Serving 1,320 students in grades 6-8, J Henry Higgins Middle 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 33% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
J Henry Higgins Middle School's student population of 1,320 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has grown by 46% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,320 students
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence in Education
School Rankings
J Henry Higgins Middle 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 J Henry Higgins Middle School is 0.51, 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
#1111 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
26%
26%
Black
5%
10%
White
65%
51%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.4%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J Henry Higgins Middle School's ranking?
J Henry Higgins Middle School is ranked #1111 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?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend J Henry Higgins Middle School?
1,320 students attend J Henry Higgins Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of J Henry Higgins Middle School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J Henry Higgins Middle School?
J Henry Higgins Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does J Henry Higgins Middle School offer ?
J Henry Higgins Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is J Henry Higgins Middle School part of?
J Henry Higgins Middle School is part of Peabody School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
great academic programs, parents are involved a lot, and good facilities. the music and arts extracurricular are amazingly great. sports are good although coming from my opinion i think that there should be more sports on the female part of the school. I mean boys get soccer and not too many boys play soccer and I know a lot of girls who play soccer and they to say that they wish there was more sports for the female part. But this school is still an amazing place. Thank you!
Review J Henry Higgins Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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