2023 Best Charter High Schools in Massachusetts

• Marlborough, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  267 reviews

Junior: AMSA is a public charter school founded in 2005 with a mission to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that emphasizes math, science, and technology. The school offers a variety of advanced placement (AP) courses and earn college credit while still in high school. The curriculum emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. AMSA has a diverse student body and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, including athletics, music, drama, and community service. The school has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to give back to their communities through volunteering and service projects. Overall, AMSA is known for its rigorous academic program, innovative approach to education, and commitment to community service. It may be a good fit for students who are interested in STEM subjects and are looking for a challenging and supportive academic environment.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 966

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hyannis, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  246 reviews

Junior: Sturgis has incredible teachers that love to be there and a strong academic community with a high emphasis on learning for everyone, no matter your background. There is a strong club culture at Sturgis, and whatever you want to do you can have the opportunity to do so! We also emphasize the enjoyment of athletics over everything else in them and create a welcoming community for athletic involvement. Overall, I love Sturgis because of its inclusiveness, welcoming nature, and challenging curriculum.... Read 246 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Saugus, MA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: As an Alumni of the School the academics of the school are pretty great. The teachers generally care a lot about students, and you can really get an individualized experience. I had some excellent teachers at this school. However, there are some problems with the school which are AP selection and Extracurriculars. Smaller school size decreases the availability of some APs. This means that some APs like Calc AB, Lit, and History are always offered, while other APs like any AP Physics, and Calculus BC are unavailable. However, other STEMs like Chem and Bio are still offered. Additionally, the School does not allow AP loading, meaning that students can graduate with at most 9 APs over 4 years of High School. The other weak area of Pioneer is its lackluster club scene. During all 6 of my years at Pioneer there was no consistent structure for clubs. The only clubs that were offered were simple ones like homework, or math. The only real extracurricular opportunities offered where sports.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Hadley, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  25 reviews

Junior: The Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School as an amazing school for those who want advanced education, and small, more intimate classes. PVCICS teaches all grades from K-12 with a range of immersion of the Chinese Mandarin Language. The highschool (9-12), takes honours classes in 9th and 10th grade, and the 11th and 12th graders are all enrolled in the IB Programme which teaches college level classes, along with college credit that can take of 1-2 years off your college degree. The class sizes are also very small and intimate, as the grade sizes range from 10-50 students total. It is very challenging though, so only you should only enroll if you are up for a long and hard (but very advanced) high school experience.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A

• Students 560

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• West Springfield, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: WOW, is all I can say about HCSS West! As a parent, we all want the best for our children but lets face it, it may not be achieved in a public school setting. For my child, it definitely wasn't and was looking for a new environment where he wasn't labeled any more. I did my research which showed both good & bad reviews. We went for a tour and talked to people. Since he was almost failing his core classes, he was miserable, and he fought every time he had to get ready for school, I figured what was the worst thing that could happen with the change? I just knew it was stressful and a miserable way to start every day. Day one, he came home and said he loved it which brought tears to my eyes. Never had we heard anything like that from his mouth! Never had we seen excitement to go to school! Never had we seen him make honor roll! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this to happen but I am so happy it did. It may not be a perfect fit for your child, but shouldn't you at least try?... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 359

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Chicopee, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  81 reviews

Parent: If you are looking for a Challenging curriculum, dedicated and attentive teachers and staff, with some of the best Sport coaches in the area HCSS is the school for you. I have a son who graduated in 2020 and is now thriving in WNE mechanical engineering program and a current 8th grader in the honors program. Both of my boys want to go to school everyday, enjoy the challenging courses and play/ed three varsity sports. They have made great friends, gained mentors and are being prepared for college. In the very few times where we have had a curriculum or student behavior issue, it has been address quickly and to our satisfaction. I have found that when a student or parent brings issues to the teachers or administrators attention in a respectful manner with realistic expectations they meet or exceed what is necessary to address those issues in a timely manner. I highly recommend HCSS! As with anything, the more involved the parent is the better the experience will be!... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Devens, MA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  59 reviews

Sophomore: Good school, very accepting community. The way they teach and involve students in discussions is very good for taking in information and learning important information. The curriculum, although less complex, allows for space for other time, consuming things in students lives. Such as sports, social life, are many other things. classes involving math and science are very hands on, allowing students hands-on experience with things that they may choose to pursue it in life. In certain cases, such as myself, biology is a large part of the science aspect of class, allowing practice for things like lab reports and observational skills, as well, as practice with tools that will be used waiter in wife, such as a microscope, pipettes, and different methods of transferring DNA samples or bacterial samples for experimentation. Like in one of the assessments including a lab report. One in particular is a lab transferring bacteria to a steril plate showing how bacteria would spread when dif things... Read 59 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 399

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Everett, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  112 reviews

Senior: I have been at pioneer since 7th grade. This school has taught me how to time manage as well as be a better person, though their rigorous program. However, just like every school, improvements need to be made concerning the food and certain aspects that are academic. Loved my experience here!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 794

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Salem, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: Great school, teachers are very helpful. They are very aware about their students and the needs of the community that is is located. The offer assistance to all students with no judgement... Read 72 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 495

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Dorchester, MA•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  65 reviews

Senior: My experience at this school has been good. There are obviously bad days, average days, and great days. The classes here are decent, and definitely better compared to other schools. School life is very structured and organized. The faculty promotes progressive messages related to anti-racism and anti-bullying. The school also does a good job of addressing issues when they arise, which I was able to view through the recent race issues that our school has been happening. This school also offers a fantastic opportunity to travel for students to really diversify and broaden their horizons.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 723

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Roslindale, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: I loved how ahead I was as a student and how interesting and engaging they kept all subjects for us to keep us interested in class. If you had trouble in class they worked with you personally to make sure you understood the lesson for the day.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,053

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Greenfield, MA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  52 reviews

Junior: The teachers here are pretty awesome. They’re all helpful and lenient, forming their own interesting curriculums that respond to student input. Students can turn in late work and come and go throughout class when they need a break. Most of the kids here are “weird,” in a cool way. Things are built to accommodate struggling students and I think it attracts kids who aren’t really interested in school, but there’s a spectrum of high achievers too. If your people are here, it can be a really awesome experience but certainly not everyone has friends and connections in our tiny class. The culture is lighthearted and trusting, I haven’t heard of any bullying since eighth grade. Four rivers is small and intimate, but few options in the social and extracurricular sense. I think it’s worth a try.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 215

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Cambridge, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  64 reviews

Junior: Ive been attending community charter school of Cambridge for 4 years. The academics at the school are great. For my first two years at the school the behavioral system was quite harsh but it got better over time. The community is very close and loving and the teachers genuinely care about their students. The work load can’t be a lot at times but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Although, I wish the school gave students direct access to their gpa.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 304

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Cambridge, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: This school offered a lot of support during the pandemic. Students were able to speak about their feelings and their opinions were valued. This school made being on zoom very interesting and educational. This school has raised me well and disciplined me with understanding on why having great behavior is beneficial to you and others. It is very diverse and has a lot of students coming from Haitian decent. There are lots of African-American teachers, the students feel comfortable seeing the amount of representation. This school is competitive in sports and encourage kids to participate in gym. Students do lots of hands on projects and work outside, and gardening. Students develop creativity from being at Prospect-Hill Academy. I only wish the teachers were more strict about dress code.... Read 71 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,107

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Malden, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  213 reviews

Senior: Mystic Valley is an amazing school that offers challenging academics while also providing a plethora of resources when you need extra support. The smaller classes really allows for students to meet with teachers one-on one when struggling, and Ms. Wei in the college counseling department helps us with anything from time management to major/minor decision help. The opportunities Mystic Valley offers are as expansive inside the classroom as they are out! I have been a member of the Model UN Club for the last 4 years and I have played lacrosse and hockey here too.... Read 213 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,629

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Tyngsboro, MA•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: Innovation academy produces very well rounded students both socially and academically. With a heavy focus on project based learning as well as a focus on oral presentations, Innovation is preparing the students for furthering their education in a college setting and giving them the tools they need to be great communicators outside of a school setting.... Read 113 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 790

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Lynn, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: I'm a senior at KIPP, and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this school. I felt challenged, but not to where I couldn't complete my work successfully, and I always felt like a had a support system at school whether I needed help with academics, my teachers would always be there to guide me, or if I needed mental or emotional support the counselors and teachers are always there for their students. At this school you can really tell the teachers care for their students, and I feel really lucky to have gone to a school that has such compassionate and talented teachers.... Read 109 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,615

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• South Hadley, MA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is a fantastic community with very friendly students and teachers. I have been at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School from 7th grade to 12th grade and looking back enrolling here might be the best decision I have ever made. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a caring and open-minded community, and being able to experiment with so many different forms of art (even as a student who will not be pursuing the arts), has been an invaluble experience for me.... Read 77 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• East Boston, MA•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: The school is amazing in terms of education. The teachers are always there to help support you when you need help. Although, students at Excel Academy Charter School take initiative to talk to teachers when they need help. Especially, on that certain thing that they are confused on. They offer tons of sports at Excel Academy like the wrestling team which both pushes you physically and mentally, and the other sports like volleyball or basketball. Overall, the experience at Excel Academy Charter School is amazing other than the fact that the school lunch could be improved, but other than that its a solid 4/5... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,389

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fitchburg, MA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: I like Sizer School because of the community. Everyone is willing to offer any kind of help and support you need and to make high school has enjoyable as possible while still encouraging you to challenge yourself. I would like to see a change in student-participation in more activities such as sports, dances, and clubs because I think it will make high school a more enjoyable experience for everyone.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• New Bedford, MA•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: The school has gone through many changes in the past couple years especially with the covid-19 outbreak. It’s a small school, capping at about 500 or so students. This is great since students get to be with people that they know throughout their years of schooling here. The school is very loving and has always put its students first. The one thing I would say would need some sort of improvement would be the promise of an expansion. The main campus is very small and can feel very cramped or boring at times. I hope that with the new promised expansion of the school, that there is a lot more of an enriching environment for the students to partake in.... Read 41 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 503

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Plymouth, MA•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  86 reviews

Junior: Overall, my experience with the Rising Tide High School has been very decent. The vast majority of the teachers here are very respectful and flexible with those who have been assigned IEPs such as myself. However, the school could promote more diversity of thought, as a disproportionate amount of students have been absorbed into radical pop culture, and a lot of them seem very exclusive to individuals who possess different interests.... Read 86 reviews

• grade B

• Students 666

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Foxborough, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.34 out of 5  177 reviews

Middle School Student: Here, at Foxborough Regional Charter School, we all learn in a safe, diverse environment. Sure, it has gone a little downhill since Covid-19, but that virus has taken enough from all of us; so don't let it take away an amazing opportunity from you! FRCS has been inconsistent with teachers and staff, but that can take a lot from the students within that environment. The middle school, at our K-12 school, has been left behind in the advancements in the management of the Elementary and High School, but we are finally catching up! Join FRCS for amazing clubs, amazing opportunities, and a chance to be a part of an amazing new world, starting with you!... Read 177 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,714

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Adams, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  58 reviews

Senior: I have been at Bart since 6th grade, and over the years my opinion of the institution has changed greatly. In middle school, we will just say it wasn't always my favorite. Getting into high school I still was uncertain, but the past couple of years have really sealed the deal for me. The help that the school gives you, for your higher education preparedness is unmatched. When talking about applying for schools and ideas for higher education, their school has very minimally helped them and put most of the work on them and their parents. This was surprising for me because I was giving so much help, and it helped me greatly.... Read 58 reviews

• grade B

• Students 372

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  144 reviews

Senior: The school's mission is to provide a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their background or ability, and to prepare them for success in college and in life. The school is known for its strong academic program, which includes a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges and universities. Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service opportunities. The school has a diverse student body and is committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect for all students. Overall, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School has a reputation for providing a high-quality education and preparing students for success in college and beyond.... Read 144 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,425

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1