Serving 283 students in grades 6-8, Putnam Avenue Upper School ranks in the top 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 44% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 283 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Putnam Avenue Upper School serves the entire district of Cambridge, MA, encompassing an area of approximately 7.1 square miles. Most students live within a typical 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 4.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Putnam Avenue Upper School's student population of 283 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
283 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Motto
Community of learners growing together.
School Rankings
Putnam Avenue Upper School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Putnam Avenue Upper School is 0.79, which is more 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
#720 out of 1626 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
19%
8%
Hispanic
10%
26%
Black
26%
10%
White
28%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
17%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.1%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Putnam Avenue Upper School's ranking?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is ranked #720 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Putnam Avenue Upper School?
283 students attend Putnam Avenue Upper School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
28% of Putnam Avenue Upper School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 19% of students are Asian, 17% of students are Two or more races, and 10% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Putnam Avenue Upper School?
Putnam Avenue Upper School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Putnam Avenue Upper School offer ?
Putnam Avenue Upper School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Putnam Avenue Upper School part of?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is part of Cambridge School District.
In what neighborhood is Putnam Avenue Upper School located?
Putnam Avenue Upper School is located in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, MA. There are 1 other public schools located in Riverside.
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