Serving 397 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bates 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 30-34% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 397 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bates's student population of 397 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
397 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Tue. Sep 2, 2025
School Rankings
Bates 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 Bates is 0.63, 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
#1130 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
38%
25%
Black
7%
10%
White
47%
53%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
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 Bates's ranking?
Bates is ranked #1130 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Bates often compared to?
Batesis often viewed alongside schools like Carlton, Witchcraft Heights by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Bates?
397 students attend Bates.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Bates students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bates?
Bates has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Bates offer ?
Bates offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bates part of?
Bates is part of Salem School District.
School Reviews
5 2/15/2021
The Bates Elementary School is an amazing and caring school for all children. The staff is dedicated to teaching the whole child and provides great attention not just to academics, but to character, and becoming great citizens. Social-emotional health for students and families is also what makes Bates so special. We are a family. I'm so proud to be a teacher at this school and despite numbers and rankings, we love and educate every child where they are and like flowers; we watch them bloom, each in their own time.
2 11/11/2011
My went there for 6 years. It has a great structure, and is very large and has a nice gym, cafe, etc. However the management is terrible. There are many teachers who are literally abusive, yet can't get fired if they worked there for 10 years. The chorus is terrible, singing songs in 5th grade that are made for 2 year olds, the attitude from facualty members are very bad towards the kids but transform once the parent is around, which myself and others have witnessed. I would'nt recommend it.
Review Bates. 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.
