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GreatSchools Rating

Worcester Arts Magnet School

Public | PK-6 & ungraded | 367 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

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

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19 reviews of this school


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Posted February 14, 2012

Worcester Arts Magnet is absolutely amazing. I cannot believe how dedicated all of the artsblock teachers are, the homeroom teachers, and I am stunned with the principal's fine work with WAMS. My kids home everyday with a smile on their faces and can't wait to go back again to school tomorrow. I am absolutely speechless when it comes to this school. It is truly a gem. Academics are amazing, the arts program is spectacular, the teachers are educated and great, and the principal is truly amazing. A wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 9, 2011

We love this school. We have a daughter going in the second grade and a son going in the fourth grade. The teachers are wonderful and truely love what they do. The principal is great. She is the first principal I have ever known that goes well beyond the duties of her position. We would highly recommend this school to anyone!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

We love W.A.M.S. becuase of it's commitment to arts intergration. In this age of increasing focus on test results this school manages to maintain it's scores and also allow time for the arts. W.A.M.S treats the arts , not as simply an add on, but as an important component of a child's total experience. The school understands that the arts provide the 'soft skills' that make a good student ,a great student! and those
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

We love Worcester Art Magnet because the teacher are so caring and devoted to making our children their priority. Having two children who have already gone thru w.a.m.s, one there now and two more to go I couldnt feel more confident that W.A.M.S is the best school for them to be at. Thank You for all you have done for our family!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

Fabulous schools, great leadership, wonderful programs and talented teachers. A true gem!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 20, 2010

It is a great school with an arts approach that teaches skills in a fun and interactive way. My children have learned many learning styles and ways to approach things that have been used in both High school and college.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2010

I love that my child is exposed to the arts, and has given my child different techniques for Learning
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

Because of the dedicated staff of professionals at the Worcester Arts Magnet School not only are my two boys ( kindergarten & fourth) grade getting a fabulous education they are being shown daily what it is to believe in what you do and in turn believe in them yourselves!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

I love Worcester Arts Magnet school for the teachers and the arts. The teachers care for the sutdents. They have a principle goes be on the call of duty. My daughter (grade 3) love all of her teachers that she has had over the years. And sadden when one of them moves to a different school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

I have 4 children which 2 of them have already gone thru w.a.m.s and my 2 youngest are attending now. They love it and being the parent love it also because we are always aware of everything going on, they learn so much not only with the academics but, with drama , dance and music.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2009

I agree wholeheartedly that this is the best school in the system, and it is indeed the only reason we have not moved out of the city. My son leaves for school each morning with a smile and comes home with that same smile, full of stories and knowledge that he can't wait to share. The staff are extremely dedicated and all go above and beyond in order to ensure that each of their students, whether past or present, achieves their greatest level of success. The Principal is amazing- she has a gentle way about her and makes sure each child realizes how special they are. She is welcoming to parents, extremely dedicated, and always greets you with a smile. I know how forunate we are to be a part of this amazing school and that my son is receiving a great foundation.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 10, 2009

One of the most creative and interesting places to learn in Worcester. Entirely due to the incredible efforts of the past and present principals, who were and are dead set on continuing the school's arts mission in an environment where most of the other magnet schools have had the life of their mission crushed out of them. I'm grateful my son has a slot there; WAMS is probably the single thing that's keeping us from moving out of Worcester.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 13, 2009

I don't know how this school can get only 6/10 stars. The cirriculum is challenging, the teachers and staff are wonderful, the activities are amazing, and the level of parent involvement is phenomenal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 2, 2008

My children attend WAMS. Not a day goes by that we don't talk about the exciting things that go on in school. Along with receiving instruction from dedicated teachers, my children have the opportunity to expand their focus on weekly art blocks that include drama, art, dance and music. In addition, WAMS continues to offer endless opportunities such as musical instrument instruction, Special Chorus, French Club, Urban Voices and Rhythm Royalty, Science Day, to mention a few. Although MCAS is important, the students have great opportunities is all areas. The PTO is committed to this school and community. It is with heartfelt gratitude that the principal unites everyone in a welcoming fashion. She and her staff are dedicated. We may not have a playground, but good, old fashion kickball, wallball, four squares and hoola-hoops make them happy. That matters. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2008

Worcester Arts Magnet is fantastic. Our principal is extremely dedicated, a commitment that presents itself in the wonderful teachers and encouraged family involvement at the school. There are too many extracurriculars to name, but some highlights last year were Make Your Own Radio Show with NPR, the Urban Voices program in conjunction with the Met Opera Guild, free instrument lessons for any student interested, and on and on...my children love going to school each day, and it really shows!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2007

Compared to other Worcester public elementary schools, WAMS is definitely one of the best. Pluses include Musical instrument, dance, and drama instruction, (which you won't find in very many other elementary schools), extremely dedicated Principal who works tirelessly to maintain the high-quality education the students get, and a wonderful parent group who keep things going. Minuses include no decent playground area for grades over pre-school, unstructured Phys Ed program, and staff who clock out as soon as the bell rings at the end of the day (which is probably a contractual thing.)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 19, 2007

A school is only as good as its administrator and WAMS principal is a an inspring, tireless advocate for her school. The mission of the school is to integrate the arts into every aspect of learning. The results show increased academic performance compared to other neighborhood public schools. Where else in Worcester can your children learn Suzuki violin, dance from a private instructor who has exhibited in China, drama, and art from talented teachers? The children participate in exhibitions sponsored by grants from the Metropolitan Opera, National Public Radio among others. Our children come from diverse racial, family, and economic backgrounds and choose to participate in the WAMS mission to a resounding success.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2006

WAMS is a hidden gem. If your child is privileged to attend WAMS, you can surely be comforted dropping him/her off every day. All teachers, art teachers included are passionate and caring. The curriculum is diverse, and most enjoyed by students and parents alike. Each day the kids are involved in one of the art blocks (visual art, music, dance and drama). Parent involvement is very good. This is a transitional year. Without the family liaison, a position cut from the budget, we are working together to continue providing for our children and their school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2003

WAMS has a fantastic parent volunteer group and the staff truly values family involvement on all levels. The principal personally makes sure that every student feels welcome and valued.
—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.

41 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
57%
Math

The state average for Math was 66% in 2011.

41 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
66%

2008

 
 
71%
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.

40 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
32%
Math

The state average for Math was 47% in 2011.

39 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
62%

2008

 
 
40%
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.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
67%
Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2011.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
61%

2008

 
 
73%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

42 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
37%

2008

 
 
43%
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.

43 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2011.

43 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
68%
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 Students83%
Female88%
Male76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students73%
Female71%
Male77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
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 Students58%
Female75%
Male40%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White60%
Economically disadvantaged47%
Not economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students54%
Female53%
Male55%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White61%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Not economically disadvantaged63%
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 Students76%
Female74%
Male80%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic66%
Multiracialn/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students71%
Female70%
Male73%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic58%
Multiracialn/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students31%
Female22%
Male46%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic25%
Multiracialn/a
White43%
Economically disadvantaged18%
Not economically disadvantaged45%
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 Students86%
Female95%
Male77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White92%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities64%
English language learnersn/a

Math

All Students68%
Female72%
Male63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White69%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilities18%
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
White 59% 70%
Hispanic 22% 14%
Black 12% 8%
Two or more races 4% 2%
Asian 2% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 39%N/A31%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 18N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

315 St Nicholas Ave
Worcester, MA 01606
Phone: (508) 799-3575

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