Serving 269 students in grades Kindergarten-4, Walter J. Paton School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher 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 40% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 269 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Walter J. Paton School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Walter J. Paton School's student population of 269 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
269 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. Jun 16, 2026
School Rankings
Walter J. Paton School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Walter J. Paton School is 0.59, 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
#339 out of 1626 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
19%
8%
Hispanic
10%
26%
Black
2%
10%
White
60%
51%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.6%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walter J. Paton School's ranking?
Walter J. Paton School is ranked #339 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Walter J. Paton School often compared to?
Walter J. Paton Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Floral Street School, Spring Street School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
How many students attend Walter J. Paton School?
269 students attend Walter J. Paton School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Walter J. Paton School students are White, 19% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walter J. Paton School?
Walter J. Paton School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Walter J. Paton School offer ?
Walter J. Paton School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Walter J. Paton School part of?
Walter J. Paton School is part of Shrewsbury School District.
School Reviews
Review Walter J. Paton School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
