2019 Best Charter High Schools in the Boston AreaAbout this List

Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Marlborough, MA
• 6-12
• 227

Sophomore: As someone who was not challenged at all in a public school, AMSA has tested my skills and allowed me not only to learn at a faster pace but also urged me to be engaged and interested in my learning. I love the challenge, and I have found myself excelling in subjects I was previously uninterested in! However, the workload can be very overwhelming at times. It would be nice if the school could find a way to preserve the challenge of its courses without placing unnecessary stress on its students.
Read 227 Reviews

• A+

• 952 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (Pcss-II)

• Public School
• Saugus, MA
• 7-12
• 10

Freshman: The school is great and rigorous with academics, and the teachers are very willing to help you if you are struggling with anything. The school is small, and that is either good or bad depending on the person because you will most likely know everyone in the school. However, there isn't much choice in classes and extracurricular activities due to the limited number of teachers. You won't find the "high school" experience here if that is what you prefer. Overall, it's a great school that will prepare you for college.
Read 10 Reviews

• A

• 322 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School

• Public School
• Devens, MA
• 7-12
• 51

Sophomore: Your grades are based on beginning, approaches, meets, and exceeds for each of your assessments. You have MST )math, science, and technology) and AH (arts and humanities). There is wellness which is broken up into health and gym. There are three divisions, div 1, 7 and 8 graders, div 2, 9-10 graders, and div 3, 11-12. To move out of a Division you must show mastery in all skill areas and display readiness for more challenge while completing requirements. Then carry out a presentation of your mastery in that division. In every aspect of Parker we focus on depth over breadth delving in on important subject matter instead of taking many units and focusing less on each one. In Spanish we are fully immersed in the language and focus more on interaction and activities throughout class that develop and portray your strength in conversation, interpreting, writing, and presenting instead of homework and tests.
Read 51 Reviews

• A

• 395 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Boston Collegiate Charter School

• Public School
• Dorchester, MA
• 5-12
• 39

Senior: I love Boston Collegiate fr the many opportunities it has provided me with and the college preparation it has given me as well. I know that MANY other students in many other schools do not get the same preparation or aid as I do and that makes me much more grateful because if I did not have the support and guidance I have, given to me from BCCS, I do not how I would fare in my college application process. For that, I am eternally grateful and appreciative. However, BCCS has not always been great. At times, I felt BCCS to be excessively strict with rules limiting colors of socks, shoes and clothing that in no way could or did affect the education purpose of school. I also felt that BCCS was not for the faint of heart in terms of homework load. It was justified by being preparation for the intense work load in college however, for students from 7th grade to high school seniors, it proved to be too much for more than half of students.
Otherwise, BCCS was a great school.
Read 39 Reviews

• A-

• 680 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Innovation Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Tyngsboro, MA
• 5-12
• 90

Senior: I love this school! The small size allowed me to get close to my teachers. There is nothing like getting taught by someone who knows you well and can help you with your specific needs. Also, the school is always changing for the better. This fall I attended a conference run by the head of the school and it included teachers, parents, alumni, board members, and administration. The conference was about improving the school for the nest generations of students. I love that our school actively looks for opportunities to be better. I just can't express my love for this school and how much it has made me love learning. Every project is hands on and intuitive; they let us figure things out on our own and that makes it stick and be more enjoyable. This school has been the best fit for me in every aspect, the culture, the education, and absolutely everything.
Read 90 Reviews

• A-

• 792 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rising Tide Charter Public School

• Public School
• Plymouth, MA
• 5-12
• 60

Senior: Rising tide is a very community oriented school with a lot of growth to continue with. As a senior graduating in the fourth ever graduating class from rising tide I feel immensely prepared for college. The road to graduation was not easy and was one with many bumps but through determination and sheer will power we completed the heavy work loads of school works and graduated. The teachers at risin tide are young and extremely enthusiastic about teaching and just overall helping the students. The sports programs at rising tide although they have grown are still in the process of becoming as developed as other High Schools, however, the girls soccer team has a wonderful coach and a great team atmosphere and they have been extremely successful. The girls varsity soccer team has made it to states 4 years in a row and although they have not yet cinched a state title they continue to work and grow as both a team and a family.
Read 60 Reviews

• B+

• 665 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pioneer Charter School of Science

• Public School
• Everett, MA
• K-12
• 89

Alum: PCSS is a very diverse school, there are students that have a background from all over the world. Very easy to make friends and memories. The classroom sizes are up to around 25-30 people (depending on the class), however, having classes with those 25-30 people almost all day everyday helps create such a strong bond of friendship it is amazing. The teachers are there to truly help you succeed and will go out of their way to do so if you show them that you want to actually succeed. There are many clubs that students can join and everyone is welcome to try out for sports (as long as their grades are up).
Read 89 Reviews

• B+

• 543 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School

• Public School
• Lynn, MA
• K-12
• 85

Senior: They always have reliable teachers that care about the quality of our education, so you can ask for help at any time and they will support you. I love that the school is small which makes it easier to learn. The school needs to work on bringing in dedicated teachers that will remain at the school and teach very well. They seem to have a preference for teachers that have a great educational background but not all of them have the true dedication of being an educator. They can put educators to sharpen in on their work without having the overwhelming after hours and useless meetings. They need to think if the students are learning well in the environment in terms of space and available teachers. If the school can and should have more extracurricular activities going on especially building a STEM program or ELA-based programs. Besides the needed strengthening of the foundation of student's education experience, overall, their performances are great compared to other schools in the area.
Read 85 Reviews

• B+

• 1,196 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Salem Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Salem, MA
• 6-12
• 62

Senior: Beginning in the sixth grade, Salem Academy Charter School prepares students for college. Focusing on the importance of task completion and putting effort into both the school and community, students grow under the school's mission. Aside from outstanding test scores, Salem Academy Charter School students participate in community service through the program "Service Learning." While teachers help them initially, they are expected to have an individual service project for senior year. Students feel rewarded and connected with the community. Salem Academy also has excellent athletics. The strength is particularly strong in fall and spring sports. Student athletes have brought back first and second place trophies in a variety of sports and many have been apart of the all-star teams. Salem Academy Charter School is a wonderful place with many opportunities.
Read 62 Reviews

• B+

• 442 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Cambridge, MA
• K-12
• 50

Senior: In 5th grade, I started a new school, Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, which is very diverse. Being immersed in a diverse setting exposed me to many individuals of a variety of ethnicities: Nepali, Ethiopian, Haitian, and plenty more. This was the one aspect of PHA that really captured my attention and allowed me to grow a love for this school. I met people who looked like me, but also people who looked nothing like me. One of the most common ethnicities in PHA was Haitian; I saw tall, short, dark, light, straight hair, curly hair. At this point of my life, I fit in. I was able to tell people I was Haitian and not get questioned over and over again. In this new school I was able to learn more about the Haitian culture, the language, and much more. If I hadn’t come to PHA, I wouldn’t have learned so much about my Haitian culture.
Read 50 Reviews

• B+

• 1,135 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School

• Public School
• Malden, MA
• K-12
• 160

Senior: Mystic Valley Regional Charter School is a very good school that provides all students from grades K-12 an opportunity of a world class education characterized by a well-manner, disciplined, and structured academic climate. The school is founded on the core virtues and the fundamental ideas of the American Culture, which are embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Academically, the school has a very challenging curriculum that will better prepare students in the long run. Its school administration is very strict and holds students accountable for any missing work and misbehavior. As for its school facilities, some of the buildings are old and do not have central air, which is problematic for the students in the summer and should be fixed to create a better learning environment.
Read 160 Reviews

• B+

• 1,486 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Foxborough Regional Charter School

• Public School
• Foxborough, MA
• K-12
• 116

Alum: Being a student for more than five years and graduating from Foxborough Regional Charter School (F.R.C.S) I have endured not only a stupendous experience, but an unforgettable one. I would recommend their learning principles and curriculum to many families in surrounding towns. The teachers are always creating endless opportunities to help students. There are 20+ clubs made for all interests and learning desires. The FRCS community is one that is continuously looking out for their students-- pushing them to excel in all their studies.
Read 116 Reviews

• B

• 1,261 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Community Charter School of Cambridge

• Public School
• Cambridge, MA
• 6-12
• 47

Parent: My 18 year old daughter attends CCSC and its has been a wonderful experience. It is a charter school in Cambridge. She is a senior and will be graduating soon. CCSC offers a variety of sports and academics. The teachers are caring and there is one on one support. They have school based relationships with MIT and Harvard, where a lot of teachers do internships. They have a discipline system based on merits and demerits. Its could be Saturday detention or 45 min after school detention. Which is called after school support because they want the students to use that time for educational purposes and homework help.
Read 47 Reviews

• B

• 374 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

South Shore Charter Public School

• Public School
• Norwell, MA
• K-12
• 40

Sophomore: I love SSCPS! The education is very good. The students are respectful and cognizant of one another. Everyone is kind and hardworking and always put in their best effort. There are no cliques and everyone is in almost every "group". Easily one of the best schools when it comes to both the students interacting with one another as well as teachers being well educated and giving the students the best learning opportunity possible. Overall, I would recommend SSCPS to anyone interested in attending a Charter. The staff is very helpful and give you a very smooth and easy transition regardless of what year you join the school.
Read 40 Reviews

• B

• 758 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Match Charter Public School

• Public School
• Boston, MA
• PK, K-12
• 40

Alum: I was happy when I learned I was selected to attend MATCH to receive my high school education. MATCH offered myself as well as my African American peers the privilege of being in a safe, loving and caring environment. MATCH also offered us a different scenery because many of us are living in urban communities with drugs and violence. I was also able to get my sister and cousins in to the MATCH school system which was an honor because they are offered the same educational experiences as I was.
Read 40 Reviews

• B

• 1,145 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers

• Public School
• Boston, MA
• 9-12
• 71

Senior: What I liked about Edward M. Kennedy is that people can act like themselves and no one would say anything negative. I enjoyed the energy that my class had in order to learn. Edward M. Kennedy was a perfect fit for me because not only is their academics great, but the opportunities they tell students about is outstanding.
Read 71 Reviews

• B-

• 359 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School

• Public School
• Hyde Park, MA
• 5-12
• 27

Senior: APR is an amazing place to grow academically, with dedicated teachers and yearning to learn students. APR has slowly moved to become more progressive in its non-academic life, the diversity amongst the faculty has gradually increased since my start as a 5th grade student. Student agency is a unique factor of APR, however the approach of student to the administrative body could be improved in seeing direct progressive of issues. We take pride as a school in our academics, but not in our spirit as a community. We need that pride, and more importantly to wear that pride...we go to an awesome school, why not show it off?
Read 27 Reviews

• B-

• 527 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

City on a Hill Charter Public School

• Public School
• Roxbury, MA
• 9-12
• 38

Senior: Overall the school is good in terms of getting you ready for the real life and college. However, favoritism is a big thing at City on a Hill and their action plan toward things such as bullying aren’t very affective.
Read 38 Reviews

• B-

• 279 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Boston Day & Evening Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Roxbury, MA
• 9-12
• 28

Alum: This school change my life... The teachers are always willing to take the extra step towards helping students with their academic achievements and personal life obstacles.
Read 28 Reviews

• B-

• 404 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Boston Preparatory Charter Public School

• Public School
• Hyde Park, MA
• 6-12
• 51

Works Here: The school has a longer day and longer school year and the teachers work really hard to make sure all students are ready for college. The school expects a lot from teachers and students but there is also support for anyone who needs it.
Read 51 Reviews

• C+

• 415 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Boston Green Academy Horace Mann Charter School

• Public School
• Brighton, MA
• 6-12
• 19

Senior: I loves this school so much! The teachers, the staffs and the students doesn't care about where you from, races, or ESL students, they do really welcome to teach everyone.
Read 19 Reviews

• C+

• 476 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

City on a Hill Dudley Square

• Public School
• Roxbury, MA
• 9-12
• 9

Senior: I currently attend City on a Hill Dudley Square. The experience that makes this school is meeting all different types of characters in teachers and students. Also their curriculum is extravagent and they will prepare students for college.
Read 9 Reviews

• C+

• 281 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Phoenix Charter Academy

• Public School
• Chelsea, MA
• 9-12
• 1

• C

• 170 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Codman Academy Charter Public School

• Public School
• Dorchester, MA
• PK, K-12
• 34

Senior: This Boston Public School works like your typical charter school. With uniforms and different education systems. However, it's a junk food free zone to ensure students lose weight within their years of attending. You can makeup assignments missed or failed tests. Every Friday school is only 3 hours long for field trips, or labs. 100% of the students go to college thanks to the in-school College Advisers. And alumni are free to return for any more help and guidance. Kids are pressed for responsibility and adulthood in the Upper School. The Lower School caters to K-12. All of the classes are Honors or AP classes, so colleges see that as an added plus.
Read 34 Reviews

• C

• 359 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Granite State Arts Academy Charter School

• Public School
• Salem, NH
• 9-12
• 4

Senior: GSAA is simply one of the best ideas for a school in the modern world: a free, independent, arts charter school which in addition to rigorous academic activity, incorporates a wealth of knowledge in the aesthetic world for the young student to gather and understand. However, GSAA is flawed in several ways. There is no audition process to gain access to the school, which allows for a vast influx of students more interested in escaping the vices of public school as opposed to students genuinely interested in the arts. Simply put, the amount of students in the way of the former has created a toxic culture: one in which the student cannot develop in a way that is beneficial to the school and for themselves. The logical solution to this problem is to instigate the audition process to sift through the genuine from the ingenuine.
Read 4 Reviews

• NG

• 131 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio