West Somerville Neighborhood School

The school has about 378 students in grades Pre-K to 8, which places it among the urban K-8 schools on the list of best elementary schools in Massachusetts. Enrollment is approximately 378 students at the time of the study with close to 30 full-time staff. This results in a student-staff ratio of approximately 12.7:1 (or reported as 13:1), which is slightly higher than the Massachusetts average of 12:1. In terms of academic outcomes, nearly 43 % of the students engage in math at a proficient level, with approximately 51 % at proficient levels in reading/language arts. The school's demographics are also diverse politically: About 60 % White, 10 % African American, 10 % Hispanic, 6 % Asian, and about 13 % Two or More Races. In the context of the housing market, average home prices in Somerville (including area 02144) are approximately $1,090,000 (using mid-early 2025 sale comparison data). This suggests that the residential context surrounding the school is a conducive high value environment.

WSNS is part of a larger discussion within the Somerville Public Schools about K-8 master planning and school facility needs, though the immediate focus of a new building project is on other older schools in the district, specifically the Brown and Winter Hill schools.

Q1. What is the approach to teaching at West Somerville Neighborhood School?

Ans: The focus is on project-based and hands-on learning.

Q2. How is progress tracked at West Somerville Neighborhood School?

Ans: Growth is measured through state tests and class-based assessments.

Q3. What enrichment and electives are provided?

Ans: They offer art, STEM and music.

Q4. How does West Somerville engage the community?

Ans: The school partners with community service projects.

Q5. What is in place to support multilingual learners?

Ans: They offer programs for English learners, and provide family translation resources.