Cambridge Public Schools operates 16 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Cambridge Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 7,200 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 16 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $29,000/yr | $13,700/yr | ↑ 112% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 6/10 — Average | — | Above average |
- King Open — Grades PK–5 · 391 students
- Graham and Parks — Grades PK–5 · 367 students
- Maria L. Baldwin — Grades PK–5 · 360 students
- Martin Luther King Jr. — Grades PK–5 · 340 students
- Morse — Grades PK–5 · 328 students
- Peabody — Grades PK–5 · 314 students
- John M Tobin — Grades PK–5 · 291 students
- Cambridgeport — Grades PK–5 · 263 students
- Haggerty — Grades PK–5 · 250 students
- Fletcher/Maynard Academy — Grades PK–5 · 249 students
- Kennedy-Longfellow — Grades PK–5 · 215 students
- Cambridge Street Upper School — Grades 6–8 · 301 students
- Vassal Lane Upper School — Grades 6–8 · 298 students
- Rindge Avenue Upper School — Grades 6–8 · 292 students
- Putnam Avenue Upper School — Grades 6–8 · 283 students
- Cambridge Rindge and Latin — Grades 9–12 · 2,072 students
- Amigos School — Grades PK–8 · 413 students
About Cambridge Public Schools
Families in zip code 02138 (Cambridge, Massachusetts) are assigned to Cambridge Public Schools for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Cambridge Public Schools spends approximately $29,000 per student per year, placing it 45% above the Massachusetts state average of approximately $20,000 and well above the national average nationally (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
At 16 schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, Cambridge Public Schools qualifies as a large district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. The district enrolls approximately 7,200 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 6/10 Rating
With a rating of 6/10 (average), Cambridge Public Schools ranks among Massachusetts’s average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. 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.
Cambridge Public Schools falls near the middle of Massachusetts on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 02138
Children in zip code 02138 are assigned to Cambridge Public Schools 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 02138, 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 Cambridge Public Schools at (308)697-3322 or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Cambridge
For families considering a purchase in the Cambridge area, district assignment matters financially. Because Cambridge Public Schools serves zip code 02138, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 02138 and neighboring areas. 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 Cambridge Public Schools 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 02138.
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 Cambridge Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 02138 data.