Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School is located on South Main Street in Orange, Massachusetts, United States. The public school serves students in grades 7–12 in the four towns of New Salem, Orange and Wendell in Franklin County, and Petersham in Worcester County.
Serving 504 students in grades 7-12, Ralph C Mahar Regional 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 33% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 504 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ralph C Mahar Regional ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
Ralph C Mahar Regional's student population of 504 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 60 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
504 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
Blue, Red
School Mascot
Senators
School Rankings
Ralph C Mahar Regional 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 Ralph C Mahar Regional is 0.29, 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
#1176 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
9%
25%
Black
2%
10%
White
84%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Senators
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ralph C Mahar Regional's ranking?
Ralph C Mahar Regional is ranked #1176 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Ralph C Mahar Regional often compared to?
Ralph C Mahar Regionalis often viewed alongside schools like Athol-royalston Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ralph C Mahar Regional?
The graduation rate of Ralph C Mahar Regional is 80-84%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend Ralph C Mahar Regional?
504 students attend Ralph C Mahar Regional.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Ralph C Mahar Regional students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ralph C Mahar Regional?
Ralph C Mahar Regional has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ralph C Mahar Regional offer ?
Ralph C Mahar Regional offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ralph C Mahar Regional part of?
Ralph C Mahar Regional is part of Ralph C Mahar School District.
School Reviews
Review Ralph C Mahar Regional. 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

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.