SWIFT RIVER

Swift River is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the New Salem-Wendell school district, located in New Salem, MA with about 152 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th 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 14 teachers, Swift River has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. 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.

Swift River School, located in the rural town of New Salem, Massachusetts, is a small, public K–6 elementary school that serves as a cornerstone of its local community. Operating as a member of the Union 28 School District, the school emphasizes a close-knit learning environment where small class sizes allow for individualized attention and a strong focus on the social and emotional development of every student. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in place-based education, leveraging the surrounding natural landscape of the Quabbin Reservoir region to create hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect students to their environment.

Beyond its academic curriculum, Swift River School is known for fostering a supportive, inclusive culture that prioritizes community involvement and family engagement. The school offers a diverse range of enrichment programs—including arts, music, and physical education—that complement its core academic offerings. By maintaining a balance between rigorous standards and a nurturing atmosphere, Swift River aims to cultivate curious, lifelong learners who are well-prepared for the transition to middle school while remaining deeply connected to their local community.

For more information, contact Swift River at (978) 544-6926 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.