Worcester Arts Magnet School

315 Saint Nicholas Avenue

School District

Worcester
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Worcester School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 28, 2025

I am extremely pleased with this school and very happy with my son’s achievements. After completing Pre-K, he is now in kindergarten and thoroughly enjoying each day. The teachers are excellent, providing individual attention to each student’s progress. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2023

Excellent school, I am very happy that my son attends WAMS.
Submitted by other on April 06, 2019

I would give them 4 and a half stars. since i have to choose 4 or 5 im leaning more towards 5, i feel like a lot of schools arnt good so im giving them a little more for being better. Their principl is great, they've had mulitple events , and they are acutaly really good. they do a lot of art events., drum classes, they have really good arts management, they strive to do good and make real good performances whenever theres an event. Im basing and comparing this to all other schools. Not the ones that are private. I can not compare to private schools. But im also sure that not all private schools are good even though your paying for it, 5000 to 15000 dollars
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2019

I was misled by positive reviews of WAMS and would like to keep other parents looking for good schools in the area from also being misled.First of all, funding for MA public schools seems worse than funding in other states, with available resources for each school determined by the exact location of the school. MA's redistribution of public school funding appears to be as regressive as in typically regressive states. WAMS specializes in the arts; however my child received as good instruction in the arts at a regular out-of-state public school. The children get PE once a week and perhaps 10-15 minutes of recess in good weather in a parking lot with no barriers between them and delivery trucks, foot traffic, and foot traffic drop-offs in the rear of the parking lot. The cafeteria food is substandard even by public school standards. As in public schools across the country, the lunch period is rushed, with barely enough time to finish a meal if the kids can focus on eating with minimal socializing.Some of the teachers are good at their difficult job. The drama teacher tries to infuse all children with her enthusiasm for acting. Unfortunately all children have to go through the dance teacher. She blasts music such that children with normal hearing feel significant discomfort and surrounding classrooms must listen to the noise. She digs her nails into the kids and humiliates them as part of her classroom management strategies. The dances all children are taught are simple and uninspiring. More stimulating instruction is reserved for the Special Chorus kids from the families who can afford performance costs.Although there is a morning Art Club available to all, there is little technique taught and cancellations can be frequent, many due to conflicts with a.m. meetings. Classroom ambiance is comfortable and the arts'n'crafts activities, fun. Similarly, the music teacher is pleasant but little extra is taught to all children in the way of music. Again, extra arts instruction characteristic of a school specializing in the arts is saved for the paying Special Chorus kids.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

We have been so incredibly blessed to have spent the last 5 years at this wonderful school. The teachers, principal and staff are amazing. Their dedication has created an environment where learning is fun for the kids. They do excellent academically and still maintain focus on the arts. One of the best schools in the state- not just Worcester!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2015

The school is very good academically ,But they have DCF on speed dial,If they think your kid is not wearing fancy cloths,have five course lunch meals ,forget about being tardy more than twice.You will get a call from DCF.The principal has obviously make the school what it is because she is a total sociopath.Teachers opt out of that school .
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2014

WAMS is a great school with a very active Parent Teacher Group (PTG). The school offers rigorous academics plus arts instruction (dance, drama, visual arts, music, orchestra, Urban Voices chorus, and more). The principal, Dr. O'Neil, is incredibly dedicated, and the teachers are top-notch. They encourage curiosity and promote a dynamic learning environment.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2014

WAMS is hands down the BEST school in Worcester!! My children both go here and have learned so much in such a small amount of time..my son literally begs me to GO TO SCHOOL!! What?! lol But honestly from the principle being so involved, you can see her pride in her school and what she is about, I truly feel blessed to have my kids attend here. Will miss it when we move :( WAMS is the best!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

In a time where most school are eliminating the creative arts, WAMS commitment to fully integrating them is nothing short of stellar. Drama, art, dance, and multiple music programs are part of every student's learning experience. I have never met a more dedicated staff, you can see how much they care about the school and the students. We have been blown away by the level of education provided as well as diverse classes. My daughter wakes up every morning eager to go to school and some days is even there early and late participating in even more creative programs. Art club, special chorus, hip hop dance, math club, ukulele club, african drumming! An absolute gem in Worcester!
Submitted by teacher on October 26, 2013

I continue to be blown away by Dr. O'Neil's involvement and support when it comes to children, staff and curricula. High expectations, teacher commitment, unique programs and offerings, fabulous PTO and quality teaching combine to make this a #1 school (literally and figuratively)!
Submitted by other on October 25, 2013

This school is organized, safe, friendly, and extremely supportive in every element of education. Children are engaged, focused, and joyful in their studies and encouraged to be their best selves and care for one another.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2012

Worcester Arts Magnet is absolutely amazing. I cannot believe how dedicated all of the artsblock teachers are, the homeroom teachers, and I am stunned with the principal's fine work with WAMS. My kids home everyday with a smile on their faces and can't wait to go back again to school tomorrow. I am absolutely speechless when it comes to this school. It is truly a gem. Academics are amazing, the arts program is spectacular, the teachers are educated and great, and the principal is truly amazing. A wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2011

We love this school. We have a daughter going in the second grade and a son going in the fourth grade. The teachers are wonderful and truely love what they do. The principal is great. She is the first principal I have ever known that goes well beyond the duties of her position. We would highly recommend this school to anyone!!!