Summary:
The city of Gardner, Massachusetts has 4 schools serving students from elementary through high school, including 1 elementary school, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools (one of which is an alternative program). The data reveals a mix of strengths and areas for improvement across the district.
Gardner High School stands out with a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 96.9% and stronger MCAS test scores compared to the state average, particularly in 10th grade English Language Arts and Mathematics. In contrast, Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology, the alternative high school, has a significantly lower graduation rate and higher dropout rate. Gardner Middle School has shown improvement, moving from a 1-star to a 2-star rating, and has relatively strong MCAS scores in several grades.
However, the data also reveals consistent underperformance across the district, with most schools scoring below the state average on MCAS tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The variation in per-student spending across the schools suggests potential funding disparities that may be contributing to the performance differences. Overall, the analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions and support to address the challenges faced by the schools in Gardner and improve student outcomes.
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