Serving 408 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Otis Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to 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 14:1 is higher than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 408 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The James Otis school serves the northern part of East Boston, MA, covering an attendance area of approximately 19 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 7.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Otis Elementary School's student population of 408 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
408 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
"Dream Big, Work Hard" "Together we can make a difference"
School Rankings
Otis Elementary 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 Otis Elementary School is 0.44, 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
#1001 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
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)
21-39%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
72%
26%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
51%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
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)22.8%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
Showing 2004–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Otis Owls
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Otis Elementary School's ranking?
Otis Elementary School is ranked #1001 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% 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 Otis Elementary School?
408 students attend Otis Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Otis Elementary School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Otis Elementary School?
Otis Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Otis Elementary School offer ?
Otis Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Otis Elementary School part of?
Otis Elementary School is part of Boston School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
There is little to no diversity in the faculty that teaches, para's lunch room staff are majority people of color, this clearly shows students every day that those in power/higher up positions are white. I find it strange that the school is majority non-white and Spanish speaking. This is a Red lined school that has no library, gym, computer lab and for many years no playground. Education, paid for by all of us, should be equal. To my knowledge there is NO full-time psychologist, adjustment counselor, OT, SLP, or any other specialist that are housed in the building. This school is a clear example of school to prison pipeline dictated by redlined funding, and lack of advocacy from parents whose children attend. We can and should do better for our children, it's frustrating that there is a clear pattern of black and brown students in underperforming schools. Rant over.
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