Serving 1,320 students in grades 6-8, J Henry Higgins Middle School 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 33% (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 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
J Henry Higgins Middle School's student population of 1,320 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has grown by 46% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,320 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
J Henry Higgins Middle 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 J Henry Higgins Middle School is 0.51, 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
#1111 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
42%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
26%
26%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
5%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
65%
51%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 17-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.4%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 26-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J Henry Higgins Middle School's ranking?
J Henry Higgins Middle School is ranked #1111 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are J Henry Higgins Middle School often compared to?
J Henry Higgins Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Andover Middle School, Beverly 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 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend J Henry Higgins Middle School?
1,320 students attend J Henry Higgins Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of J Henry Higgins Middle School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J Henry Higgins Middle School?
J Henry Higgins Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does J Henry Higgins Middle School offer ?
J Henry Higgins Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is J Henry Higgins Middle School part of?
J Henry Higgins Middle School is part of Peabody School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
great academic programs, parents are involved a lot, and good facilities. the music and arts extracurricular are amazingly great. sports are good although coming from my opinion i think that there should be more sports on the female part of the school. I mean boys get soccer and not too many boys play soccer and I know a lot of girls who play soccer and they to say that they wish there was more sports for the female part. But this school is still an amazing place. Thank you!
Review J Henry Higgins Middle School. 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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
