With rising MCAS scores and a reduction in chronic absenteeism, the charter public school earns distinction in statewide accountability reporting.

Salem Academy Charter School has been named a School of Recognition by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The honor, part of the department’s annual accountability reporting, highlights a small number of schools that are making strong progress toward state targets, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math achievement on MCAS.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our students, families, and staff,” said Stephanie Callahan, Executive Director. “From strengthening academics to reducing absenteeism and building a safe, supportive school culture, we are focused on ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to continuing this important work.”

Through Massachusetts’ state-wide accountability system, DESE evaluates schools based on multiple measures, including student achievement, growth, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism. Schools are classified into categories that indicate how well they are meeting annual targets and supporting student success. Compared to other middle-high schools across the state, SACS scored at the 86th percentile.

Salem Academy, a tuition-free public charter school serving Salem’s diverse student population with a college preparatory program, achieved significant gains in its 2025 MCAS scores—even after the state removed the test as a graduation requirement. Over the past year, the school strengthened data-driven interventions and expanded collaborative planning time for teachers, leading to measurable improvements in student performance.

Key Highlights

Salem Academy students achieved impressive growth across multiple grade levels. In middle school, sixth grade experienced a 20% increase in the number meeting or exceeding expectations in Math, while eighth grade saw gains of over 10% in ELA, Math, and Science proficiency. High school students also made notable progress, with tenth grade showing more than a 10% increase in the number of students demonstrating Math proficiency.

Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) reflected these improvements, with increases observed in six of eight assessments. Seventh and tenth graders demonstrated particularly high growth in both ELA and Math, highlighted by a remarkable 20-point increase in Math 10 SGP, rising from 52 to 72.

Lower School students in grades 6–8 outperformed their peers statewide on ELA 7, ELA 8, Math 8, Science 8, and Civics 8, while also exceeding targets for decreasing chronic absenteeism. Upper School students in grades 9–12 outperformed peers statewide on ELA 10 and Math 10, exceeded growth targets in both subjects, and surpassed graduation rate targets.

Reducing Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is an issue affecting schools nationwide. Salem Academy has steadily decreased absenteeism rates each year since 2022 by building stronger connections with students and families. Through a tiered system of supports, increased family communication, and meetings with students, teachers have been able to identify concerns early, set goals with students, and provide individualized support.

Chronic absenteeism in grades 6-8 dropped sharply from 15.5% in 2024 to 10.3% in 2025, well below the state average of 18.8%, with strong post-pandemic gains across all student groups. Notably, Low Income, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino students all show rates far below state averages. “One of the key initiatives we launched to reduce chronic absenteeism was an advisor/advisee program in the Lower School,” said Sabrina Williams, Lower School Principal. “By pairing every student with a trusted adult and opening new channels for family engagement, we’ve created a foundation of belonging that makes a real difference in attendance and overall student engagement.”

In addition, Salem Academy partnered with the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) to strengthen its safe and supportive school environment. Faculty and staff developed action plans to increase student voice, strengthen family engagement, and recognize positive student contributions. These efforts fostered a stronger sense of connection and belonging within the school community.

“These results are a reflection of our mission in action,” said Drea Jacobs, Senior Director of Academics. “We are so proud of our students’ hard work and the dedication our teachers bring to the classroom every day. Being recognized by DESE affirms our commitment to preparing all students to succeed in college and beyond by providing them with rigorous academics, personalized supports, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.”