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GreatSchools Rating

John M. Tobin Montessori School

Public | PK-8 & ungraded | 407 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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4 reviews of this school


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Posted October 28, 2012

I previously wrote about how great the Tobin was in 2009. That was before my transition out of the school. I can't say the school is that great anymore. Back then, it was wonderful for OTHER students. As I write this review, I realized it wasn't the school for me. The teachers were great, but for differentiated learning.. They weren't that great. The students, I had a lot of trouble getting along with people. Maybe it was just me, or maybe it was the community in which we all came from. I just didn't have a great social experience. The principal is horrible. I detest her, she isn't a good enough leader for the school, and it shows in the test scores. I left the school a few years back, and received many MCAS test scores from the school, because of my sister who attended the Tobin. The test scores were horrible after my classmates (those who wanted to do something with their lives and join a rigorous program called the ISP, which they -school board- got rid of) left. We were the top scorers for the school, and once we left it was doing very bad. All I can say is, steer clear of Cambridge schools. The IA is setting up your children to fail. I recommend not to attend a CPSD school.


Posted May 8, 2012

As a public Montessori school, the Tobin Montessori (TM) is somewhat of a work in progress, but progress is what this school has been about since its inception. With strong Montessori administration/leadership and very talented and invested teachers, this program is thriving despite the typical public school funding obstacles. Staying true to form, each child at the TM has the opportunity for a true Montessori education yet with the diversity offered by an urban, public environment. Furthermore, the parent/community involvement at the TM is "off the charts!" I have two children at the school and my wife and I could not be more pleased with their educational opportunities. It is exactly what we had hoped for them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2010

My kids (7 and 5 years old) are attending Tobin in the English Special Immersion program and the experience is being very positive. The ratio teacher/student is about 1/5 and the ambient is wonderful! Teacher are excellent and very devoted to their task. All the teachers, staff and the principal are very involved in improving the school and there is a special interest in promoting family participation in the school activities. All the parents I have met at the school are very happy with the setting (specially those with kids in the Montesori program).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 31, 2009

The Tobin School was incredible for my sons. They both had little English when they arrived and some transition issues. However, the Tobin school personalized their relationships and went out of their way to respond to my concerns and requests. When the kids left Tobin they were happy, speak very well and felt a part of the Tobin community. The teachers are caring and considerate. Their stats don't tell the whole story because many of the kids that go to Tobin have challenges that the Tobin must accommodate; lowering the scores, I'm sure.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 61% in 2011.

21 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
47%
Math

The state average for Math was 66% in 2011.

21 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
43%

2010

 
 
39%

2009

 
 
52%

2008

 
 
73%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2011.

18 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
28%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
50%

2008

 
 
20%
Math

The state average for Math was 47% in 2011.

18 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
53%

2008

 
 
45%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2011.

21 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
37%

2008

 
 
38%
Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2011.

21 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
48%

2008

 
 
48%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

21 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
26%

2008

 
 
21%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 68% in 2011.

18 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
22%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
25%

2008

 
 
66%
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2011.

18 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
46%

2008

 
 
48%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 73% in 2011.

16 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
50%

2008

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 51% in 2011.

16 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
39%

2008

 
 
39%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 79% in 2011.

24 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2011.

24 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
48%

2008

 
 
46%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

24 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
4%

2010

 
 
8%

2009

 
 
24%

2008

 
 
21%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students72%
Female73%
Male70%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students43%
Female54%
Male30%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged20%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students28%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students50%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students62%
Female45%
Male80%
African American55%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged43%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students76%
Female72%
Male80%
African American72%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged65%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students29%
Female18%
Male40%
African American18%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged7%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students22%
Femalen/a
Male30%
African American23%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged15%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities8%
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students39%
Femalen/a
Male50%
African American38%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged38%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities42%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students56%
Female73%
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students44%
Female63%
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

English Language Arts

All Students62%
Female57%
Male70%
African American69%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students33%
Female29%
Male40%
African American46%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students4%
Female0%
Male10%
African American8%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged6%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Massachusetts' state standards

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 38% 8%
Asian 23% 5%
White 21% 70%
Hispanic 12% 14%
Two or more races 4% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 52%N/A31%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 9N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

197 Vassal Ln
Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: Click here
Phone: (617) 349-6600

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