Overview
To better understand the school building needs of districts across the Commonwealth, the MSBA conducts periodic statewide School Surveys to assess and benchmark the physical condition, general academic environment, and capacity utilization of public-school buildings. The findings of these studies are used to assess the magnitude of capital investments that might be required statewide and the relative needs of all public schools across the state. Along with the findings and other factors, the studies inform responsible, fair, and equitable capital funding allocations.
In January 2026, the MSBA was pleased to announce the release of the 2025 School Survey Report.
The MSBA appreciates the time and effort of local school and municipal officials during this study. Their cooperation was essential to the production of this critical analytical tool, which helps inform responsible, fair, and equitable capital funding allocations across Massachusetts as the MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools.
For 2025, the School Survey included site visits to 1,548 buildings across 1,446 campuses and the compilation of existing data at 121 additional schools currently in the MSBA’s Core Program pipeline. Assessments were completed during the 2024-25 school year.
The report’s contents provide insight into the condition of buildings and the general environment of the Commonwealth’s public schools. Buildings were evaluated regardless of whether or not the district has any plans for improvements or new schools. Site visits at recently completed schools established a baseline for comparison in future assessments. Site visits were not conducted at schools in the MSBA’s Core Program pipeline unless construction had been completed. The assessment evaluated several key factors, including physical condition, general academic environment, and capacity utilization, with comparisons to the results of the previous surveys in 2010 and 2016.
The findings of these studies are used to assess the magnitude of capital investments that might be required statewide and the relative needs of all public schools across the state. The data collected during the assessment is just one factor used to determine which school facilities present the highest level of need and urgency, and the results are not the sole basis the MSBA uses to determine any district’s eligibility for funding.
For any general questions about the 2025 School Survey Report, or any prior studies, please use the Contact Us form, available here.
Previous surveys conducted in 2005, 2010, and 2016 are available.
