The top reported proficiency rate is 34% in English language arts. The lowest is 30% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Ralph D Butler
Ralph D Butler is an elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through grade five in Avon, a small, compact suburb about midway between Boston and Brockton, with highway access along Route 24. The town has preserved a quiet residential character while also developing an industrial park that serves as a major employment center, and its population has grown modestly in recent years after a prior decline. The school is the only elementary school in the Avon district, and its enrollment draws from the town’s mix of older single-family neighborhoods and newer development.
Academically, the school’s performance on the state’s NextGen MCAS assessments is noticeably below the average of districts in Norfolk County. Across tested subjects, the school’s overall proficiency rate sits in the bottom portion of that comparison group. On the most recent state tests, about three in ten students met or exceeded expectations in math, while about one in three did so in English language arts. Science results showed a similar share. These figures represent a clear decline from several years earlier, when ELA proficiency was well above half and math proficiency approached half. The trend over the past half-dozen years has been downward, with some flattening in the most recent two years at the current lower level. A parent considering this school will want to ask how the school is addressing this pattern and what academic interventions or supports are in place.
The student body is diverse. A little under half of the students are white, about one in three are Black, and a significant share are Hispanic, with smaller groups of Asian students and students of two or more races. Data on the share of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, on students with disabilities, and on English learners were not available in this report, so it is not possible to describe those aspects of the student population here. The school’s size is typical for an elementary school serving a single small town, and class sizes appear moderate.
Avon itself has limited opportunities for new housing development, as the town has deliberately preserved its suburban character. Housing values are elevated relative to national benchmarks, consistent with the broader Boston-area market, and the town’s location along Route 24 and access to MBTA and Brockton Area Transit make it a practical option for commuters. The industrial park anchors the local economy, and the town describes its tax base as favorable. For a family looking at this school, the housing market means that moving into Avon requires a substantial investment or rental cost, though the town is smaller and less expensive than many closer-in suburbs.
The district brief found no recent major changes such as building projects, curriculum overhauls, or tax shifts that parents would need to track. That absence of news is itself notable: the district appears stable, without major disruption or new initiatives to investigate.
Ralph D Butler offers a small-town elementary setting with a diverse student population and a convenient location near major routes. The academic picture is one that calls for further conversation with the school. Proficiency rates have been declining and now sit well below the county average, and a family would want to understand what the school is doing to lift student outcomes, what enrichment or intervention programs exist, and how the school supports students who are behind grade level. This is a school that may be a good fit for families who value a close-knit community setting and are prepared to be active partners in their child’s academic growth. Those looking for a school with strong test scores may want to look into the school’s plans and recent efforts before enrolling.
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