For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,198 students in Chelmsford, MA (there are 6 private schools, serving 484 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Chelmsford, MA are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chelmsford, MA are South Row, Mccarthy Middle School and Center Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chelmsford, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Chelmsford have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Massachusetts public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chelmsford, MA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Row
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
250 Boston Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5177
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5177
Gr: K-4 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Mccarthy Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
250 North Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5122
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5122
Gr: 7-8 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Center Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
84 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5155
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5155
Gr: K-4 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Col Moses Parker School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
75 Graniteville Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5133
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5133
Gr: 5-6 | 778 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
Byam School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
25 Maple Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5144
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5144
Gr: K-4 | 510 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
170 Dalton Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5188
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5188
Gr: PK | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Chelmsford, Massachusetts Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
170 Dalton Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5188
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 251-5188
Gr: K-4 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chelmsford, MA?
The top-ranked public schools in Chelmsford, MA include South Row, Mccarthy Middle School and Center Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Chelmsford?
6 public schools are located in Chelmsford.
What percentage of students in Chelmsford go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Chelmsford are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chelmsford?
Chelmsford public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Massachusetts public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Chelmsford are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chelmsford include: Col Moses Parker School vs. Mccarthy Middle School, Mccarthy Middle School vs. Col Moses Parker School, Byam School vs. Center Elementary School
Recent Articles
How to Read a School Improvement Plan Before Choosing a School
Learn how to read a school improvement plan, identify meaningful goals, and evaluate whether a school's improvement efforts align with your child's educational needs.
Should You Move for a Better Public School? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Considering a move to a better public school? Explore the financial, academic, and lifestyle tradeoffs before making one of your family's biggest decisions.
When a Higher-Rated School Isn't the Better Fit
Discover why the highest-rated public school may not always be the best choice and learn how to evaluate schools based on your child's unique needs.