Best Elementary Schools
in Boston, Massachusetts
We ranked the 12 elementary schools in Boston with real test data. The top 12 scored between 5.2 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Massachusetts education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Boston for 2026 are Eliot K-8 Innovation School (9.7/10), Quincy Elementary School (9.3/10), and Kingsley Montessori School (8.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 12 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Boston?
Every elementary school in Boston is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Eliot K-8 Innovation School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Quincy Elementary School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kingsley Montessori School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Boston's ranked elementary landscape covers 6 schools, with performance spread across a wide range — from Eliot K-8 Innovation School at the top with a 9.6/10 down to the mid-5s at the lower end. That gap matters when choosing where to enroll. The average composite score across ranked schools sits at 7.0/10, but only 2 schools — Eliot K-8 Innovation School and Quincy Elementary School — clear that 7+ threshold, meaning strong options are concentrated at the top of the list. Eliot K-8 leads by a significant margin, scoring 9.6 against Quincy's 9.2. Below those two, scores drop sharply into the 6s and 5s. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors to find the right fit for your child.
Score Distribution
Where the top 12 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Boston's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Massachusetts so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 12 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eliot K-8 Innovation School Boston | 9.7 |
| 2 | Quincy Elementary School Boston | 9.3 |
| 3 | Kingsley Montessori School | 8.5 |
| 4 | Learning Project Elementary School | 8.1 |
| 5 | The Advent School | 8.0 |
| 6 | Up Academy Charter School of Dorchester Charter UP Academy Charter School of Dorchester (District) | 6.7 |
| 7 | Park Street School | 6.5 |
| 8 | Kingsley Montessori School | 6.3 |
| 9 | St John School | 6.1 |
| 10 | Hurley K-8 School Boston | 5.8 |
| 11 | Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School Charter Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School (District) | 5.5 |
| 12 | Blackstone Elementary School Boston | 5.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Massachusetts education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Massachusetts. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 12 Elementary Schools in Boston
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Boston's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Up Academy Charter School of Dorchester
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Boston
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Boston's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Massachusetts, with 12 schools spanning 6 school districts, plus 2 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Boston, Massachusetts?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Eliot K-8 Innovation School is the top-rated elementary school in Boston with a composite score of 9.7/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston has 12 elementary schools, including 2 charter schools. Of these, 12 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Boston?
The average composite score for Boston elementary schools is 7.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Massachusetts).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Massachusetts, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Massachusetts, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Boston elementary school rankings?
Yes. Boston has 2 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.