Best High Schools
in Boston, Massachusetts
We ranked all 13 high schools in Boston. The top 13 scored between 5.9 and 8.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Massachusetts education data
Boston's six ranked high schools post an average composite score of 7.4/10 — a strong baseline that reflects the city's academic expectations. Quincy Upper School leads the list at 8.4/10, a full point above the field, while four other schools hold scores at or above the 7.0 mark, meaning 83% of ranked schools clear that threshold. The mix spans traditional college-prep, arts-focused, and career-pathway programs, giving families real options depending on a student's interests and goals. Boston Latin School, one of the country's oldest public schools, sits alongside newer specialized programs like Boston Arts Academy and the Kennedy Academy for Health Careers. Scores in the table reflect composite ratings built from academic performance, student outcomes, and other measurable factors. Use the sortable columns below to rank schools by the metrics that matter most to your family.
Score Distribution
Where the top 13 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Boston's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Massachusetts so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 13 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE NEWMAN SCHOOL | 8.6 |
| 2 | Quincy Upper School Boston | 8.4 |
| 3 | COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL | 8.2 |
| 4 | THE NEWMAN SCHOOL | 8.1 |
| 5 | Snowden International High School Boston | 7.8 |
| 6 | Boston Latin School Boston | 7.4 |
| 7 | Boston Arts Academy Boston | 7.4 |
| 8 | Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (Horace Mann Charter Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (Horace Mann Ch | 7.1 |
| 9 | WINSOR SCHOOL | 7.1 |
| 10 | BOSTON TRINITY ACADEMY | 7.0 |
| 11 | ST JOSEPH PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL | 6.7 |
| 12 | Margarita Muniz Academy Boston | 6.1 |
| 13 | BOSTON UNIVERSITY ACADEMY | 5.9 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Massachusetts education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Massachusetts. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 13 High 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 High Schools
Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (Horace Mann
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Massachusetts, with 13 schools spanning 6 school districts, plus 1 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 high school in Boston, Massachusetts?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, THE NEWMAN SCHOOL is the top-rated high school in Boston with a composite score of 8.6/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston has 13 high schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 13 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Boston?
The average composite score for Boston high schools is 7.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Massachusetts).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Boston has 1 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.