For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,247 students in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Dorchester are Lee Academy, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper and Shaw Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 42% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lee Academy
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
25 Dunbar Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Grades: PK-3
| 200 students
Rank: #22.
Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper
(Math: 23% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
18 Croftland Av
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-6365
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-6365
Grades: 2-12
| 639 students
Rank: #33.
Shaw Elementary School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
429 Norfolk Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Grades: PK-5
| 201 students
Rank: #44.
Up Academy Charter School Of Dorchester
Charter School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
35 Westville Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Grades: PK-8
| 578 students
Rank: #55.
Lee K-8 School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
155 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Grades: PK-8
| 527 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA include Lee Academy, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper and Shaw Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center?
5 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center?
the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center public elementary schools minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.