As the town considers growth opportunities in both Harvard and Devens, a common question from community members is: How many more students could Harvard Public Schools accommodate? Another frequent inquiry, particularly when considering the rising costs of education, is: How has student enrollment changed over the past 10 years? This article aims to shed light on both of these important topics.
Over the past two decades, our student population has ranged from a high of 1,338 in 2006 to our current enrollment of 1,028. Based on this historical data, Harvard Public Schools could accommodate approximately 300 additional students across all grade levels without exceeding past enrollment levels. The greatest capacity for growth exists at the middle and high school levels.
While physical space and staffing levels are currently adequate to absorb some increase, long-term growth would require thoughtful planning to maintain small class sizes and personalized instruction. Any future growth would need to be supported by strategic investments to preserve the high standards that define our schools.
In 2006, the district enrolled over 100 School Choice students in grades K–12; today, that number stands at 54. Conversely, Devens enrollment has grown from fewer than 50 students in 2006 to 91 students currently. Both School Choice and Devens programs enrich our district by contributing to diversity, academic excellence, and financial sustainability.
MassDevelopment pays the Harvard-determined per-pupil cost of approximately $25,000 per Devens student, while School Choice towns contribute about $5,000 per student, as set by state law. Recognizing the disparity in compensation and the population growth at the elementary level, the superintendent and School Committee have limited School Choice enrollment to Bromfield—and only in grade levels where additional students would round out class sizes, rather than necessitate additional staffing. Revenue from both Choice and Devens students directly supports the district’s operating budget.
Beyond financial benefits, the diverse perspectives and experiences that Devens and Choice students bring have contributed to a more inclusive school culture. Their participation has also supported a wide array of extracurricular and elective courses that benefit all students across the district.
Following a low point of 1,009 students in 2020—the smallest enrollment in over 20 years—our student population has begun to rise. We currently serve 1,028 students, and projections estimate that number will grow to 1,138 within the next five years. These estimates are based on annual birth rates and do not reflect the potential impact of new housing developments in Harvard or Devens.
Over the past decade, we have also seen an increase in student diversity, particularly in socioeconomic background and learning profiles. Notably, there has been a 7% increase in students identified as “high needs,” rising from 18% in 2020 to 25% in 2025. According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), high needs students include those with disabilities, current or former English learners, and low-income students. These learners often require additional academic and social-emotional support to thrive.
In response, the district has expanded access to mental health services, differentiated instruction, and targeted interventions. Our educators receive ongoing training to support inclusive practices and meet students where they are, ensuring that all learners have the resources they need to succeed.
Despite these shifts, our students continue to perform at high academic levels. Based on the 2024 standardized assessments, grade 10 students achieved the following proficient or advanced levels on the MCAS exams:
- English Language Arts: 94%
- Mathematics: 88%
- Science: 88%
These outcomes place Harvard Public Schools among the top-performing districts statewide. Particularly notable is our students’ resilience and continued academic progress following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These results also reflect the strength of the partnership between families and schools, as well as the dedication and expertise of our educators. While our scores consistently exceed the state average, we remain committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
To support this mission, appropriate staffing and consistent financial investment are essential. On May 3 and May 6, the community will be asked to continue funding the Town of Harvard’s services and staffing needs—an investment that sustains the high-quality education for which our schools are known. Continued community investment ensures we can retain talented educators, offer robust academic and extracurricular programs, and respond effectively to a growing and increasingly diverse student population.
Linda Dwight is superintendent of the Harvard Public Schools.
