- Newman Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 696 students
- Sunita L. Williams Elementary — Grades K–5 · 533 students
- Broadmeadow — Grades K–5 · 502 students
- William Mitchell — Grades K–5 · 424 students
- John Eliot — Grades K–5 · 397 students
- Pollard Middle — Grades 7–8 · 867 students
- High Rock School — Grades 6–6 · 441 students
- Needham High — Grades 9–12 · 1,633 students
| Metric | Needham Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 5,594 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,400/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 10/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needham Public Schools (this district) | 10/10 | 97th | 5,594 |
| Needham Public Schools | 10/10 | 97th | 5,594 |
| Weston Public Schools | 10/10 | 99th | 2,022 |
| Wellesley School District | 10/10 | 98th | 4,219 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 287 rated districts in MA → 97th percentile → 10/10.
Source: Massachusetts DESE MCAS, grades 3–8 Meeting/Exceeding Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Needham Public Schools
Families in zip code 02494 (Needham Heights, Massachusetts) are assigned to Needham Public Schools for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 10/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Needham Public Schools 10 out of 10 — top-tier among Massachusetts public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Massachusetts’ MCAS grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Massachusetts is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Needham Public Schools ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Massachusetts on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 02494 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 02494
Children in zip code 02494 are assigned to Needham Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 02494, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Needham Public Schools at (781)455-0400 or visit www.needham.k12.ma.us. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Massachusetts districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Needham Heights
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Needham Public Schools serves zip code 02494, homes in and around zip code 02494 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Massachusetts, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Needham Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 02494.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Needham Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 02494 data.