Pioneer Charter School of Science Reports Low Chronic Absenteeism Rate
Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS I) reported one of the lowest chronic absenteeism rates in Massachusetts, data recently released by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education showed.
In Massachusetts, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the 180 school days in a standard academic year. While the statewide chronic absenteeism rate currently stands at 17.1% for the 2025–2026 school year, PCSS I outperformed the state average by a wide margin, finishing the year with a rate of just 5.3% – 14th lowest in the state.
PCSS also reduced its severe chronic absenteeism rate from 0.4% in 2024 to 0.1% for 2025–2026 – 2nd lowest in the state. Severe chronic absenteeism applies to students who miss 20% or more school days.
“As educators, we know consistent attendance is essential to long-term student success. Our staff has worked hard to foster an inclusive, supportive school culture where students feel inspired to show up everyday,” said Barish Icin, CEO of PCSS. “I am incredibly proud of our educators, staff, students and families for creating a culture where excellence is the standard.”
Through a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on STEM and the humanities, PCSS prepares students for excellence in any path they choose. This recognition reflects the school’s sustained effort to drive student growth, provide meaningful learning experiences, and offer opportunities that position students for success in both college and career.
PCSS frequently sends its students to the best colleges and universities in Massachusetts and beyond, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Cornell University, and more.
PCSS is a rigorous college preparatory charter school that aims to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world. PCSS I, located in Everett, serves students in Grades K through 12 from several communities North of Boston, including Everett, Chelsea, and Revere.
Pioneer Charter School of Science One of Top Performing Schools in the State
Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS I) outpaced statewide averages on every 2026 MCAS test at every grade level, and is one of only 11 districts in Massachusetts to fully recover to pre-pandemic (2019) performance levels in 10th Grade reading and math.
PCSS placed in the top 10% among all schools statewide on Grade 10 math and English exams.
“We are extremely proud of our PCSS students and staff for their consistent hard work and determination. We have seen the tremendous growth in our students both personally and academically that resulted in these high achievements,” said Barish Icin, CEO of Pioneer Charter School of Science. “From our staff to our students and their families, this accomplishment is shared by everyone in the PCSS community.”
For Grades 3-8, 59% of PCSS students scored proficient in English, 69% in math – both exceeding statewide averages. PCSS closed the COVID learning gap in Grades 3-8 math and science and has nearly closed it in English.
The school maintained its strong academic record in Grade 10 science, with 68% of students meeting or exceeding standards and surpassing the statewide average of 41%. In Grades 5 and 8, 70% of PCSS students met or exceeded expectations – far surpassing pre-pandemic performance.
Serving a high-need population of students, PCSS continues to close academic gaps, ensuring historically underserved subgroups continue to achieve and grow at higher rates in charter public schools, with the performance gap between charters and traditional school districts expanding in size compared to last year. Through a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on STEM and the humanities, PCSS prepares students for excellence in any path they choose.
To learn more about Massachusetts MCAS scores and view the full list of PCSS’ results, please visit 2026 Database MCAS- The Boston Globe.
With schools in Everett (PCSS I) and Saugus (PCSS II), Pioneer Charter School of Science offers a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math, science, and analytical thinking skills balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities. The school provides extended days/hours and career-oriented college preparation. Students must pass five math and five science classes to graduate – more than state standards, and students must complete 40 hours of community service. The school has a 195-day school calendar, extended days, after-school tutoring, and “voluntary” Saturday classes for students who need extra help.