • Enrollment: 245 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 13%
  • : Bottom 50% in MA
  • : 48% (Top 50%)
  • : 39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Helen R Donaghue School's student population of 245 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
245 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers

School Rankings

Helen R Donaghue 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 Helen R Donaghue School is 0.23, 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.
This School
State Level (MA)
#815 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
48%
42%
39%
44%
40-49%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
11%
25%
Black
n/a
10%
White
87%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.23
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
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 Helen R Donaghue School's ranking?
Helen R Donaghue School is ranked #815 out of 1,626 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?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Helen R Donaghue School?
245 students attend Helen R Donaghue School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Helen R Donaghue School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Helen R Donaghue School?
Helen R Donaghue School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Helen R Donaghue School offer ?
Helen R Donaghue School offers enrollment in grades 3-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Helen R Donaghue School part of?
Helen R Donaghue School is part of Pentucket School District.

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 3-6
  • Enrollment: 245 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 13%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 48% (Top 50%)
  • : 39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

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