Essex County Schools & Education
Essex County, Massachusetts
School Score
66/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,941
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,582
School Score
66/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#11
of 14 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Essex County, Massachusetts
Extensive Academic Resources in the North Shore
Essex County features a massive education footprint with 218 public schools serving 110,879 students. Organized into 41 districts, the system includes 124 elementary schools and 39 high schools. This wide variety of institutions ensures that every community from the coast to the valley is well-served.
Consistent Performance Across a Large Population
The county maintains an 87.8% graduation rate, staying in line with national averages while managing a huge student body. Per-pupil spending sits at $11,941, supporting a composite school score of 63.0. These figures reflect a stable and resilient education system that handles significant scale.
Lynn and Lawrence Drive Regional Enrollment
Lynn and Lawrence are the heavy hitters, managing 27 and 26 schools respectively for a combined 28,300 students. The county also features 9 charter schools, which provide alternative curricula to about 4% of the school population. Haverhill and Methuen also host large districts that serve as anchors for their local communities.
Vibrant Suburban Hubs and Massive Campuses
With 207 schools in suburban locales, the county offers a classic residential school experience with an average size of 509 students. Lawrence High School is a standout for its scale, enrolling over 3,000 students in a single high school setting. Families can choose between these massive urban-suburban hubs or smaller rural outposts.
A Home for Every Educational Preference
Essex County's sheer variety of districts and school types makes it a prime destination for families of all backgrounds. Whether you seek large-scale high schools or smaller suburban elementary settings, the North Shore delivers options. Invest in real estate here to tap into one of the state's most diverse educational markets.
School Overview
Total Schools
218
in Essex County
Total Enrollment
110,879
students
School Districts
41
districts
Charter Schools
9
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
41 School Districts in Essex County
Lynn
Lawrence
Haverhill
Methuen
Peabody
Andover
Beverly
North Andover
Salem
Danvers
218 Public Schools in Essex County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence High School | Lawrence | 9–12 | High | 3,084 |
| Lynn English High | Lynn | 9–12 | High | 2,176 |
| Haverhill High | Haverhill | 9–12 | High | 1,944 |
| Methuen High | Methuen | 9–12 | High | 1,916 |
| Classical High | Lynn | 9–12 | High | 1,818 |
| Andover High | Andover | 9–12 | High | 1,702 |
| Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School | Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,694 |
| Gr Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical | Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,692 |
| KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School | KIPP Academy Lynn Charter (District) | KG–12 | Charter | 1,612 |
| Lynn Vocational Technical Institute | Lynn | PK–12 | Vocational | 1,523 |
| Peabody Veterans Memorial High | Peabody | 9–12 | High | 1,476 |
| Beverly Middle School | Beverly | 5–8 | Middle | 1,367 |
| J Henry Higgins Middle | Peabody | 6–8 | Middle | 1,346 |
| North Andover High | North Andover | 9–12 | High | 1,336 |
| Beverly High | Beverly | 9–12 | High | 1,286 |
| Whittier Regional Vocational | Whittier Regional Vocational Technical | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,277 |
| Donald P Timony Grammar | Methuen | PK–8 | Primary | 1,263 |
| Tenney Grammar School | Methuen | PK–8 | Primary | 1,254 |
| Breed Middle School | Lynn | 6–8 | Middle | 1,221 |
| Thurgood Marshall Mid | Lynn | 6–8 | Middle | 1,215 |
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$11,941
State avg $13,582
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Essex County, Massachusetts — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Essex County, Massachusetts?
Essex County features a massive education footprint with 218 public schools serving 110,879 students. Organized into 41 districts, the system includes 124 elementary schools and 39 high schools. This wide variety of institutions ensures that every community from the coast to the valley is well-served.
How do schools in Essex County perform academically?
The county maintains an 87.8% graduation rate, staying in line with national averages while managing a huge student body. Per-pupil spending sits at $11,941, supporting a composite school score of 63.0. These figures reflect a stable and resilient education system that handles significant scale.
What are the major school districts in Essex County, Massachusetts?
Lynn and Lawrence are the heavy hitters, managing 27 and 26 schools respectively for a combined 28,300 students. The county also features 9 charter schools, which provide alternative curricula to about 4% of the school population. Haverhill and Methuen also host large districts that serve as anchors for their local communities.
What is the school experience like in Essex County?
With 207 schools in suburban locales, the county offers a classic residential school experience with an average size of 509 students. Lawrence High School is a standout for its scale, enrolling over 3,000 students in a single high school setting. Families can choose between these massive urban-suburban hubs or smaller rural outposts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Essex County, Massachusetts?
Essex County's sheer variety of districts and school types makes it a prime destination for families of all backgrounds. Whether you seek large-scale high schools or smaller suburban elementary settings, the North Shore delivers options. Invest in real estate here to tap into one of the state's most diverse educational markets.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.