The reported proficiency rate for Science is 10%.
Original Research by School Decision on Bartlett High School
Bartlett High School serves grades nine through twelve in the town of Webster, Massachusetts, operating as a regular public school within the Webster district. The enrollment is modest for a comprehensive high school in the region. The student body is diverse, with a substantial Hispanic population and a smaller but present Black population, alongside a significant number of white students. Smaller groups of Asian, multiracial, and a handful of American Indian or Native Hawaiian students round out the student body. Enrollment is not evenly distributed across grades, with a notably smaller senior class relative to the underclassmen, a pattern that could reflect a variety of local dynamics. Data on the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, as well as counts of students with disabilities or English learners, was not available; a parent may want to ask the school directly about the support resources for these populations.
State assessment results for the school are limited. The most recent data available shows a science proficiency rate that places the school in the bottom quartile among high schools in districts across Worcester County. The broader proficiency index for the school follows the same pattern, sitting in the bottom quartile relative to its county peers. The participation rate on the state science test was high, so the results reflect nearly all tested students. No graduation rate was available in the data, so it is not possible to assess that key outcome for this school. A parent should look into the school’s current performance across English and math, as well as its graduation rate, to build a fuller picture.
Webster itself is a small town with a mixed residential, commercial, and industrial character, rooted in its textile-manufacturing history and with a strong Polish-American heritage. Lake Chaubunagungamaug, a large natural lake, is a defining recreational anchor. Major employers include MAPFRE Insurance and Goya Foods. The town has seen modest population growth, with recent development including a new middle school and library. Housing in the area is generally less expensive than the Massachusetts state average, though mortgage costs are elevated by current interest rates, making affordability a consideration for families.
The Webster school district approved a new strategic plan in 2025 that prioritizes high-quality instruction for all students, social-emotional learning, and family engagement, which establishes the pedagogical direction for the coming years. The district also passed a notable budget increase for the fiscal year, maintaining class sizes and current programs.
For a family considering this school, the primary takeaway is that it serves a moderate-sized, diverse student body in a small-town setting with a history of industrial and cultural identity. The academic performance data shows a significant challenge in science proficiency, and a parent would want to investigate the school’s current course offerings, academic supports, and post-graduation outcomes to understand the full academic pathway. The school’s strategic direction from the district suggests a focus on core instruction and support structures, but the available evidence does not yet show how that translates into student results.
See more original research from School Decision →