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HMS performs ‘well above expectations’ in reading, math

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Hopkinton Middle School principal Matt Lefebvre said he is proud of the school’s recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report as the ninth best middle school in Massachusetts.

U.S. News last month released its ranking of the best elementary and middle schools in the country for 2027. According to a press release, schools are ranked based on student performance in mathematics and reading/language arts “alongside student demographic context to measure both overall achievement and school effectiveness.”

HMS ranked ninth out of 1,106 Massachusetts schools surveyed by U.S. News. It achieved an overall score of 98.38 out of 100, with math and reading proficiencies at 81% and 73%, respectively. The middle school ranks fourth in the state for performance in math and 21st in reading, and students are considered as performing “well above expectations” in both.

Lefebvre called the ranking a “really nice acknowledgement” for HMS faculty. “[We have] truly an exceptionally talented staff,” he said. “They care a ton about our students.” This caring, he said, has an impact on how well students do.

“I think we have good relationships between our teachers and our students, and I do think that leads to our performance,” said Lefebvre.

While the ranking is a sign of the school’s performance, Lefebvre said he looks at the results to help determine what HMS can improve upon. “We’re always looking at not just overall school performance but the performance of different subgroups of students,” he said.

“What, in terms of our educational programming, can we either change or develop in such a way that we’re seeing really all students achieving at a high level, whatever that may look like for them?” Lefebvre continued.

Lefebvre noted that HMS faculty work to come up with academic support plans that are paired with social/emotional support plans “so kids are coming in happy and healthy and ready to learn.”

“[That] comprehensive approach … is really important to us,” he added.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton Police have identified two juveniles allegedly involved in a series of door knocking incidents around Legacy Farms South thanks to information from the public.

The Planning Board on Monday reviewed a revised subdivision plan for a Benson Road property that once was donated to the Hopkinton Area Land Trust.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on girls cross country senior Jillian Toran, who established a record on Hopkinton’s new course and had a medal-winning performance in the Tri-Valley League Showcase.

The Water-Sewer Department will be conducting work on a water main on Hayden Rowe Street for the Charleswood School project today.

The Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee is hosting its annual Veterans Day ceremony and appreciation dinner on Wednesday.

Town meetings tonight include the Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Members of the Hopkinton Women’s Club enjoy their visit to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston on Oct. 29.