Serving 410 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 12:1 is equal to the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 410 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Bates School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Salem, MA, encompassing approximately 18.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being 4 miles and the furthest edge located 8.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bates's student population of 410 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
410 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
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 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1130 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
36%
26%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
White
49%
51%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.6%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
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?
410 students attend Bates.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Bates students are White, 36% 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 12:1, which is equal to 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
2 10/10/2025
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.
5 10/10/2025
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.
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