PAULINE AGASSIZ SHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Boston school district, located in Dorchester, MA with about 256 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 3rd Grade. 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 17 teachers, Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School 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.

Located on Norfolk Street in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, the Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School is a public school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. As part of the Boston Public Schools district, the school is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, social-emotional development, and community engagement. The school is named in honor of Pauline Agassiz Shaw, a prominent 19th-century philanthropist and educational pioneer who was a driving force behind the introduction of kindergarten programs in the United States, reflecting the school’s long-standing commitment to early childhood education and foundational learning.

The school community focuses on supporting a diverse student body by utilizing a curriculum designed to prepare children for middle school success while encouraging critical thinking and creativity. Beyond the classroom, the Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School strives to build strong partnerships with families and the surrounding Dorchester community to ensure a supportive network for every student. By prioritizing a well-rounded education, the school aims to provide its students with the tools necessary to become active, informed, and compassionate citizens.

For more information, contact Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School at (617) 635-8777 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.