Chelsea Public Schools on the Rise: Hooks Elementary Earns Prestigious State Recognition

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:
    Michael Sullivan | Communications Director | Chelsea Public Schools
    Phone: (617) 466-4480 | Email: sullivanm@chelseaschools.com

    Hooks School students sitting at their desks working on an assignment. Students are writing on a worksheet.

    Hooks School students sitting at their desks working on an assignment. The Hooks School was named a School of Recognition by DESE as a result of demonstrating progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in ELA and math.

    CHELSEA, Mass. – Chelsea Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating strong results from the 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), signaling steady academic growth and districtwide momentum.

    Across the state, English Language Arts scores inched upward while math performance remained steady—trends mirrored in Chelsea, where four schools posted growth in every subject. These gains highlight the impact of CPS’s investment in high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum.

    Superintendent Dr. Almudena G. Abeyta noted, “We know there is more work ahead, but the progress we are seeing at our elementary and middle schools proves that we are on the right track. With new curriculum resources in the secondary grades, we are confident this growth will continue in the years to come.”

    Chelsea also celebrated rising graduation rates and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) classification of CPS as making moderate progress toward targets—a milestone that removes the district as a whole from state assistance or intervention.

    Among elementary schools, Berkowitz Elementary School exceeded target goals once again, while Hooks Elementary achieved extraordinary double-digit gains in every tested area. The Department of Education honored Hooks Elementary as a “School of Recognition,” one of the state’s highest distinctions.

    An image with group photos of staff members at the Hooks School. Eight group photos are aligned around a box in the middle that identifies the Hooks as a School of Recognition.

    The Hooks Elementary School achieved extraordinary double-digit gains in every tested area to earn "School of Recognition" status. The Hooks is the second CPS school to earn School of Recognition status in as many years joining the Berkowitz School

    “This recognition is not only a celebration of one school—it is proof that our collective efforts are raising the bar across the district,” said Superintendent Abeyta. “This is our second School of Recognition in two years, demonstrating that excellence is possible in every Chelsea school. Chelsea Public Schools remains committed to knowing every student by name, strength, and story—ensuring that growth is measured not only in test scores but in the personal journeys of each child. With momentum building and achievement on the rise, CPS looks ahead with pride, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the brilliance of every Chelsea student."

    "I want to congratulate and thank our wonderful students and teachers as well as Dr. Abeyta and her staff. The collective work of our entire school district is reflected in this MCAS data; I am so pleased to see the learning growth that is happening throughout Chelsea," commented Chelsea School Committee Chairwoman Ana Hernandez. "I also want to celebrate our students and staff at the Hooks Elementary School for earning 'School of Recognition' status. For Chelsea Public Schools to have two schools receive this honor in consecutive years is special and noteworthy. Congratulations to all!"

    For more information about the Chelsea Public Schools and its academic initiatives, please visit the district website at www.chelseaschools.com.