Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Summary:

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School is a public elementary school in Waltham, MA, serving 477 students in grades K-5. The school is part of the Waltham school district, which is ranked 253 out of 351 districts in Massachusetts and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Over the past several years, Douglas MacArthur Elementary School has seen fluctuations in its statewide ranking and SchoolDigger rating. In 2023-2024, it ranked 462 out of 916 Massachusetts elementary schools with a 2-star rating, down from its peak ranking of 267 out of 932 schools in 2021-2022 with a 4-star rating. The school's performance varies across different student subgroups, with stronger rankings for White and male students compared to Hispanic and special education students. Academically, Douglas MacArthur generally outperforms the Waltham district and the state of Massachusetts in MCAS Next Generation assessments, but lags behind higher-performing schools like Maria Hastings Elementary School in Lexington.

Despite having a relatively high per-student spending of $21,642 in 2020-2021, which is higher than the state average, Douglas MacArthur Elementary School's academic performance does not seem to be consistently strong across all student groups. The school's diverse student population and fluctuating performance suggest the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to support all students in reaching their full potential.


Detail:

Public K-5

 494 Lincoln Street
       Waltham, MA  02451


(781) 314-5721

District: Waltham

SchoolDigger Rank:
462nd of 916 Massachusetts Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $21,642 Help


Students who attend Douglas MacArthur Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    John F Kennedy Middle
High:    Waltham Senior High

Student/teacher ratio:  11.3 Help
Number of students:  477

Racial breakdown:

White:
62.3%
Hispanic:
17.4%
Asian:
8.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  33.7% Help


 See top rated Massachusetts elementary schools

 Compare Douglas MacArthur Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Douglas MacArthur Elementary School ranks worse than 50.4% of elementary schools in Massachusetts. It also ranks 2nd among 7 ranked elementary schools in the Waltham School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 51.04. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (62.3%), Hispanic (17.4%), Asian (8.4%). (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School is 11.3. 5 elementary schools in the Waltham School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Douglas MacArthur Elementary School employs 41.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School is $21,642. 5 elementary schools in the Waltham School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Douglas MacArthur Elementary School 462nd of 916 Massachusetts public elementary schools. (See Douglas MacArthur Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Waltham:

SchoolDigger ranks Waltham 253rd of 351 Massachusetts school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Douglas MacArthur Elementary School?

Rank History for Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 57.98 414th 884 53.2%
2004 56.05 427th 882 51.6%
2005 50.08 469th 887 47.1%
2006 28.99 689th 911 24.4%
2007 57.58 428th 911 53.0%
2008 59.12 393rd 908 56.7%
2009 60.00 391st 909 57.0%
2010 57.71 415th 920 54.9%
2011 54.37 469th 924 49.2%
2012 52.85 497th 930 46.6%
2013 59.49 416th 928 55.2%
2014 55.51 459th 926 50.4%
2015 50.50 488th 914 46.6%
2016 56.26 439th 932 52.9%
2017 44.43 561st 938 40.2%
2018 29.26 692nd 934 25.9%
2019 50.81 483rd 942 48.7%
2021 62.32 368th 936 60.7%
2022 71.16 267th 932 71.4%
2023 56.56 419th 928 54.8%
2024 51.04 462nd 916 49.6%
See the entire list of Massachusetts Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.67 856th 886 3.4%
2019 32.47 656th 896 26.8%
2021 47.70 447th 894 50.0%
2022 53.62 381st 905 57.9%
2023 33.26 455th 703 35.3%
2024 26.98 554th 731 24.2%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.79 633rd 685 7.6%
2019 48.43 370th 700 47.1%
2021 29.04 538th 705 23.7%
2022 57.76 290th 772 62.4%
2023 28.53 601st 757 20.6%
2024 40.24 466th 760 38.7%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.92 622nd 893 30.3%
2019 53.34 443rd 902 50.9%
2021 61.50 344th 898 61.7%
2022 67.66 279th 901 69.0%
2023 56.22 404th 887 54.5%
2024 55.66 403rd 886 54.5%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.84 622nd 656 5.2%
2019 20.28 590th 665 11.3%
2022 55.70 241st 672 64.1%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.29 688th 898 23.4%
2019 49.37 478th 907 47.3%
2021 61.74 349th 904 61.4%
2022 72.21 234th 908 74.2%
2023 56.10 390th 896 56.5%
2024 44.01 512th 891 42.5%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Tested In Person students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 65.12 331st 925 64.2%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Tested In Person Students!

Rank History for Tested Remotely students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 51.29 162nd 399 59.4%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Tested Remotely Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.82 361st 379 4.7%
2019 38.49 256th 398 35.7%
2021 63.20 84th 379 77.8%
2022 59.40 106th 401 73.6%
2023 54.47 147th 420 65.0%
2024 22.75 393rd 446 11.9%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 23.40 651st 772 15.7%
2019 47.69 436th 780 44.1%
2021 59.11 300th 765 60.8%
2022 68.45 211th 764 72.4%
2023 52.02 373rd 762 51.0%
2024 58.06 309th 753 59.0%
See the entire list of Best Massachusetts Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.5)
0%

50%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, December 20, 2018

Open Quote Teachers focused on how to take MCAS rather than teaching. No teaching, No homework. No teacher communication except about MCAS. Maybe if they focus on teaching their scores would go up. Terrible school. Took my kid out!! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Open Quote My kid was struggling. The teachers noticed and made every effort to get the extra help needed. Good school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 377 8 10 21 0 n/a n/a 0 416
1989 376 8 15 14 0 n/a n/a 0 413
1990 360 11 19 11 0 n/a n/a 0 401
1991 362 10 29 16 0 n/a n/a 0 417
1992 427 17 38 19 0 n/a n/a 0 501
1993 429 33 40 27 0 n/a n/a 0 529
1994 385 21 48 20 0 n/a n/a 0 474
1995 353 22 46 14 0 n/a n/a 0 435
1996 353 22 46 14 0 n/a n/a 0 435
1997 349 26 53 16 0 n/a n/a 0 444
1998 363 34 52 16 0 n/a n/a 0 465
1999 351 39 53 26 0 n/a n/a 0 469
2000 350 34 49 52 0 n/a n/a 0 485
2001 338 38 48 36 0 n/a n/a 0 460
2002 290 27 40 83 0 n/a n/a 0 440
2003 290 27 40 83 0 n/a n/a 0 440
2004 211 26 35 67 0 n/a n/a 0 339
2005 207 26 40 61 0 n/a n/a 0 334
2006 193 28 34 73 0 n/a n/a 10 338
2007 221 31 40 69 1 n/a n/a 9 371
2008 181 22 30 59 1 n/a n/a 8 301
2009 182 32 46 91 1 0 11 0 363
2010 190 36 43 87 1 0 6 0 363
2011 196 29 35 66 1 0 9 0 336
2012 191 31 30 68 1 0 9 0 330
2013 204 39 34 64 0 0 8 0 349
2014 221 35 27 68 0 0 14 0 365
2015 223 37 21 75 0 0 12 0 368
2016 213 45 23 70 0 0 17 0 368
2017 260 47 37 69 0 0 19 0 432
2018 283 42 28 66 1 0 20 0 440
2019 302 44 39 58 1 0 20 0 464
2020 297 44 41 61 1 0 20 0 464
2021 285 44 48 59 1 0 21 0 458
2022 285 36 47 75 1 0 25 0 469
2023 297 31 40 83 1 1 24 0 477

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 416 n/a n/a n/a
1989 413 n/a n/a n/a
1990 401 n/a n/a n/a
1991 417 n/a n/a n/a
1992 501 n/a n/a n/a
1993 529 n/a 0.0 n/a
1994 474 n/a n/a n/a
1995 435 n/a 0.0 n/a
1996 435 n/a 0.0 n/a
1997 444 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 465 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 469 n/a 0.0 16.4
2000 485 n/a 0.0 16.5
2001 460 n/a 0.0 15.9
2002 440 n/a n/a 19.3
2003 440 n/a n/a 19.3
2004 339 29.1 11.6 15.6
2005 334 30.1 11.1 14.4
2006 338 29.7 11.4 25.9
2007 371 33.0 11.2 26.5
2008 301 29.1 10.3 31.4
2009 363 37.1 9.8 20.1
2010 363 28.2 12.8 19.8
2011 336 29.2 11.4 26.5
2012 330 28.1 11.7 32.1
2013 349 28.6 12.1 31.8
2014 365 30.7 11.8 30.4
2015 368 33.0 11.1 33.7
2016 368 32.0 11.5 n/a
2017 432 36.3 11.8 n/a
2018 440 36.7 11.9 n/a
2019 464 38.6 12.0 n/a
2020 464 39.1 11.8 n/a
2021 458 36.4 12.5 n/a
2022 469 36.5 12.8 n/a
2023 477 41.9 11.3 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 416 n/a n/a n/a
1989 413 n/a n/a n/a
1990 401 n/a n/a n/a
1991 417 n/a n/a n/a
1992 501 n/a n/a n/a
1993 529 n/a 0.0 n/a
1994 474 n/a n/a n/a
1995 435 n/a 0.0 n/a
1996 435 n/a 0.0 n/a
1997 444 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 465 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 469 n/a 0.0 16.4
2000 485 n/a 0.0 16.5
2001 460 n/a 0.0 15.9
2002 440 n/a n/a 19.3
2003 440 n/a n/a 19.3
2004 339 29.1 11.6 15.6
2005 334 30.1 11.1 14.4
2006 338 29.7 11.4 25.9
2007 371 33.0 11.2 26.5
2008 301 29.1 10.3 31.4
2009 363 37.1 9.8 20.1
2010 363 28.2 12.8 19.8
2011 336 29.2 11.4 26.5
2012 330 28.1 11.7 32.1
2013 349 28.6 12.1 31.8
2014 365 30.7 11.8 30.4
2015 368 33.0 11.1 33.7
2016 368 32.0 11.5 n/a
2017 432 36.3 11.8 n/a
2018 440 36.7 11.9 n/a
2019 464 38.6 12.0 n/a
2020 464 39.1 11.8 n/a
2021 458 36.4 12.5 n/a
2022 469 36.5 12.8 n/a
2023 477 41.9 11.3 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $588 (2.9%) $19,645 (97.1%) $20,233
2020 $569 (2.8%) $19,496 (97.2%) $20,065
2021 $1,009 (4.7%) $20,633 (95.3%) $21,642

Data source: Massachusetts Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 483rd of 942 Elementary schoolsRanks 419th of 928 Elementary schools
 6.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5043.9
 6.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Waltham)4932.9
 16.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Massachusetts)5643.9
 12.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5226.3
 25.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Waltham)4628.8
 17.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Massachusetts)4941
 8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)4637.8
 8.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Waltham)4829.8
 18.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Massachusetts)5239.7
 12.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5644.6
 11.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Waltham)5636.5
 19.5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Massachusetts)4945
 4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5259.4
 7.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Waltham)4840
 8%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Massachusetts)5243.8
 8.2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5862.3
 4.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Waltham)4339.9
 3.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Massachusetts)4940.9
 8.2%
5th Grade Science (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)4946.4
 2.6%
   5th Grade Science (Waltham)4231.7
 10.3%
   5th Grade Science (Massachusetts)4841.6
 6.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5047
 3%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Waltham)5237
 15.1%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Massachusetts)5242.3
 9.7%
All Grades Mathematics (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)5645.5
 10.5%
   All Grades Mathematics (Waltham)4736.3
 10.7%
   All Grades Mathematics (Massachusetts)4940.6
 8.4%
All Grades Science (Douglas MacArthur Elementary School)4946.4
 2.6%
   All Grades Science (Waltham)4331.1
 11.9%
   All Grades Science (Massachusetts)4741.2
 5.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students464477
 2.8%
African American4431
 29.5%
American Indian11
Asian3940
 2.6%
Hispanic5883
 43.1%
Pacific Islander01
White302297
 1.7%
Two or More Races2024
 20%


Schools Near Douglas MacArthur Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Douglas MacArthur Elementary School

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School ranks 462nd of 916 Massachusetts elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School are 62% White, 17% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 6% African American, 5% Two or more races.

Students who attend Douglas MacArthur Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : John F Kennedy Middle
High : Waltham Senior High

In the 2022-23 school year, 477 students attended Douglas MacArthur Elementary School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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