Best Public High Schools in MA

This list of the best public high schools in Massachusetts is based on a ranking by this website, which ranks schools using statistics, student and parent reviews, and expert insights. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, and more. To see exactly how this ranking was calculated, click here. 

1. Lexington High School–Lexington, MA

Lexington High School has a current enrollment of approximately 2,100 students. The school is ranked #9 within Massachusetts and #291 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 68%. The campus is somewhat like a college campus, as the school’s facilities are housed in four separate buildings, or “houses,” as the students call them. A student says, “Every teacher helps the students get the grades that they deserve. They incorporate technology and try to put many real world situations out so students may understand.” 

2. Brookline High School–Brookline, MA 

Brookline High School has a current enrollment of approximately 1,900 students. The school is ranked #22 within Massachusetts and #482 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 59%. Brookline High students produce monthly editions of The Sagamore, a school-affiliated but independent newspaper known for discussing important issues, including racism and teenage pregnancy. A student says, “The school is really amazing. There are a variety of different classes to choose from, and amazing monthly performances and shows in addition to a great amount of freedom provided to students.” 

3. Boston Latin School–Boston, MA

Boston Latin School has a current enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school is ranked #2 within Massachusetts and #51 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 100%. Boston Latin School is an extremely historic system, being the first school established by Puritan colonists in America circa 1635. A student says, “I love the support that the guidance office gives, especially through the college process. My most positive experience has been with the rowing team because of the dedication of the coaches to make the sport fun as well as competitive. I would choose this school over again.”

4. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School–Acton, MA 

Acton-Boxborough Regional High has a current enrollment of approximately 2,000 students. The school is ranked #27 within Massachusetts and #612 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 54%. ABRHS features an extensive array of performing arts programs, including four choirs, seven a capella groups, an award-winning marching band, and a theater group. A student says, “The teachers are all very knowledgeable and love engaging students. They are dedicated to what they are doing. They come in each day full of energy, and it’s great to see.”

5.  Dover-Sherborn Regional High School–Dover, MA

Dover-Sherborn Regional High School has a current enrollment of approximately 650 students. The school is ranked #10 within Massachusetts and #304 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 67%. DSRHS features an award-winning athletics department that offers several less-common sports, including sailing and Nordic skiing. A student says, “The academics are intense but it is worth it because you are getting the same, if not better, quality of education that many people pay for at private high schools. With that on top of the excellent athletics, it is one of the best public high schools in the country.”

6. Cambridge Rindge & Latin School–Cambridge, MA 

Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has a current enrollment of approximately 1,800 students. The school is ranked #60 within Massachusetts and #1655 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 37%. Cambridge Rindge & Latin’s newspaper, the Register Forum, is the oldest continually published public high school paper in the country, and it has won numerous awards in high school journalism. A student says, “CRLS is not only an amazing school because of its diversity, but also because of its strong academics. My experiences here have prepared me for college and I’m truly going to miss this school.”

7. Wellesley Senior High School–Wellesley, MA

Wellesley Senior High School has a current enrollment of approximately 1,500 students. The school is ranked #21 within Massachusetts and #467 in the National Rankings, and the Advanced Placement® participation rate is 59%. Wellesley Senior High offers language classes in French, Spanish, German, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese, and the foreign language department has engaged in the past with exchange programs. A student says, “There are many opportunities for extracurricular activities, from Spanish Club to Student Council, Gay/Straight Alliance, sports, the school newspaper, and volunteer opportunities. We make sure that everyone is included. At Wellesley High, we reach out to any and everyone.”

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services