The top reported proficiency rate is 60% in Math. The lowest is 48% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Kittredge
Kittredge is a regular public elementary school in North Andover, Massachusetts, serving students in first through fifth grade. It is one of five elementary schools in the North Andover district, a suburban town in Essex County roughly half an hour north of Boston. The school sits on Main Street in a town that blends historic residential neighborhoods, modern industrial zones including biotech and logistics, and substantial open space. Merrimack College is nearby, and the town has invested in an expanded early childhood center in recent years. The broader district context, based on available public information, shows no major recent structural changes.
On state assessments, Kittredge’s overall proficiency across tested subjects sits above the midpoint when compared with other districts in Essex County. In the most recent testing year, just over half of students scored proficient or above in English language arts, and a similar share did so in math. Science proficiency, which is tested in a single grade level, was lower. These figures represent a decline from several years ago, when the school regularly saw roughly three-quarters of students meeting proficiency in both ELA and math, with math reaching even higher levels. Performance appears to have pulled back in recent years, a pattern that has occurred in many schools post-pandemic. A parent may want to ask the school about current instructional strategies and how they are addressing the downward trend.
The school enrolls a modest number of students, with each grade level having a comparable number of children. The student body is predominantly white, with a noticeable Hispanic minority and smaller shares of Asian, Black, and multiracial students. Data on the share of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, on students with individualized education programs, and on English learners was not available, so this profile is incomplete on those dimensions. A family should inquire directly about support services and special education offerings.
North Andover’s housing market is expensive, with home values well above the national median and rents that consume a substantial portion of typical household income. The town’s unemployment rate has been low, and the broader economic context is stable, but affordability is a real consideration for families looking to move into the district. The town itself is spread out and car-dependent, with limited walkability outside of the historic Old Center and no direct commuter rail stop within its boundaries; the nearest station is in neighboring Lawrence. Bus service from the regional transit authority is fare-free and partially serves the town.
Because Kittredge serves only elementary grades, metrics such as graduation rate and chronic absenteeism do not apply, and no such data is reported for this level. The school’s academic performance, while historically stronger, currently shows a mixed picture with room for recovery. For a family prioritizing a suburban setting with a range of local employers and amenities, and who is comfortable with a school whose test scores have softened from prior highs, Kittredge is worth exploring directly to understand the current classroom environment and support structures.
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