Best Middle Schools
in Boston, Massachusetts
We ranked all 1 middle schools in Boston.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Massachusetts education data
Boston, Massachusetts is home to 1 middle schools spanning 6 school districts, serving a combined enrollment of 95 students. The city's middle schools perform well overall, with 100% scoring above average (7.0+) on our 10-point composite scale. 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 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 1 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School Charter Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public (District) | 7.8 |
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 7.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 7.8/10. 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 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Boston has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.