For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 5,774 students in Peabody, MA (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,594 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Peabody, MA are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Peabody, MA are West Memorial, John E Burke and John E. Mccarthy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Peabody, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Peabody have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Massachusetts public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Peabody, MA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Memorial
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
15 Bow Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5850
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5850
Gr: PK-5 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
John E Burke
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
127 Birch Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5400
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5400
Gr: K-5 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
John E. Mccarthy
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
76 Lake Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5625
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5625
Gr: K-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #44.
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
485 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4500
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,333 student Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
South Memorial
(Math: 39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
16 Maple St Ext
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5700
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
J Henry Higgins Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
85 Perkins Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4800
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4800
Gr: 6-8 | 1,320 student Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #77.
Center
(Math: 31% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
18 Irving Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5475
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5475
Gr: PK | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Thomas Carroll
(Math: 28% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
60 Northend Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4200
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4200
Gr: PK-5 | 645 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
William A Welch Senior
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
50 Swampscott Avenue
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5775
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5775
Gr: K-5 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1010.
Peabody Personalized Remote Education Program
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
485r Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4554
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4554
Gr: 4-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #1111.
Captain Samuel Brown
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
150 Lynn Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4100
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-4100
Gr: K-5 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Peabody, MA?
The top-ranked public schools in Peabody, MA include West Memorial, John E Burke and John E. Mccarthy.
How many public schools are located in Peabody?
11 public schools are located in Peabody.
What percentage of students in Peabody go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Peabody are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Peabody?
Peabody public schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Massachusetts public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Peabody are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Peabody include: John E Burke vs. John E. Mccarthy, West Memorial vs. John E. Mccarthy, John E. Mccarthy vs. John E Burke
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