Vassal Lane Upper School

Vassal Lane Upper School

Public Middle School | Grade 6-8
158 Spring St,  Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Public Schools
2.5
3.0
290 Students
A-
Niche Grade
The Vassal Lane Upper School is part of the Cambridge Public Schools system and serves students in sixth through eighth grade who have previously attended either the Haggerty, Graham and Parks or John M. Tobin Montessori schools. Vassal Lane seeks to provide a learning experience that is developmentally stimulating, challenging, inclusive and supportive. The current enrollment of approximately 300 students allows the school to offer a close-knit community while also providing a large peer cohort and a substantial teaching staff. The Vassal Lane Upper School is organized with grade-level teaching teams, where sixth, seventh and eighth grade students work closely with a team of four teachers, seeing each once every school day. This allows for a smooth transition from elementary to middle school and prepares students for high school. Each team consists of approximately 100 students and each teacher provides instruction in one content area: math, science, English and social studies. Additionally, students choose a world language to study in addition to a robust schedule of off-team classes: art, physical education, health and wellness, and music. The school building is currently being fully renovated, with students temporarily relocating to the Kennedy-Longfellow building on Spring Street. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2025, and the school community remains strong.

School Details

Head of School
Daniel Coplon-newfield
Student Teacher Ratio
6:1
Math Proficiency
45%
Reading Proficiency
43%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
43%
Math Proficiency
45%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
6:1
Teachers
43
Full Time Teachers
43
Teachers in First or Second Year
16.8%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
8%
State Average
7.6%
Science
3.1%
State Average
6.4%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
145:1

Student Diversity

Male
52.7%
Female
46.9%
White
37%
Black
23.8%
Asian or Pacific Islander
17.6%
Hispanic
11%
Two or more races
10.3%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Patricia Mazza, an agent with experience near this school.

School Rankings

#24 Most Diverse Public MS in Massachusetts
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
2.5 2 Reviews
2.0 Middle School Student
12/13/2018
There is too much racism in the school. Students should feel accepted and protected, not turned against by their classmates over problems they believe are important. There should be more learning about people of color in the curriculum.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.0 2 Reviews
1.0 other
1/26/2023
horrible, they made me do the chicken dance while covered in tar and feathers and praying to Ryan Reynolds. this was not what they told me when they invited me as a guest speaker.
5.0 student
6/17/2018
In conclusion I would rate my experience at the school a 10/10 and most of the other students would do the same.

Agents Specializing in Cambridge

See All Agents

Map

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Additional Schools in the Area

Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools

Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.

Parks in this Area

Additional Neighborhoods in this Area

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.