2024 Best Public High Schools in the Boston Area

• Lexington, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  403 reviews

Parent: Overall, LHS is a great school. There is a wide range of class types, clubs (like 200!) and athletics. The facilities aren't great, but there is work being done on the construction of a new school. Several years away but at least in the works. Some people talk about academic pressure, but that is more a function of specific families or people. Lots of solid students who don't put undue pressure on themselves. The school has a bit of a college campus feel with its 4 buildings, which is one of many cool aspects that help prepare students for the next level. The diversity is significant. Overall, a great school.... Read 403 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,273

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Weston, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: Excellent school, two kids just graduated, both admitted to very good colleges. Limited socioeconomic diversity, but strong diversity in general. Excellent teacher engagement, safe environment and good sports and arts activities. You pay high taxes in Weston, but it's worth it for the Excellent education.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Boston, MA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  580 reviews

Senior: I've been the running publicist for BLS (Boston Latin School) BLACK (Black Leaders Aspiring for Change and Knowledge) for two years now. I make posts getting the word out about upcoming events. I am the game coordinator, so for fun club meetings I plan out the games to help build community amongst members and officers. On March 1st, 2024 I facilitated a showcase for my club. The theme was Afro Futurism. I was able to contact OrigiNations Dance group to perform at the showcase for free. I've gained organizational skills and discipline as a student from engaging with this club. I would hope for more diversity in academics instead of just in clubs. This school year they've added Modern Asian Studies and AP African American Studies. I would want to see more cultural courses available and mandatory to make the school environment more accepting to diverse groups of people.... Read 580 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,416

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Brookline, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  367 reviews

Junior: BHS is a wonderful school that pushes students to become independent and be the change they want to see. We have many "days of" throughout the year, which is when select students and teachers plan a day that brings awareness to topics that are often brushed over in a school setting. We also have a plethora of student run clubs, each started by a student with a passion and a desire to share it. Clubs are a fantastic way to relax and learn about and do things that you are interested in. The academics at BHS are fantastic as well, our teachers are very qualified and there are extra help hours for each teacher each week (which I have found super helpful). The environment at BHS is also very academic so it is easy to find peers to help out with difficult assignments. Our school spirit is not the most prevalent in BHS culture, we do not have many student events, we only have 2 dances in all 4 years of high school. The no spirit all academics creates a stressful, but productive environment.... Read 367 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,087

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  407 reviews

Junior: As a freshman I thought Newton North was extremely diverse, but come to realize now, it was just because our elementary and middle schools were smaller, which meant naturally less people of color. There is a lot of support from certain teachers of color, that have made me feel at home, but I realize now, I was just excited to see people who looked like me. The best part about our school, is the community in each thing you can get involved in. We have a variety of different clubs and sports and groups to be a part of. I have felt prouder about who I am in the time I have attended.... Read 407 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,098

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Belmont, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  238 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience at Belmont High school has been positive. Most if not all of my teachers have been excellent and I haven’t had any major problems with any of them. There are a lot of opportunities for electives at this school, one, which I am currently enrolled in, is a very unique class called Modern Band. Students in the class get together in small groups and plays a song of their choice. Some instruments that we use include the electric and acoustic guitar, electric bass, piano, synthesizer, and drums. It is my favorite class because there is a lot of room for creativity and it is mostly student-run, so there is more independence in this class than in any other. Another fun characteristic about Belmont High school that I enjoy is that every Friday there are therapy dogs for the students to sit with. One thing that I would like to see a change in is the opportunity for senior parking.... Read 238 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,329

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hopkinton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  233 reviews

Sophomore: I am currently a sophomore at Hopkinton High School, I would love to say I enjoy being a student at this school but that is not the case. This school is amazing at being a school and a great academic place that I feel really sets students up for success. However, this school lacks spirit, in such examples; I feel as if Hopkinton High School praises their seniors and do not care about the rest of the grades. I understand that it is indeed the senior's last year at HHS, but I do not believe that the administration cares about the other students in grades below. I do wish that this school had some more diversity; but there is nothing that they could do since it is a public education facilityOther than this, I do believe that this school has indeed set me up for success and does indeed want the best for me academically wise.... Read 233 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,212

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  337 reviews

Senior: My time at Newton South High School was truly enriching. The academic environment was incredibly strong, with challenging courses that pushed me to excel. The teachers were not just educators but mentors who genuinely cared about their students. I remember one instance when my math teacher stayed after hours to help me grasp a complex concept, demonstrating the dedication and kindness that was a consistent theme throughout my experience. The sense of community at Newton South was palpable, and the support from both peers and faculty made it a nurturing place for personal and academic growth... Read 337 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,837

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wellesley, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  182 reviews

Sophomore: The school has amazing resources! I feel so lucky to have access to technology and information that will help me get ready for college. However, the school environment definitely fosters bullying, and it often feels like most students don’t like each other. In general though, the school is pretty great compared to others even within the area!... Read 182 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,406

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Sharon, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  165 reviews

Senior: During my four years at Sharon High School, I have experienced many ups and downs with teachers, administration, sports, etc. I would've definitely liked to see better communication with teachers and a better experience when trying to reach out to the administration. School spirit is defiantly high though as students take immense pride in sports. Lastly, academics are rigorous and prepare us very well for college.... Read 165 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,139

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wayland, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: Wayland High School has been a great fit for me. As a person who enjoys much of my academics, I've found that Wayland's been welcoming. Most of the staff is enthusiastic about their subject, and there's a strong culture of high level academics. Unfortunately, this does come at the cost that there's a significant bias against students in the institution who don't rise to those high expectations. No matter the performance of persons in higher level courses, their enrollment within them seems to bias them against those in the "intro level" courses.... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 831

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Dover-Sherborn, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: At DS, academics are encouraged by many teachers. It is a small school with small class sizes and most teachers invest a lot of time into their students and jobs. There are some teachers that should discipline students more when they don't show up to class or blatantly disrespect them. As a student who always shows up to class and does her work, it is frustrating for me to see that other students get away with not doing the work and don't get any kind of disciplinary retaliation in response to it. Resources at this school are one of a kind. We have plenty of chromebooks for people to use if they don't have personal computers, desktops in the library, an abundance of textbooks for each class, and many different expensive supplies for labs and demonstrations. Students are engaged out of class with field trips as well which adds to excitement and encourages learning. Since this school is small, the student culture is not the best. Students often form cliques and don't include each other.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 657

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Sudbury, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  298 reviews

Senior: LS is overall a really good school that I consider myself lucky to attend. Most of the teachers are engaging and kind, and I feel academically challenged but also supported. A major drawback is the culture here. Many students are constantly at each others' throats, talking behind people's backs and being extremely competitive because there is the expectation to get into a good college. It can be hard to take higher level classes and have to deal with people who are always trying to be better than everyone else.... Read 298 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,513

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Concord, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  220 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Concord Carlisle has been very good. Although I am a minority (Asian-American) I still find myself very included. The teachers are generally good with some being excellent. The school also has very good resources for sports, music, arts, and other interests. There are many clubs and sports to get involved with. My peers at Concord Carlisle High School are very nice and friendly and I feel like I am cared about at my school. I am also getting a good education and I feel prepared for college.... Read 220 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,323

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Westford, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  317 reviews

Senior: Westford Academy has been wonderful in preparing me for college and providing the resources I need to succeed. The school is very college-prep focused, sometimes to its detriment, as it fosters a very competitive academic environment. My experience at Westford Academy has been very pleasant and I have never felt as if there was nothing to do, with its diverse course offerings and extracurricular activities, there is something for every student. The staff has always been receptive to their students, wanting them to succeed and providing extra help if needed. I do wish there was more emphasis on school culture, as academics often trump and distract from any sense of community. It would be nice to be a more unified school. Overall I have had a good experience at Westford Academy and aside from the lack of a school community I wouldn’t change anything about it.... Read 317 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,567

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Winchester, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: During my four years at Winchester High School, I've had many positive experiences and made great memories. The teachers work to create a perfect learning environment and are always available to help with whatever problems you may be having. There is also a great group of students with very few issues among each other.... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,349

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: I think the first and most important thing that needs to be addressed about ABRHS is the fact that it is extremely competitive in every area... academically, socially, and more. It showed everywhere to make learning and keeping grades up extremely stressful and pressuring when learning shouldn't be that way in any world. On the bright side, a lot of the teachers I had in particular were fair enough to give me extensions and help me where I needed it.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,703

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Needham, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  274 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Needham High and have loved going to school here. It's a very welcoming and inclusive place, with lots of opportunities to get involved, whether it be through leadership, sports, music, or clubs. I have made some of my best friends here and think that NHS has prepared me very well for college. I especially love how there are leveled classes for most subjects as I am able to take courses that challenge me. Overall, NHS has been a great place for me during my high school experience.... Read 274 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,669

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Cambridge Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  365 reviews

Senior: My experience in Cambridge Rindge and Latin School is incredible. In less than one year, I have learned a lot both academically and personally. I received such great support from my teachers, my peers, and my guidance counselor. I am so thankful to my school for pushing me forward and closer to my dream. As an international student, I feel I am nicely welcome to the CRLS environment.... Read 365 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,867

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Westwood, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  230 reviews

Alum: Westwood High was a well funded institution and has an amazing amount of resources, including an accredited counseling department, teachers who are both young and old with a multitude of degrees and apparent passion for education, and well equipped facilities. As a high school, it's great! However, it greatly lacks diversity due to being a public school in a middle to high income area. There are specific diversity programs, however, such as outreach to inner-city residents of Boston. However, the lack of diversity can be reflected on the administration level too, and there is an overall lacking sense of "culture" being present in the school. As a public school, Westwood High is a cut above the rest because they can afford to be. Students will have a lot of resources available to them, and it's a very safe place to attend. Realistically, a lot of students will end up in higher education and be ready for it if they care to be (like they actually want to do well in college and tried).... Read 230 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 952

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Bedford, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  198 reviews

Alum: Bedford high school was an excellent high school. The teachers were very well qualified and offered ample help and assistance in lessons. Tutoring was available and there were after-school clubs and activities to strengthen academic skills.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A

• Students 849

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Harvard, MA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: The administration tends to try to be helpful and progressive, but the students are incredibly cynical, so much so that the work of the admin is often useless.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Marlborough, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  276 reviews

Senior: I am a senior here at AMSA, and I can tell you that the school is very good. There are mainly good, but also bad parts too. First of all, the academics are very strong, as a STEM major myself I can say that the academics are very good in preparing me not only for college but also for life after college. The teachers are very caring and they offer help whenever asked. Teachers also stay after school for office hours which helps a ton when I need to understand a specific topic or subject. As captain of the soccer team and part of the tennis team, and also working closely with the athletic director, the athletic scene is very well run and a very fun experience for all students and even parents too. One of the few issues I've had was the bad food and extremely long traffic before school. Other than that, there is nothing negative about the school. Overall, very strong school spirit, academics, and sports, which makes it easy to see why it is ranked as a top school in Massachusetts.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A

• Students 965

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Lynnfield, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  125 reviews

Senior: Lynnfield High School has provided me with valuable insight on any career path I prepare to take in the future. The available resources, counselors, and college prep courses prepare me significantly for enrolling in college. The sports teams and administrators are very supportive of the students at our school and the safety in our school is unlike every other school.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Medfield Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  106 reviews

Senior: Overall, I've gained a lot from Medfield High School. I have found passion in business through the DECA club, found my voice on the diversity council alongside my vice principal, and have forged strong friendships through sports like cross country and track. Although the school lacks diversity and often doesn't have much school spirit, as a whole my experience has been extremely positive. Some of the teachers are amazing and I would genuinely like to keep in touch with them after I graduate because they have created such a positive impact on my life. On the flip side, there are definitely some teachers who are not the best and who have hindered my experience. For me, teachers and administrators have always been very receptive and generous whenever I need help. Although the guidance department isn't quite as involved as I expected, they do their best to help me whenever I need it. Although a small school and town, Medfield has a tight-knit community I have enjoyed being a part of.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1