Serving 282 students in grades 7-12, Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower 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 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 282 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School's student population of 282 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
282 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 23-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
School Rankings
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential 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 Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School is 0.61, 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
#1166 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
42%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
Hispanic
27%
26%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 23-year historical data
Black
8%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 23-year historical data
White
56%
51%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 23-year historical data
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 17-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 23-year historical data
Graduation Rate
≥90%
89.2%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)47.2%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 22-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
4%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 22-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
BasketballCross Country
Cross Country RunningField Hockey
Ice HockeyLacrosse
SoccerSoftball
Track and FieldWrestling
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Over 15 After School ClubsSizer Theater Arts Club (SiTA)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Sizer is a free & public charter school located in Fitchburg, MA, serving students in grades seven through twelve.
- In a nutshell, our educational philosophy engages students in active learning and gives them voice in their educational journey. Our scholars develop skills focused on personal academic achievement and responsibility both in & out of the classroom.We believe that all students - regardless of where they start - can leave Sizer with the necessary tools to succeed in life and become leaders in their own communities. Our faculty and staff are some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in Massachusetts and are deeply committed to crafting engaging lessons, encouraging creativity, and guiding students as they grow and learn.
- OUR MISSION: Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School,is a public school where students are known personally, challenged intellectually, and participate actively in their learning. Guided by its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the school seeks to send graduates into the world whoTHINKfor themselves,CAREabout others, andACTcreatively and responsibly.
- OUR VISION: We are an innovative public school that meets each and every student where they are as individuals and learners. We do what it takes to inspire passionate, creativeand life-long learners who achieve personal greatness, are prepared for the future and engage with and give back to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School's ranking?
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School is ranked #1166 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?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School?
The graduation rate of Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School is 90%, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 89.2%.
How many students attend Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School?
282 students attend Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School students are White, 27% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School?
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School offer ?
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School part of?
Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential School is part of Sizer School: A North Central Charter Essential School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This school ruined my daughters life. The incompetent unprofesional staff participated in inappropriate behavior with my child. The administration refused to address the admitted guilty offenders and instead participated in a cover up. There are not any approprate bounderies between the staff and students. Parents BEWARE!
5 10/10/2025
WOW! I am sorry that you feel that way. My first question to ask is ... Did you ever try and work it out? I have found on many occasions that NCCES is very open to try and solve problems or issues.
For my family NCCES has been a wonderful and rewarding educational experience. I am a parent of two NCCES students, and soon my youngest will go there as well.
First, I need to mention the school's mission: Think, Care, Act. That mission has created a warm and loving community made up of Students, Teachers, Parents, Staff, and people within the community. NCCES is an Essential School and they incorporate the 10 Principle's of Essential Schools into their curriculum.
NCCES offers a wonderful education with high standards. They have a strong academic program, where they individually educate each student (whether or not they are on an IEP). In addition to the regular education, I also can say that the Special Education program at NCCES is amazing. Class sizes are also key to NCCES's success. Most classes have between 10-14 students (max 20 students in a class). The students are all assigned to an academic advisor, and must create a portfolio of their completed work that represents certain academic standards. In addition to that, every senior must complete a senior project in order to graduate.
It is important to note that ALL (100%) of the graduating class of 2010 are going onto a secondary education. At their graduation, which I attended, there were 6 students who chose (and they were not chosen) to speak to their fellow peers, and honored guests at their graduation. It was wonderful to see students so charged and engaged about their education and their positive experiences at NCCES.
The school offers sports programs in the fall and spring. They have a wonderful Drama club that puts on two productions a year. This year NCCES participated in the Fay School's Rube Goldberg Machine Competition (an invitation only event), and they have been invited back next year. There are many other activities at the school as well that offers great opportunities for the students to expand their NCCES experience.
Parents have an active roll at NCCES. First, there are three major meetings during the year, where you are an active participant of your child's education. Your child, your child's advisory teacher, and you sit down and create learning goals, share your child's learning experience, and also later in the year share in your child's portfolio (a major part in their NCCES education). Parents are also able to participate in the NCCES PTO, volunteer at the school, help with the many organizations/activities at NCCES, and also have representation on the NCCES Board of Trustees. We currently have 3 parent reps serving on the Board.
I would, and do, recommend this school for a quality education. Embrace NCCES and you will go far!
2 10/10/2025
My son just started, and I am disappointed it is not at all what promised...they also lied to me getting ready to change things.
Review Sizer School A North Central Charter Essential 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.
