Arlington has much to be proud of. Our schools consistently rank among the best in Massachusetts, and our dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff work well for our children. Before we talk about improvements, let's recognize what's working well.
According to the enrollment data, as of 2025-26 school year, 6,113 students attend APS schools, from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Arlington ranks in the top 10% of MA school districts.
Arlington High School maintains a 95% four-year graduation rate
4 Schools - Ranked in top 10% statewide (Bishop, Dallin, Peirce, Ottoson)
Post-Pandemic Recovery: Arlington is one of only 13 Massachusetts districts where elementary and middle school MCAS scores have matched or exceeded pre-pandemic levels
High School Excellence: Arlington High School ranks 10th out of 349 Massachusetts high schools
Despite these achievements, there are some areas where we can strengthen our schools:
Current feedback mechanisms are limited. The Panorama survey asks students narrow questions, leaving many important issues—particularly around curriculum effectiveness and pacing—unaddressed. Students have valuable insights about their learning experience that we're not systematically gathering.
Currently, no "exit surveys" are issued for families which withdraw their kids into private schools or to be homeschooled. This would be a valuable source of feedback suggesting where our schools fail to serve children.
While 69% of students grade 3-8 test at or above proficiency in math, this means approximately one-third aren't meeting grade-level expectations. Our goal should be excellence for all students. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the TERC Investigations curriculum and whether it adequately prepares students for advanced mathematics.
Some students report being under-challenged, leading to disengagement and boredom. Research shows that academic boredom is linked to behavioral problems and reduced motivation. We need better pathways for students who are ready for more advanced work.
Like schools nationwide, we're grappling with the impact of smartphones and social media on student wellbeing and learning. We need clear policies and parent education to address these challenges.
These challenges are solvable. By listening to students, supporting teachers, evaluating curricula based on evidence, and providing appropriate academic pathways, we can build on Arlington's strengths while addressing these important areas for growth.