The top reported proficiency rate is 68% in Science. The lowest is 61% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Cambridgeport
Cambridgeport is a regular public elementary school in Cambridge, serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. As a neighborhood school in a dense urban city that is home to Harvard University and MIT, Cambridgeport sits within a district that has seen several recent changes. The district has moved eighth grade to the high school starting in the 2025-2026 school year, launched a universal preschool program in fall 2024, and implemented a major inclusion initiative that restructured special education by moving students with disabilities into general education settings. A new sex education curriculum for older grades was also adopted. The district budget increased in the most recent fiscal year, funding these priorities.
Cambridgeport enrolls a small student body for a school serving its grade band. The student body is diverse. White students make up the largest share of the student population, followed by Black students, then roughly equal shares of Asian students, students who identify as two or more races, and Hispanic students. A very small number of students are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, receive special education services, or are classified as English learners were not available, which may be relevant context when considering the school's academic outcomes.
On the Massachusetts Next-Generation MCAS assessments, Cambridgeport's overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sits above the midpoint relative to other districts in Middlesex County, which includes many high-performing suburban systems. In English language arts, a little more than half of students scored at the proficient level or above, a pattern the school has seen with some variability over the past several years. In math, the proficiency rate for the most recent year was in a similar range. In science, proficiency was somewhat higher. Participation rates on the tests were high, which strengthens the reliability of these results.
Trend data for the school show a pattern of fluctuation, particularly in math. Proficiency rates in math have moved up and down from year to year, with a low point during the pandemic-disrupted 2020-2021 school year and a rebound in the following years. ELA results have also moved, though within a narrower band. A parent may want to ask the school about how it supports students who are not yet at the proficient level and how academic programs are tailored to the range of learners.
Because Cambridgeport serves only elementary grades, there are no graduation rate data to report. The school does not have information on chronic absenteeism, disciplinary actions, or course access in the available record.
The housing market in Cambridge reflects the city's desirability and high demand. Home values are very high, and the cost of rent is also substantial. The median listing price for homes in Middlesex County has recently been at a level that places homeownership out of reach for many households. The estimated monthly mortgage payment is notably higher than the average rent, and the rent burden relative to median household income is considerable. These numbers underscore that the real estate context is expensive, and families seeking to live in this attendance area should be prepared for steep costs.
Cambridge itself is a compact, walkable city with a population density that supports street life around its numerous squares, including Central Square and Harvard Square. Major employers include the two universities, a large biotech and pharmaceutical sector concentrated in Kendall Square, Akamai Technologies, and Cambridge Health Alliance. Civic anchors include Cambridge Common, Fresh Pond, and the city's public library system. The city has experienced significant growth driven by the technology and biotech sectors, and development pressure is intense given the small land area.
For a family considering Cambridgeport, the school offers a solid academic profile relative to its county peers and a diverse student body in a city with deep intellectual and economic resources. The district's recent reorganization of middle grades and its new inclusion model are active changes that may directly affect the student experience even at the elementary level. The school's academic performance has shown some year-to-year variation, especially in math, which is worth discussing with school leadership. The very high cost of housing in Cambridge is a significant practical consideration for any family.
See more original research from School Decision →