Franklin County Schools & Education
Franklin County, Massachusetts
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
52/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
78.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
78.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,613
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,582
School Score
52/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#13
of 14 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Franklin County
School Verdict
Franklin County has average school quality (score: 52/100) with a graduation rate of 78.8%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
With $12,613 per pupil, Franklin County has adequate funding that generally covers core educational needs and some supplemental services.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Franklin County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 27% below the Massachusetts average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 9.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 7% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts
Rural Roots and Localized Learning
Franklin County manages 35 public schools serving 8,805 students across 20 distinct districts. The infrastructure is primarily built around 23 elementary schools, focusing heavily on primary education in local communities. This decentralized system reflects the county's commitment to maintaining neighborhood-based schools.
Education Investment in a Quiet Setting
Districts here invest $12,613 per pupil, approaching the national average of $13,000. While the 78.8% graduation rate trails the state average, the county provides a unique virtual school option that serves a large segment of the population. The 59.8 school score reflects the challenges and opportunities of a purely rural and town-based system.
Greenfield and Virtual Districts Lead the Way
The Greenfield district is the largest traditional provider with 6 schools and 1,446 students. Interestingly, the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School is the county's largest single institution, serving 1,155 students statewide from its local base. Other key districts include Gill-Montague and Mohawk Trail, which serve the region's smaller towns.
The State's Smallest Brick-and-Mortar Classrooms
Attending school here is an intimate experience, with an average school size of just 252 students—one of the lowest in the state. The landscape is entirely rural or town-based, featuring 19 schools in pastoral settings and 16 in small towns. Schools like Greenfield High and Frontier Regional offer a close-knit community feel that larger counties cannot match.
Quiet Living with a Personal Touch
Families seeking an escape from large, overcrowded schools will find Franklin County's intimate districts highly attractive. The small school sizes and rural charm are significant factors for those looking to buy a home in a peaceful, connected community. Explore the hills of Franklin County for a truly personalized education experience.
School Overview
Total Schools
35
in Franklin County
Total Enrollment
8,805
students
School Districts
20
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
20 School Districts in Franklin County
Greenfield
Greater Commonwealth Virtual District
Gill-Montague
Mohawk Trail
Pioneer Valley
Frontier
Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical
Orange
Ralph C Mahar
Deerfield
35 Public Schools in Franklin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Commonwealth Virtual School | Greater Commonwealth Virtual District | KG–12 | Other | 1,155 |
| Frontier Regional | Frontier | 7–12 | High | 606 |
| Franklin County Technical | Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical | 9–12 | Vocational | 602 |
| Ralph C Mahar Regional | Ralph C Mahar | 7–12 | High | 523 |
| Greenfield High | Greenfield | 8–12 | High | 454 |
| Deerfield Elementary | Deerfield | PK–6 | Primary | 309 |
| Greenfield Middle | Greenfield | 5–7 | Middle | 300 |
| Dexter Park | Orange | 3–6 | Primary | 294 |
| Buckland-Shelburne Regional | Mohawk Trail | PK–6 | Primary | 274 |
| Mohawk Trail Regional School | Mohawk Trail | 7–12 | High | 271 |
| Pioneer Valley Regional | Pioneer Valley | 7–12 | High | 256 |
| Fisher Hill | Orange | PK–2 | Primary | 230 |
| Four Rivers Charter Public School | Four Rivers Charter Public (District) | 7–12 | Charter | 219 |
| Discovery School at Four Corners | Greenfield | KG–4 | Primary | 214 |
| Sheffield Elementary School | Gill-Montague | 2–5 | Primary | 211 |
| Great Falls Middle | Gill-Montague | 6–8 | Middle | 207 |
| Bernardston Elementary | Pioneer Valley | PK–6 | Primary | 204 |
| Newton School | Greenfield | KG–4 | Primary | 203 |
| Northfield Elementary | Pioneer Valley | PK–6 | Primary | 200 |
| Turners Fall High | Gill-Montague | 9–12 | High | 194 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$12,613
State avg $13,582
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Franklin County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Franklin County?
How much does Franklin County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Franklin County, Massachusetts?
Franklin County manages 35 public schools serving 8,805 students across 20 distinct districts. The infrastructure is primarily built around 23 elementary schools, focusing heavily on primary education in local communities. This decentralized system reflects the county's commitment to maintaining neighborhood-based schools.
How do schools in Franklin County perform academically?
Districts here invest $12,613 per pupil, approaching the national average of $13,000. While the 78.8% graduation rate trails the state average, the county provides a unique virtual school option that serves a large segment of the population. The 59.8 school score reflects the challenges and opportunities of a purely rural and town-based system.
What are the major school districts in Franklin County, Massachusetts?
The Greenfield district is the largest traditional provider with 6 schools and 1,446 students. Interestingly, the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School is the county's largest single institution, serving 1,155 students statewide from its local base. Other key districts include Gill-Montague and Mohawk Trail, which serve the region's smaller towns.
What is the school experience like in Franklin County?
Attending school here is an intimate experience, with an average school size of just 252 students—one of the lowest in the state. The landscape is entirely rural or town-based, featuring 19 schools in pastoral settings and 16 in small towns. Schools like Greenfield High and Frontier Regional offer a close-knit community feel that larger counties cannot match.
How can I find homes near good schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts?
Families seeking an escape from large, overcrowded schools will find Franklin County's intimate districts highly attractive. The small school sizes and rural charm are significant factors for those looking to buy a home in a peaceful, connected community. Explore the hills of Franklin County for a truly personalized education experience.
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.