Fall River school exits Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education underperforming status

Fall River, MA – Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley has announced that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has formally exited Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School from underperforming status, pending the approval of the school’s “Exit Assurances and Sustainability Application”. The announcement was made Tuesday during the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s monthly meeting.

“The Fonseca School in Fall River is making significant progress in improving academic outcomes for multilingual learners…through strong collaboration and shared leadership among educators to fulfill the school’s instructional priorities,” said DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We need to learn about our schools demonstrating these strong professional cultures so we can help more students attain the essential conditions for school success.”

Curley states that Fonseca was one of only two schools statewide to be removed from underperforming status this year, reflecting exceptional academic growth—particularly among English Language Learners. “Under the leadership of Principal Kate Cobb, the school has undergone a focused transformation over the past two years, centered on strengthening school culture, improving instructional practices, and deepening family and community partnerships.”

“This is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of Fonseca’s educators, students, and families,” said Curley. “This progress demonstrates what is possible when a school community is united around high expectations and meaningful support for all learners. While this achievement validates the work that has been happening at Fonseca, it also fuels our continued commitment to sustained improvement.”

“I am incredibly proud of the staff, students, and families of the Fonseca community. We have shown a strong commitment to the learning, achievement, and well-being of our students. The work has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I want to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of everyone involved,” said Principal Cobb.

Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School was designated a Level 4 underperforming school in 2016. With Fonseca’s exit from underperforming status, no FRPS schools are currently designated as underperforming by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.