- Byam School — Grades K–4 · 510 students
- Center Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 480 students
- Charles D Harrington — Grades K–4 · 468 students
- South Row — Grades K–4 · 464 students
- Community Education Center — Grades PK–PK · 158 students
- McCarthy Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 808 students
- Col Moses Parker School — Grades 5–6 · 778 students
- Chelmsford High — Grades 9–12 · 1,402 students
| Metric | Chelmsford School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 5,114 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,400/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford School District (this district) | 8/10 | 71st | 5,114 |
| Billerica School District | 6/10 | 52nd | 4,882 |
| North Reading School District | 10/10 | 94th | 2,383 |
| Pentucket School District | 7/10 | 63rd | 2,261 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 287 rated districts in MA → 71st percentile → 8/10.
Source: Massachusetts DESE MCAS, grades 3–8 Meeting/Exceeding Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Chelmsford School District
Chelmsford School District serves zip code 01863, covering Chelmsford, Massachusetts with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Massachusetts spend approximately $20,400 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), well above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts at this funding level typically offer smaller class sizes, broader elective and extracurricular programs, stronger technology infrastructure, and more competitive teacher salaries. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 8 schools serving approximately 5,114 students across grades Pre-K – 12th, Chelmsford School District is a mid-sized district. Contact Chelmsford School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Chelmsford School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Massachusetts’ MCAS grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Massachusetts is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Chelmsford School District ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Massachusetts on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 01863 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 01863
Children in zip code 01863 are assigned to Chelmsford School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 01863, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Chelmsford School District at (978)251-5100 or visit www.chelmsford.k12.ma.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Massachusetts districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Chelmsford
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Chelmsford School District serves zip code 01863, homes in and around zip code 01863 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Massachusetts, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Chelmsford School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 01863.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Chelmsford School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 01863 data.