The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Science. The lowest is 23% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Thomas M Balliet
Thomas M Balliet is a regular public elementary school in Springfield, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts, an urban center with a mix of residential neighborhoods, manufacturing, and cultural institutions such as the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. The school sits within a city that has seen significant revitalization efforts in recent years, including major investments in downtown infrastructure. No recent district-level changes were reported that would affect Balliet's operations.
With an enrollment that keeps the school on the smaller side for a K-5 building, Balliet serves a predominantly Hispanic student body, followed by a sizable Black population and smaller shares of White, Asian, and multiracial students. Data on economic disadvantage and special education identification was not reported, so a family looking for that context should ask the school directly.
On the state’s NextGen MCAS assessments, Balliet’s proficiency rates in math and English language arts are modest. In math, about a quarter of tested students scored at the proficient or above level. In ELA, the share was just over a quarter. Science, tested only in grade five, showed a stronger result, with slightly under half of students reaching proficiency. Across all tested subjects and grades, Balliet’s overall proficiency index places it above the midpoint among the school districts in Hampden County. That positioning is worth noting: while the absolute proficiency rates are not high, the school holds a relatively stronger standing compared to many other schools in the same county. Multi-year trends show that math and ELA proficiency have fluctuated in the low-to-mid range over the past several years, with no clear upward or downward trajectory. This suggests a consistent pattern rather than sudden change.
Because Balliet only serves elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report. That is typical for a school of this grade span.
The school environment data, including discipline rates, staffing ratios, and chronic absenteeism, was not available in the data provided. A parent considering Balliet may want to ask the school for information on class sizes, teacher experience, and how the school supports students who are below grade level.
Springfield’s housing market shows home values that are well below the state median but slightly above the national median, with a moderately active market. The city offers a range of housing from Victorian-era homes to newer development. The school is located in a residential part of the city.
Balliet fits a family looking for an urban elementary school within a large district where the student body is diverse and predominantly Hispanic and Black. The academic profile is one where proficiency rates are lower than statewide averages, but the school performs competitively within its county context. For families focused on early elementary years in a regular public school setting, and who value a school that serves as a neighborhood anchor in a city with deep cultural and historical roots, Balliet is a plausible option. Those seeking detailed information on student support programs or before- and after-care should follow up directly with the school.
See more original research from School Decision →