Best Amherst Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,348 students in Amherst, MA (there are 2 private schools, serving 225 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Amherst, MA are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, MA are Amherst Regional High School, Pelham Elementary School and Crocker Farm Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Amherst, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Amherst have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Amherst, MA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Amherst Regional High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1701
Gr: 9-12 | 816 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Pelham Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
45 Amherst Road
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1100
Gr: K-6 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Crocker Farm Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
280 West Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1600
Gr: PK-6 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Amherst Regional Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1800
Gr: 7-8 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
Fort River Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
70 So East Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1200
Gr: K-6 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Wildwood Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
71 Strong Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1400
Gr: K-6 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 57%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Amherst, MA?
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, MA include Amherst Regional High School, Pelham Elementary School and Crocker Farm Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Amherst?
6 public schools are located in Amherst.
What percentage of students in Amherst go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Amherst are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Amherst?
Amherst public schools minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Amherst are often viewed compared to one another?

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