Trotter Elementary School

135 Humboldt Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02121
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 352 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Trotter Elementary 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 6-9% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 352 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 97%
  • : Bottom 50% in MA
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤10% (Btm 50%)
  • : The William Monroe Trotter school serves the southwest part of Dorchester, MA, covering an area of approximately 15.4 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance to the zone's edge being around 3.2 miles and the furthest edge extending up to 5.8 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Trotter Elementary School's student population of 352 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
352 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
School Motto
At the William Monroe Trotter K-6 School, we hold dear that all students are learners capable of developing critical thought and respectfully working together to create a society where all are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.

School Rankings

Trotter 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 Trotter Elementary School is 0.58, 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.
This School
State Level (MA)
#1554 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

6-9%
42%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

15-19%
44%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

≤10%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
2%
8%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
41%
26%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Black
50%
10%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
3%
51%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
4%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
97%
0.58

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
34.1%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%

Showing 2011–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
2%
5%

Showing 2001–2013. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trotter Elementary School's ranking?
Trotter Elementary School is ranked #1554 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Trotter Elementary School often compared to?
Trotter Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tobin K-8 School, Higginson-lewis K-8 School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Trotter Elementary School?
352 students attend Trotter Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Trotter Elementary School students are Black, 41% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Trotter Elementary School?
Trotter Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Trotter Elementary School offer ?
Trotter Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Trotter Elementary School part of?
Trotter Elementary School is part of Boston School District.
In what neighborhood is Trotter Elementary School located?
Trotter Elementary School is located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Dorchester, MA. There are 2 other public schools located in Roxbury.

School Reviews

2   10/10/2025
Need after school program of no cost to parents, parents are already struggling as it is. I think this school needs some serious improvements as far as tutors, mentors.
- Posted by Parent - chop6
2   10/10/2025
The School is unorganized and unprofessional. The staff does not care about the students. Those children can not strive at the Trotter Elementary School in Dorchester. I strongly believe if you want your children to succeed and reach their highest potential you must get your child out of that school immediately, Do not hesitate. The MCAS Scores and how the school improved in one year, after the principal had to make a few changes, as far as letting teachers go. Think about it very carefully. It only took only one year for the school to improve. MCAS scores went up drastically. No the staff changed the answers and help the students to cheat, to save the school so that everyone can continue to receive a pay check. That is why the schools is now they "say is one of the best school". How in one year all the students at the Trotter did so well on the MCAS?
- Posted by Parent - pradl

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 352 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 97%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤10% (Btm 50%)
  • : The William Monroe Trotter school serves the southwest part of Dorchester, MA, covering an area of approximately 15.4 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance to the zone's edge being around 3.2 miles and the furthest edge extending up to 5.8 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education

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