Dawson

Dawson is a middle-of-the-pack elementary school in Holden, Massachusetts, operated by Wachusett. The school educates 487 students in grades K through 5. Compared to the state average of about 381 students per school, that is 28% bigger than typical.

Within Wachusett, which oversees 13 schools and 6,557 students, Dawson is one campus in the system.

On the student-mix side, Dawson logs that the largest single group is White, at 79% of enrollment. Other groups include 8% Hispanic, 5% multiracial, 4% Asian, 3% Black.

Looking at school resources, Staff filings list 36 full-time-equivalent teachers, which works out to roughly 13.6:1 students per teacher. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 12.2:1, putting Dawson higher than the state norm the norm.

Across the wider county, Worcester County reports that median household income runs about $95,939, roughly 40% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 7% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Across Worcester County's 257 public schools (combined enrollment of about 121,490 students), Dawson is one campus in the mix.

Nearest neighbor: Davis Hill Elementary, around 1.4 miles off. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools.

The campus sits in a residential setting.

Trend over the last 7 years. Over the past 7-year window, the student count increased 6%: 460 students in 2018 compared to 487 in 2025. The White share of enrollment contracted from 86% to 79% over that span. The student-to-teacher ratio pulled in from 15.4:1 in 2018 to 13.6:1 today.

Within the allk12 community for this school, the feed for Dawson typically covers school events, parent volunteer needs, and clubs. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.