Best High Schools
in Boston, Massachusetts
We ranked the 13 high schools in Boston with real test data. The top 13 scored between 3.7 and 8.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Massachusetts education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Boston for 2026 are The Newman School (8.6/10), Commonwealth School (8.2/10), and The Newman School (8.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 13 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Boston?
Every high 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.
The Newman School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Commonwealth School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
The Newman School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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 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 13 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Newman School | 8.6 |
| 2 | Commonwealth School | 8.2 |
| 3 | The Newman School | 8.1 |
| 4 | Boston Latin School Boston | 7.5 |
| 5 | Winsor School | 7.1 |
| 6 | Snowden International High School Boston | 7.0 |
| 7 | Boston Arts Academy Boston | 7.0 |
| 8 | Boston Trinity Academy | 7.0 |
| 9 | Quincy Upper School Boston | 6.7 |
| 10 | St Joseph Preparatory High School | 6.7 |
| 11 | Boston University Academy | 5.9 |
| 12 | Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (horace Mann Charter Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (Horace Mann Ch | 5.4 |
| 13 | Margarita Muniz Academy Boston | 3.7 |
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
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 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 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 6.8/10. 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 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Boston has 1 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.