Countryside

Countryside is a reasonably sized primary school in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, operated by Newton. The school works with 369 students in grades K through 5.

Across the 22 schools in Newton (11,632 students total), Countryside accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, Countryside reports that the most-represented group is White (49%), with the rest of the student body spread across multiple groups. Other groups include 25% Asian, 11% multiracial, 9% Hispanic, 6% Black. That is visibly less White than the county at large, where the share is closer to 67%.

Looking at the economic backdrop, The school currently runs with 38 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 9.7:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 12.2:1, putting Countryside tighter than the state norm the norm.

In the surrounding community, ACS estimates for Middlesex County put median household earnings sit near $130,847, 60% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 5%. Countryside is one of 386 public schools in Middlesex County (combined enrollment of about 215,896 students).

Nearest neighbor: Oak Hill Middle, around 0.6 miles off. 8 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius.

The school occupies a city-core site.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Countryside has declined 10%, going from 410 students in 2018 to 369 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 57% to 49% across the same window. Class-load math has fell: from 11.1:1 in 2018 to 9.7:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, members of the Countryside community share and discuss classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. The community welcomes input from current and former families.