MATHER

Mather is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Boston school district, located in Dorchester, MA with about 608 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 40 teachers, Mather has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Mather Elementary School, located at 24 Parish Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts, holds a unique and historic place in American education. Established in 1639, it is officially recognized as the **oldest public elementary school in North America**. Serving the diverse community of Dorchester within the Boston Public Schools (BPS) district, the school balances this deep historical legacy with a commitment to providing a modern, equitable education for its students.

As a PK–5 institution, the Mather focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, social-emotional development, and community engagement. The school’s curriculum is designed to meet the evolving needs of its urban student body, utilizing the resources provided by the Boston Public Schools system to offer diverse programming. By honoring its long-standing tradition of public service while adapting to the challenges of contemporary education, the Mather remains a cornerstone of the Dorchester neighborhood.

For more information, contact Mather at (617) 635-8757 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.