Fall River school recognized by Massachusetts DESE for exceeding pre-pandemic student achievement levels

Fall River Public Schools has announced through a release that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has recognized Samuel Watson Elementary School for reaching and exceeding pre-pandemic student achievement levels in MCAS Math and Literacy.

According to FRPS, this recognition follows Watson’s exit from underperforming status in November 2023 and highlights the school’s continued academic growth and sustained improvement. Earlier this month, a leadership team from Watson Elementary was invited by DESE to participate and present at the Celebrating Academic Success Conference, a statewide convening honoring schools across the Commonwealth that have demonstrated notable MCAS gains.

Watson Elementary was among 94 schools out of approximately 1,500 statewide serving grades 3–8 whose student achievement data in MCAS Math and Literacy has met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the sustained work happening at Watson Elementary,” said Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley. “The school’s progress reflects a deep commitment to student-centered learning, strong instructional leadership, and a culture where both students and educators are supported to grow.”

Since 2021, Watson Elementary has made measurable progress, increasing its accountability percentile from the 6 in 2021 to 21 in 2025. The district states that the growth has been driven by:

· A strong sense of belonging and community, with social-emotional learning embedded throughout the school day

· A redefined Professional Learning Community model, shifting from a focus on weekly lesson plans to deep learning internalization

· Strategic academic investments, including meaningful data conversations that empower students to take ownership of their learning paths

“Our school has truly created a culture of achievement, where our students feel connected, supported, and challenged,” said Watson Principal Karen Wood. “Our team is proud of the progress our students have made, and we remain focused on building upon this momentum to ensure continued success for every learner.”