For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 2,541 students in Dorchester Center, MA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Dorchester Center, MA are Lee Academy, Holmes Elementary School and Shaw-taylor Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dorchester Center, MA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Massachusetts public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 13% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Dorchester Center have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschool average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Dorchester Center, MA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lee Academy
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
25 Dunbar Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Gr: PK-3 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Holmes Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
40 School Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8681
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8681
Gr: PK-6 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Shaw-taylor Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
429 Norfolk Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Gr: PK-6 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Codman Academy Charter Public School
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
637 Washington Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 287-0700
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 287-0700
Gr: PK-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #55.
Up Academy Charter School Of Dorchester
Charter School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
35 Westville Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Gr: PK-8 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Lee K-8 School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
155 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Gr: PK-8 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dorchester Center, MA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dorchester Center, MA include Lee Academy, Holmes Elementary School and Shaw-taylor Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Dorchester Center?
6 public preschools are located in Dorchester Center.
What is the racial composition of students in Dorchester Center?
Dorchester Center public preschools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.