Impact
Data
Since 2015, SEZP has measured success differently. Because we believe education isn’t just about what students know — it’s about who they become and where they’re headed.
Our holistic performance framework tracks the metrics that matter most: academic growth, yes — but also attendance, wellbeing, family engagement, and the skills that lead to financial independence and long-term success.
Here’s a look at what a decade of commitment has produced
School Improvement
Over the past decade, SEZP schools have produced sustained gains in one of the state’s highest-need communities.
Ten years ago, every SEZP school ranked in the bottom 1–3% statewide. Today, more than half have cleared the state’s turnaround bar for multiple consecutive years, with some reaching the top third.
Increase in Quality Seats
% of SEZP Students Enrolled in Schools by Accountability Percentiles
Since 2017, 4 of the 6 Massachusetts 6–12 schools that exited underperformance are SEZP schools. By 2024–25, this meant 50% of SEZP seats had cleared the state’s turnaround bar – an unprecedented milestone in state intervention.
The single highest improving school in the state, over the last 7 years, is an SEZP school: Chestnut Tag Middle School
The percentage of 11th and 12th students completing advanced coursework has increased from 27% in 2018 to 72% in 2025.
% 11th & 12th Completing Advanced Coursework
62% of SEZP schools have made substantial progress in the wake of COVID.
92% of SEZP schools have made moderate or substantial progress in the wake of COVID.
School Progressing in Wake of COVID
62% of SEZP schools made substantial progress this past year.
High School Readiness
The students coming out of SEZP middle schools are more prepared and ready for high school, as evidenced by high school graduation rates. SEZP schools’ graduation rate has increased from 44% in 2014 to 81% in 2025.
Increase in High School Readiness
Graduation Rates
In 2025, two SEZP schools have higher graduation rates than the State: Springfield Honors Academy at 98% and Duggan Academy at 95%.
SEZP has adopted a multi-year plan to create small learning communities in its redesign of the High School of Commerce. High School of Commerce’s graduation rate has increased from 47% in 2015 to 80% in 2025.
Out-of-School Time
Out-of-school time after-school and summer programming since 2020:
3700
# of Springfield youth
who attended
30
# of local community organizations
providing programming
4.4
M
federal & state grants
received and directed to local organizations for programming
Academic improvement by students who participated in SEZP-funded summer programming in 2024:
12
higher increase in
NWEA MAP ELA scores
17
higher increase in
NWEA MAP Math scores
22
lower chronic absenteeism
Parent Satisfaction
According to a nationally normed 2025 survey results of parents:
82
approve of the Zone’s
expectations of teachers
79
approve of
school leadership
71
would not change their student’s school if given the opportunity
