Best Middle Schools
in Boston, Massachusetts
We ranked all 1 middle schools in Boston.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Massachusetts education data
Choosing a middle school in Boston?
Every middle 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.
Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School
Boston, MA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Boston, Massachusetts is home to 1 middle schools spanning 6 school districts, serving a combined enrollment of 95 students. Across 1 rated schools, the average composite score is 4.9/10. The top-performing schools stand out significantly from the citywide average. The city also has 1 charter middle school alongside its traditional public schools. Class sizes are relatively small, averaging 7.3 students per teacher — below the national average.
Score Distribution
Where the top 1 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Boston's Middle 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 1 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School Charter Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public (District) | 4.9 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Massachusetts education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Massachusetts. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 1 Middle 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 1 Middle Schools
Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School
Choosing the Right Middle 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 middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Massachusetts, with 1 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 middle school in Boston, Massachusetts?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School is the top-rated middle school in Boston with a composite score of 4.9/10. 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 middle schools are in Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston has 1 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 1 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Boston?
The average composite score for Boston middle schools is 4.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Massachusetts).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Boston has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.