Serving 255 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Bessie Buker Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 255 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bessie Buker Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Bessie Buker Elementary School's student population of 255 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
255 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
1953
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Knowledge • Respect • Responsibility • Excellence
School Rankings
Bessie Buker Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessie Buker Elementary School is 0.22, 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
#198 out of 1626 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Asian
3%
8%
Hispanic
6%
26%
Black
1%
10%
White
88%
51%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)7.5%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessie Buker Elementary School's ranking?
Bessie Buker Elementary School is ranked #198 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Bessie Buker Elementary School often compared to?
Bessie Buker Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Winthrop School, Cutler School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Bessie Buker Elementary School?
255 students attend Bessie Buker Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Bessie Buker Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessie Buker Elementary School?
Bessie Buker Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Bessie Buker Elementary School offer ?
Bessie Buker Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bessie Buker Elementary School part of?
Bessie Buker Elementary School is part of Hamilton-Wenham School District.
School Reviews
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