2023 Best Public High Schools in Middlesex County

• Lexington Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  384 reviews

Senior: Yeah, Lexington high school is stressful. Not necessarily because of our academics (though many of our teachers are Ivy/t20 grads) but because of the students. We’re very competitive, and there’s an external drive/stress culture depending on who you hang out with. It’s very common for us to send most of our class (even the “popular” and “slacker” kids) to top schools for their major. We have no school spirit but that never mattered to me. Not many people attend football games or care about traditional high school popularity, which is refreshing. And our school is so big that you will definitely find your crowd. Finally: yes, we’re known for our bad mental health, as expected from a top high school. But many teachers are really understanding of your circumstances, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them! Overall, I’d definitely recommend LHS. I got to know so many amazing and intelligent friends and staff, while obtaining a great education.... Read 384 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,261

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Weston Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  106 reviews

Alum: The experience at Weston High, I can say that it has shaped me into who I am today from the hard courses to the loud engaging lunch room it not only provided me with amazing people I can proudly call family but a lifetime supply worth of lessons I can use for such; A lifetime. Nothing is perfect but one thing that can be changed is how racial problems can and possibly should be solved. It is true that racism is indeed a touchy subject but not touchy enough to avoid the whole thing and for it to be swept under the rug. It should appropriately be discussed and handled. Weston High will forever be my home, forever a Weston wildcat!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 630

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  397 reviews

Alum: The teachers and staff at newton north are amazing! Many of the teachers are talented, smart, engaging, and nurturing. They will support you while challenging you to think deeper! The way these teachers are able to create community again and again is truly something special.... Read 397 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,073

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Belmont Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  230 reviews

Alum: Amazing academics and college matriculation. Many high achieving students but not over the top competitive. About 18 AP classes, many honors and electives. New building is insane. Really great music and art departments for a public school, variety of well established sport teams. Hundreds of clubs, good resources available, and many nice teachers and people. Very safe. Overall, the experience is what you make of it as it is still a public high school and every school has its problems but BHS is definitely one of the best out there!... Read 230 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,309

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  325 reviews

Alum: Attending Newton South High School was a transformative experience for me. The school's diverse student body created a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Academically, Newton South High School exceeded my expectations. The dedicated and knowledgeable teachers pushed me to reach my full potential, challenging me to think critically and develop a thirst for knowledge. The school offered a wide array of courses, from advanced math and science to humanities and the arts. The rigorous curriculum prepared me well for college and beyond. Beyond the classroom, Newton South High School provided ample opportunities for personal growth and enrichment. The extracurricular activities were diverse and abundant, catering to various interests and passions. Whether it was joining the robotics club, participating in the school play, or engaging in community service projects, there was always something for everyone.... Read 325 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,869

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  251 reviews

Senior: I liked the friends and bonds that I made at Acton Boxborough. The teachers are overall very kind, generous, and want the best for you. The school events such as football and basketball games were very fun. I was very fortunate to have good friends that I could always rely on. I think an area where AB fell short was how competitive and stressful it could be. At some points, it seemed like academics were all that mattered and not the student's mental health. AB could do some more fun events for their students to be a stress release in the future. Overall, I really liked Acton Boxborough!... Read 251 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,751

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hopkinton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  226 reviews

Sophomore: Hopkinton is a very academically driven school. There is not much pressure from teachers but most kids are very motivated. Teachers (for the most part) are very helpful and understanding. A good range of sports are available for boys and girls, including some very accomplished teams. The arts and music programs are very diverse, offering a wide range of choices for students. There are also many clubs on all sorts of topics. Overall, Hopkinton is a great school to be a part of. My only complaints are the social culture could be better (though it's not terrible) and the school lunches are pretty disgusting.... Read 226 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,198

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sudbury, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  284 reviews

Sophomore: Unlike many high schools in the area, LS provides students with a "college-like" selection of many courses, such as English. We have about 20 courses to choose from, ranging anywhere from Expository Writing to Modern-British Literature, mostly structured as semester-long classes so students can experience a more diverse educational experience. The teachers are phenomenal, and really take advantage of the flexible curriculum to teach students more than just the required. The counseling department is also stellar, really making me feel more prepared and less stressed about college. While LS is very academically and athletically competitive, the school atmosphere is strong, and the halls are always friendly and cheerful. Overall, a great high school experience.... Read 284 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,525

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Wayland Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  155 reviews

Senior: Wayland High School is a highly academic school with small class sizes. I can recognize everyone in my grade and know most of their names, the teachers are great and very smart and they are truly passionate about seeing their students grow. The community can be kind of "cliquey". As a homeschooled student I went into High School fairly fresh and didn't know many people and it was semi-difficult to find a lot of friends. I found a friend group that works for me but never really felt excited to do any grade activities.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 836

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Concord, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  209 reviews

Alum: Overall, I had a really positive experience in high school. Academically I utilized my resources and made the most out of what was given to me. I found hobbies and clubs that I liked through the extracurriculars. I think the school is very well funded and highly educated. We had lots of opportunities that were not available to other school districts. For that same reason, I think it is very clear that there administrative gaps between consequences and actions.... Read 209 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,316

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Westford Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  302 reviews

Alum: Westford Academy (WA) was an amazing high school. I truly felt like I was being well prepared for college course work and expectations. All the teachers at WA were really passionate about teaching students and cared about every student's success. There were a numerous clubs and activities to join and the school promoted a safe and positive learning environment. WA is well known for its great academics but it also encourages students to engage in extra curricular activities like sports and music. Overall, WA is an amazing, well-rounded school and have had the best four years there!... Read 302 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,645

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Winchester Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  155 reviews

Senior: I've attended Winchester Public Schools my entire life. I feel the academic rigor of Winchester High School is quite high and I appreciate the quality of education I receive there. They are making a lot of efforts to add more elective classes. However, I feel the administration at WHS is not great. They show little interest in student voices and often are difficult to work with. The guidance counselors are good but they are overworked; we need more of them.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,403

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Bedford Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  191 reviews

Alum: I came into Bedford High School in the middle of the school year from another state and was immediately welcomed with open arms! I was able to get plugged in very quickly with the musical that year, which made it much easier to get involved and make friends. The environment was safe and supportive throughout my time there and the faculty was more than kind and super accessible! Thank you, Bedford High School, for being the solid educational platform that I was able to jump to college from!... Read 191 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 829

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Cambridge Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  352 reviews

Junior: PART 1: If you are a parent considering CRLS and comparing it to neighboring schools such as BB&N I urge you to read through these reviews! CRLS offers notable arts programs and rigorous AP courses.The diversity in this school is great, with countless languages, and religions represented in our large student body. It is important to note though, that with this diversity comes challenges. Occasional instances of microaggressions, racism, and lack of forethought from administrators are some of the flaws here.The socio-economic differences are apparent, and friend groups while mainly diverse, are skewed more or less wealthy.We are politically active and kind, but like many high schools, bullying and online drama still exists. Note that pep-rally and football culture is low. Knowing the culture at places such as BB&N I am sure that Rindge is more accepting, but the academics and opportunities take more time to really take advantage of. Rindge has a strong relationship with Harvard.... Read 352 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,847

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Natick Public Schools, MA•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  236 reviews

Sophomore: Natick High School is a beautiful high school in Central Massachusetts with around 1600 students attending. Natick High School offers all levels of difficulty classes from college-prep to ap courses. The teachers at this school are amazing and always willing to work with students before or after school to work through problems students are having. They're also lenient about extensions due to students' busy schedules. The guidance counselors at Natick High are fantastic and are great at guiding students to become the best versions of themselves by the time they graduate through resilience, leadership, respect, etc. There are all sorts of sports teams that students are able to try out for at Natick High. Furthermore, Natick is huge on school spirit and getting involved in clubs or sports. Additionally, there are around 60 clubs to choose from at this school. Students are given amazing resources, trustworthy adults they can go to for help, and a great safe environment to do school in.... Read 236 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,678

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Arlington Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  176 reviews

Junior: Arlington High School is full of wonderful teachers, class options, and an overall very positive atmosphere. High school typically has a reputation of being cliquey, but it is possible for everyone to find their space at AHS, as most people are very welcoming. The location of the school is also great, and open campus allows students to visit the many local businesses during their free time. Administration is very reasonable, allowing students to have a voice in major decisions regarding the school, and students are free to participate in extracurricular activities with the full support of the administration. As mentioned earlier, the teachers are fantastic and most genuinely want to help the students do well. There are also plenty of options for students to challenge themselves with harder classes and extra projects. Overall, it is a fantastic high school experience that I could not recommend enough.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,409

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Groton Dunstable Regional High School was amazing. The teachers and staff could not be more helpful. Extra help was always given to students in need. I made many new friends throughout the four years of my high school career. Playing volleyball was a great way to meet new people and enjoy the sport at the same time! One of my favorite things in High school is attending sports events. There are football games every Friday home and away as well as volleyball and soccer games throughout the week. Another great thing was there was little to no bullying. Students always got along with each other even if they were not friends. Lastly, clubs and activities are a huge thing. I participate in volunteer club, yearbook club, and best buddies club. These are also great ways to meet friends and get involved in something you like. I would not change a thing about my time in high school. I am equally as excited for college but I know I will miss Groton Dunstable greatly.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A

• Students 721

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Ashland Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed many different things at my time at AHS. The community making me feel welcome as soon as I stepped into the building for the first time. The number of extracurriculars you can participate in, such as sports or clubs. The amount of friends and memories I have made at my time here is amazing to me. I never thought I would leave this place changed the way I did. And the number of things out of school like sports games, school dances, talent shows, the school play or musical, band concerts, anything to stay connected to the school life and the other students. If anything at AHS could change it should be student involvement! Students for some reason always feel scared to participate in things and end up regretting it afterward.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A

• Students 805

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Littleton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: The littleton high school has very friendly and healthy environment. The most attractive thing about school has always excite me to go school is sports atmosphere. The school has huge playground with many sports equinments and facilities. The instructors and advisor of littleton school are friendly and always ready to help. The safety of the campus is with high security and strict rules. The library is developed and bookstore is amazing.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A

• Students 435

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Chelmsford Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  296 reviews

Senior: I think that Chelmsford High School is overall a really great school. There is an outstanding amount of opportunities for every student that steps foot into the building. There are a large number of clubs, activities, and sports for students to get involved in. Chelmsford High School does a great job of interacting and caring for their students. There are great amounts of counselors, teachers, and other staff members that are always willing to help those students in need. There are also several classes that students can take that can help the further their potential career path these classes include Intro to Criminal Justice, Woodworking, Robotics, Quantitative Reasoning and Problem Solving, and Psychology. There are several other classes that CHS offers these are just a few to mention. Chelmsford High School also has a thrilling amount of school spirit. Our student section that is named the Tundra comes out to support every team at their games! I couldn't be more thankful for CHS!!!... Read 296 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,408

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Holliston Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  169 reviews

Junior: Holliston High School as a whole has an extremely calm and comforting atmosphere (when not considering the students attending). Holliston values the individual, and has supported me wholeheartedly when I came out as transgender. The administration are very understanding of situations, and teachers always do the most they can to help students if they are struggling. Of course, situations change based on student activity, but admin and staff are usually on top of the issue and try their best to handle it. For example, during my time here there were issues with hate speech and symbols being written on the bathroom walls, but admin has had multiple discussions and assemblies with students on the importance of understanding the hurt and discrimination it causes. The school itself is wonderful, unfortunately it is just the students that may change an individual's experience.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A

• Students 811

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Burlington Public Schools, MA•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  143 reviews

Freshman: Burlington High School has been a great experience so far. The school lunches are high quality and well cooked, and although many may criticize the schedule, I am a big fan of it. I like the idea of a rotation schedule as it makes you feel like you're doing something different every day. I am not a big fan of the bathrooms always being locked, and the brutalist 70's architecture. The school is a huge hill you must climb to get to your classes. The teachers are kind and fun, but none of the classrooms have windows. There is a wide variety of classes one can take such as Feminism, which is a class you do not see in many high schools. There are lots of clubs and extracurriculars, everybody can find something they're interested in. Overall, the school is not very aesthetically pleasing or easy to navigate, but the friendly teachers and good learning environment make up for it.... Read 143 reviews

• grade A

• Students 966

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• North Reading Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  153 reviews

Senior: North Reading High School is a very prestigious school. Although it lacks diversity and is a predominately white school, it offers electives to encourage teaching of various religions and cultures. The preparation precautions for college are average. The guidance counselors provide resources such as a Common Application bootcamp to guide juniors going into senior year through the process, but do not make an effort to talk through their struggles one-on-one. However, my junior year had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and it's possible that the juniors before me have received more thorough assistance. All academics taught at the school are above average, and students are given a choice of Academic or Honors classes depending on teacher recommendations and what the student is comfortable with, as well as multiple AP class options are available starting sophomore year. Overall, North Reading High School is an exceptional school.... Read 153 reviews

• grade A

• Students 662

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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