2023 Best Public Schools in Massachusetts

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  90 reviews

Alum: I was part of the inaugural class of 1993. The experience was eye-opening. Never before was I so challenged by the pace, curriculum, and mostly my fellow classmates. This experience was not only incredible to have as part of a college admissions package, but it also gave me the necessary perspective for all my future endeavors. All my classmates were incredibly talented, ambitious, and great people. Just keeping up, required me to learn and grow. Not only academically but also as a person. To say the program had a profound impact on me, would be an understatement! I loved my time in the Academy, and was very proud to be a part of such a highly talented group.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lexington Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  390 reviews

Junior: Lexington high school is an excellent school for students if they’re looking for a balance between challenging and sustainability. The school has many options and courses that students can take. Furthermore, if students are struggling academically, they can reach out to their counselor to gain support Plans or lower the class difficulty. Lastly, the school AND the students enforces inclusivity of all communities and in all my years of Lexington high school I’ve never seen a case of bullying or harassment of another individual. The school is excellent for good education, opportunity and inclusivity. I would highly recommend attending this public school.... Read 390 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,273

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Boston Public Schools, MA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  557 reviews

Senior: I love my experience at BLS, although it can be very hard and stressful much of the time, there are so many opportunities and rewards that make the school worth it. The school provides a quality education and great college preparation. BLS does its best to provide a variety of classes, programs, and clubs that support all their students needs. My favorite thing about Boston Latin is the focused environment and the vast amount opportunities. At school, you are surrounded by people focused on succeeding and whom have similar goals, this is especially helpful and motivating when classes become difficult. There are so many opportunities and experiences that could only have gotten through BLS, and it is one of the first places internships, jobs, and colleges go to look for great students.... Read 557 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,416

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Weston Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  107 reviews

Parent: My son just graduated this year, spending whole 12 years in Weston public schools. Admitted by top colleges. Good environment and facilities for athletics, WHS earns 5 state championships this year. Very happy!... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Public Schools of Brookline, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  359 reviews

Sophomore: All in all, Brookline High School is an excellent high school. It has devoted and qualified teachers and staff, a plethora of leveled and unleveled courses to choose from for both core classes and electives. It has various clubs and great athletics. The campus is very large and students are given the freedom to roam the entirety of it, as long as they are responsible. I have found that all of my teachers have genuinely cared about my academic performance and me as a student, and have been willing and ready to help whenever there is a need. The best part of my experience has been thoroughly enjoying my core classes and electives, and participating on the cross country and track teams. There have not been any noticeably negative parts of my experience, despite unavoidable stress around academic performance. The only thing I would like to see change is having more leveled courses available for freshman year.... Read 359 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,087

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  401 reviews

Alum: When I started, I was indeed overwhelmed, but there were staff who were already ready and present to help the incoming students, including me. Throughout the first year, I was excited and loved to learn from the classes because of the teachers and the support I was given. Of course, each year it became harder. I experienced: interesting learnings in the classes, struggles with being consistent in motivation, and the usual ups and downs. The downs were how I struggled with procrastinating, consistency in attending classes, and home life affecting my mood and developing depression. Despite all that, my teachers were willing to listen and provide advice for my concerns. I would like to see the school continue what they are doing so far, Newton North High School is a very good school that has been recognized by other colleges. That is how I am in Rochester Institute of Technology currently.... Read 401 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,098

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Belmont Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: Belmont High School has amiable and responsive teachers and guidance staff that strongly encourages racial and opportunity equality. The school allows excellent freedom under safety supervision, including no dress code, free blocks, free eating space, permission to leave campus, etc. Providing students with 1 free breakfast and lunch, with rotating and changing menus throughout the weeks, but I dislike the fact that certain cuisines occasionally run low, and tables/couches/sofas around the school are sometimes not that clean. The view is absolutely phenomenal with a great view of the pond next to the school through the giant glass panes. AC is always at a nice temperature, and the airport-style bathrooms are sometimes messy, but they are often cleaned by the janitors. Overall a pretty positive experience.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,329

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Sharon Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  163 reviews

Senior: Sharon High School in Sharon, MA is an exceptional institution that embodies academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. With highly dedicated teachers and staff, students are encouraged to reach their full potential. The school offers a wide range of rigorous courses, fostering intellectual growth. Additionally, the extracurricular activities, such as sports teams and clubs, provide ample opportunities for students to explore their passions. The school's facilities are well-maintained and equipped with modern resources, enhancing the overall learning experience. Sharon High School truly prepares students for future success, making it an outstanding choice for education.... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,139

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  330 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 330 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,837

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  257 reviews

Senior: I think that this is an incredible school for the opportunities they provide. There are plenty of great classes and the teachers are well-educated, so you can’t go wrong! I just personally hate the culture that the community has created of competition and toxicity. I do applaud the school for improving it over the years, but there is still a big portion of the school that doesn’t foster a genuinely welcoming environment—you do have to search for it. It’s partly just restructuring what past leaders have done, but it’s also people not seeing what’s really important.... Read 257 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,703

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hopkinton Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  230 reviews

Alum: Teachers hold high expectations for students and want to see them succeed. With the intense academic environment at HHS, doing well is a major stressor for most students. Even though it is stressful and rigorous, the education I received (with a majority of honors-level courses and some AP courses) prepared me incredibly well for college. Some of my fellow students made the high school experience tough, and there is a lot of casual racism and bullying within the school. I had many "social" problems, and HHS did not handle them how I think they should have been handled.... Read 230 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,212

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Dover-Sherborn Regional School District, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Just love this school district and the value they put on education AND inclusion. Our children are heard with this new administration and how they approach balance of academic rigor and adolescent social development and mental well-being. Those who disagree care about dumb rankings like Niche, Boston & US News, and that is why our children suffer the consequences and succumb to unnecessary pressure often leading to unhealthiness, anxiety and depression. Steer clear of reviews like the one below. It’s inaccurate. As far as diversity is concerned, in these two sleepy suburb communities, the numbers mirror most towns of these sizes in race and income. Bussing children in from other communities has created success for some, but tends to add stress to the children without means as comparisons steal joy.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 657

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wellesley Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  179 reviews

Alum: Wellesley Senior High School is an excellent school exceding admirable quality in education, student well-being, student-teacher relations, and preparations for the student's next stage. Being an epitome of public schools across the country, everyone from the faculty to the student matches their best to foster a healthy, understanding environment needed for successful students. Students have access to unprecedented resources for their academic achievements, personal passions, and physical and mental well-being. The school hosts various academic competitions, clubs, and experts to further students' experiences and engage students' interests. The school even provides various academic and psychological health networks for those in need for guaranteed success. That being said, due to the success rooted in everyone's responsibility and commitment, some may not find the same accessibility as others. However, much is possible at Wellesley Senior High School with a go-getter mindset.... Read 179 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,406

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Sudbury, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  290 reviews

Senior: The best part about LS in my experience is by far the faculty! There are so many teachers who genuinely care about students' educational journey. The wellness department is also excellent. Strong music and theater programs as well. As for negative aspects of our school, we have a bit of a reputation for drugs/alcohol, although many high schools do. And, if you are concerned about rankings, etc., LS offers relatively few AP courses. But, I have found that the honors and accelerated classes are often just as high quality as AP courses, and a very challenging and enriching environment! I have learned a lot at LS and would highly recommend it.... Read 290 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,513

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Marlborough, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  270 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 270 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 965

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wayland Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  158 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 158 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 831

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westborough Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  232 reviews

Senior: Being a student at Westborough Highschool was a good experience, but I just know if I were to put myself out there more it would’ve been even better. I regret not doing a sport or joining any clubs, I regret not going to as many school events as I wanted, I regret wasting my highschool years playing video games and scrolling on social media. So next year in college I definitely want to do things I never had the courage to do in highschool, joining a club, possibly a sport and going to as many college events as possible. I also had good relationships with my teachers, they were all for the most part kind and understanding, and I will of course miss them all as I graduate this year!... Read 232 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,178

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Concord, MA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  212 reviews

Alum: An amazing public school option, teachers are passionate and will work with you, many mental health resources, and guidance counselors starts working with you early on to be on track for college!... Read 212 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,323

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Westwood Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  227 reviews

Senior: The teachers are amazing, they definitely excell in providing help and actually prepare you to do your best within the school. The education is top tier, that will provide you with challenges but is still greatly beneficial. Their is a lack of discipline which makes sense since the student body bad behaviors is actually low. However for the few that Is bad there is little punishment maybe a detention or lack of privileges. The guidance department is great if you just want to talk but if your looking for collage advice it's very rare to see unless you take the initiative to ask questions.... Read 227 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 952

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Needham Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  267 reviews

Junior: Overall, my experience at NHS has been a relatively good one! I've never had significant problems with my teachers, although some are definitely better at teaching than others. However, that can be said about most schools. I'm incredibly grateful for the open-campus policy as it gives students more freedom to choose a place they are able to better focus or accommodate their needs. That said, Needham, which can be labeled as a "liberal" town, still has its fair share to do in combating racism and other forms of discrimination. While being a white-dominated school itself does not warrant any problems, I have personally witnessed the more covert prejudice that runs within the student population. It's subtle, but it's there. Luckily, from what I've heard from friends, the school offers many great guidance counselors. Students can go there to discuss future plans or anything that's bothering their minds, and I think the school does an adequate job of providing mental health resources.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,669

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Weston Public Schools, MA•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• Students 452

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Westford Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  311 reviews

Alum: WA was an overall a really good experience, it set me up for success during college by its rigorous curriculum and dedicated teachers that ensure no student is left behind. WA provided the best sources for student success.It took me awhile to adjust to WA’s atmosphere, it always seemed it was a all about academics, but the school provided exceptional resources to students who struggled and I’m glad to say my WA experience was great!... Read 311 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,567

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Harvard Public Schools, MA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  73 reviews

Alum: I loved the people, and the education itself was incredible. I was challenged and supported academically in order to better succeed in college. I loved the teachers, and their willingness to help you in any way they could really was apparent. As an alumni now, I am proud to say that I went to such a well rounded school, and their initiatives to promote diversity and empowerment really added to my takeaways, and experience as a whole. One thing that I did not love about Bromfield was that it was often strict and biased on expectations. For example, we had a dress code that was often only directed towards female students. Additionally, if you were a star student or athlete, you were often exempt from punishment or rules, or had a slap on the wrist, whereas for anyone else, the consequences would have been much greater. All in all, this is a very minor issue in comparison to the many positive aspects of the school. They strive for greatness, and they give us the opportunities to do so.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Weston Public Schools, MA•

• 4-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Works Here: Field School is a close knit 4th and 5th Grade school. This is my first year with the Weston Field School community and I really like the impact that I see for myself in the future as a school counselor.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 263

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wellesley Public Schools, MA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: The school is wonderful because of the teachers. Each year, the teachers have been stronger than the last. They worked double time during the pandemic and have really made our kids excited about going to school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1