Thomas R Plympton Elementary School

20 Farnsworth Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 357 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Thomas R Plympton 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 10:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 357 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 61%
  • : Bottom 50% in MA
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Thomas R Plympton Elementary School serves the western part of Waltham, MA, covering an area of approximately 3.5 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2.7 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Thomas R Plympton Elementary School's student population of 357 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 45% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
357 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

Thomas R Plympton 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 Thomas R Plympton Elementary School is 0.69, 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.
This School
State Level (MA)
#1001 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
40-44%
42%
30-34%
44%
11-19%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
38%
26%
Black
14%
10%
White
39%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.69
(22-23)
18.2%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thomas R Plympton Elementary School's ranking?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School is ranked #1001 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Thomas R Plympton Elementary School often compared to?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like William F. Stanley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
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 Thomas R Plympton Elementary School?
357 students attend Thomas R Plympton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Thomas R Plympton Elementary School students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas R Plympton Elementary School?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Thomas R Plympton Elementary School offer ?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Thomas R Plympton Elementary School part of?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School is part of Waltham School District.
In what neighborhood is Thomas R Plympton Elementary School located?
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School is located in the The Highlands neighborhood of Waltham, MA.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 357 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 61%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Thomas R Plympton Elementary School serves the western part of Waltham, MA, covering an area of approximately 3.5 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2.7 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

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