2023 Best Schools in the Boston Area

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  161 reviews

Sophomore: I am extremely grateful to PA. Coming from a lower income background, Andover has opened doors and introduced me to countless opportunities. I’ve been able to gain new passions, such as running and activism, and practice my old ones under incredible instruction and with access to fantastic resources. My only issue with the school is that it’s an incredibly stressful environment for 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 year old students - meaning students are handling both normal teenage stress (pertaining to popularity or pop culture), along with the stress of elite college admissions. There’s not much done by the administration to combat this, meaning students have to tackle it themselves, resulting in people getting overwhelmed, and sometimes leaving the school. However, most of us stick it out, but at what cost? All in all, I would recommend Andover if you’re someone who feels as if your current environment is too restricting and you want to broaden your horizons and meet new people.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  64 reviews

Alum: At Groton, I feel that I have been able to become a more independent and conscientious person during my time at this school. The best thing about this school is the resources that it provides the students. Here, I feel that I can be whoever I like because the teachers, dorm parents, coaches, and community is supportive of everyone's quirks, interests, and dreams. The teachers are approachable and dedicated, and work hard to provide students with a positive experience and I have made some of the truest and most diverse background friends. However, while at my time here, I have noticed that there is a toxically competitive culture here. Moreover, sometimes it is hard to get leadership positions in clubs because one has to be "connected" or popular, and the unsafe hook-up culture NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! Overall, a great school, and despite the school's imperfections, I would not trade my experience at Groton for anything else in the world.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  36 reviews

Parent: The best of Commonwealth is the faculty and staffs! They are very caring and dedicated to help each student to improve and grow. My son started quite a few weeks late on the first year. I was very much impressed with how the school planned for my son’s curriculum. They truly encourage the students to take off as high as they can. The teachers are so helpful that my son was able to quickly catch up everything. The low teacher-student ratio makes it easy to schedule a meeting with any teacher to discuss any issues and concerns. The administration is very supportive who had worked very hard to create my son’s schedule due to course change this fall, while they were so busy with preparing the school for the hybrid learning mode. They amazingly turned the in-person learning to fully remote during the spring break. Commonwealth school offers authentic education. You'll see how fantastic students development themselves to be intellectual, responsible and sensible young people.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: It is hard to put into words the incredibly positive impact that this school has had on my life. Coming in as an awkward freshman, I was greeted by a welcoming community of intelligent, funny, and hard-working students and teachers that have supported me since day one. Through the most amazing sports teams, clubs, organizations, and even just academic classes, I have made memories and formed relationships (with students and teachers alike) that will last me a lifetime. Now as a senior in my fourth year at the school, I feel confident in myself as a learner, friend, teammate, leader, and person, and so much of this is thanks to Nobles. Starting with assembly in the morning, and ending with "Dogs on three, one, two, three, DOGS!" at the end of practice in the afternoon, the constant infectious energy makes it a joy for me to go to school each day. I will miss this place dearly and plan to stay connected long after I graduate.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  104 reviews

Junior: I LOVE CA! As a current day student, I don’t have many regrets about my choice to go CA. The academics are manageable but rigorous, super friendly community, and most teachers really put in an effort to connect with students. CA is centered around common trust basically meaning that we all have trust in each other and put effort to foster a community. With that said, that is the case about 90% of the time. I’ve had a couple negative experiences with teachers and students who simply just don’t adhere to the common trust. For instance, I’ve a couple of teachers who just didn’t put in any effort to support me or my unique learning. Other than those few experiences, I have nothing but positive feedback for CA.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  148 reviews

Senior: Milton Academy students leverage their top-tier academics to achieve their goals. Whether that be in academics, athletics, the arts, or in social justice, everything these students do is done at the highest caliber. We love to learn and bond through knowledge! I would describe its community as full of social nerds. Milton has provided me with endless opportunities and has expanded my network immensely. Thank you for a wonderful three years so far, Milton. While I’ll be moving onto a new chapter in the next couple years, I know I will always have Milton’s support.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,020

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: Great experience despite Covid. School did a great job continuing with higher education practices while in person and over Zoom. Love the advisor program, chapel program, writing workshop and lots of class choices. Students are able to do it all, sports, academics, theatre and music. They are allowed to experience everything. Boarders and day students always intertwined!... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: BUA provides a unique opportunity for students to have the best of both worlds: a small dynamic curious community couched inside of a large university with endless opportunities. The classes at BUA are taught by high quality professors and teachers who are dedicated to their subject areas and to helping students. Expectations are high and for the student who seeks challenges while learning to navigate student life in the city, BUA is an enriching opportunity. Students learn to navigate taking college classes while at BUA which is a huge advantage because course offerings at the university level are diverse. Students become independent learners as they advocate for themselves in the university environment. This school has a unique culture attracting students and families who have inherent interests in learning, an unparalleled curiosity and kindness. My daughter who is a senior now has loved every year of her time at BUA and is over prepared for her next steps at college.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 229

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Southborough, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  51 reviews

Junior: My St. Mark's experience so far has been great. The smaller sized classes allow for more individual attention and better communication between the students and teachers. There are also many opportunities available to students from community service to leadership positions. As a boarder, the dorm atmosphere is great and I've met many of my friends there!... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Cambridge, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  84 reviews

Junior: BB&N's facilities are impressive, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and athletic facilities. The school also offers a robust extracurricular program, including sports, clubs, and community service opportunities, which further enrich the student experience. What sets BB&N apart, however, is the sense of community and inclusivity that permeates the school. Students come from diverse backgrounds, and the school actively works to foster an environment of acceptance and respect. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and engaged, and parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child's education. Overall, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is an outstanding institution that provides an exceptional educational experience. With a challenging academic program, a welcoming community, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, BB&N is an excellent choice for families seeking a top-tier education for their children.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,037

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: Winsor is really wonderful! Our child loves going to school here every day. The teachers work hard to make classes truly engaging; they are very approachable and provide detailed feedback and support. There are plenty of kind and friendly fellow students to bond with in classes, sports, performing arts, clubs, and other activities. We’re thankful for her experience here, and would choose to send her to Winsor again in a heartbeat.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• West Roxbury, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: This school has had massive influence on my mind and spirit since matriculating in the JFK era. Can't really speak for current performance of school leadership and its culture, but lived it during an especially troubled and troubling time. Sorry to say it, though the obsession with Harvard, etc. detracted from the healthy experience that we needed so badly, but which was not available to many, despite the boosters who would cling to the idea that they had not been damaged nor damaged others. Bullying was the norm in our time, and one learned how to "blend in" so as not to receive the horrific public shaming that "gay" or otherwise non-standard boys would get. Not the best preparation for an accepting or humanistic mind set for life, one asserts. "IQ" learning may have been at the highest level than any school in the country if not the world, in one's time there. The Howard Gardner "Multiple Intelligences" model was unknown at that time and so the three R's plus sports dominated.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Belmont, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  29 reviews

Sophomore: There are several reasons why my high school is so dear to my heart and I really adore it. I have had the opportunity to explore several facets of academic life as a rising sophomore, which has made my journey extremely exciting and gratifying. First off, my high school offers a tremendous variety of extracurricular activities. Being a member of the soccer team has given me the opportunity to hone my talents, promote collaboration, and create enduring connections with my teammates. To sum up, I want to say how appreciative I am of my high school and the chances it provides. My high school experience has been really gratifying because of the variety of extracurricular activities, the academics that are in line with my interests, and the supportive environment. As a rising sophomore, I am eager to continue my path because I know that my school will continue to encourage my development, push me, and provide the groundwork for a prosperous future.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Weston, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  44 reviews

Parent: We have been very pleased with our Rivers experience. In addition to offering excellent academics and extracurricular opportunities, the school is committed to student wellness. There are two full-time counselors available, and the student-faculty advisor system provides an additional layer of support. We found the school to be extremely supportive of our child when they experienced anxiety during the pandemic. The school also spends a great deal of time talking individually to each student and their parents about course selection to ensure that each student is appropriately challenged. Overall, we are very grateful that we chose Rivers!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Needham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: Our son started as a 9th grader in the fall of 2020. The school has exceeded our very high expectations. Even with the ongoing pandemic, the school has managed to provide an academically rigorous and caring/supportive community. The teachers are extraordinary. They know our son very well and truly care about his academic AND personal and spiritual development. His academic transition from public school has been seamless. We are confident the education he is receiving will prepare him very well for college. In this uncertain time with so much angst in society, I can not think of a better community for our son to be part of. On a daily basis the faculty and administration communicate their time tested wisdom that allows him to help filter out the current angst and noise that surrounds us all. We are extremely grateful we can call St. Sebastian's home. Sending our son is truly the best academic decision we have ever made.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• North Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: I have two Children who attend Brooks. Both are 4 year boarders. The opportunity each of them has been given in attending Brooks as been incredible. They have been challenged in and out of the classroom. The academics are challenging, but are done in an environment that is always supportive, with a lot of encouragement to strive to be and do your best. My children have forged wonderful relationships with many of their teachers, advisors and coaches; ones that will last a lifetime. The school is very warm and welcoming, and has the feel of being "home". Athletics at Brooks are a great compliment to the academics. Brooks is always competitive in so many of their athletic teams. Brooks transitioned so quickly and so well to online learning during this past Spring when schools were forced to close. The transition was seamless for my children, and my children continued to be challenged during this remote learning time. I would highly recommend Brooks School.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 346

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Wellelsey, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: We have experienced both public and private high schools and in the end, it’s what the student makes of the available opportunities. We find Dana Hall to be an excellent school with caring and responsive staff. Students have weekly one on one meetings with their advisor as well as daily group meetings. The environment promotes girls to take on leadership roles as well as fostering a spirit of sisterhood through their many school traditions. We were initially hesitant about sending our kid to an all girls school but so far, she academically amply challenged and is very happy where she is.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 481

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Boston Public Schools, MA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  543 reviews

Senior: Boston Latin School is undoubtedly rigorous. The curriculum and workload translate into this intense pressure that many students find difficult to bear. Of course, this rigor is helpful for students to prepare for whatever is coming next in their professional/academic careers. I have found that each course provides me with the knowledge and readiness for the path I intend to take, and BLS has given me even more opportunities to expand and grow as a student. This rigor does come with a cost, however, and it is greatly reflected in each student's mental, emotional, and physical health. Many students here understand the intense pressure that comes with this sort of environment and therefore adapt by any means necessary. The difficulty of the coursework often leads some students to neglect healthy habits and good sleep schedules, and although BLS has taken many strides in ensuring that they spread more awareness on personal care, they still have many improvements to make.... Read 543 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,483

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Weston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: The history, art, and dance department are fantastic! The students are given a good amount of freedom to be creative, and the class options are very extensive. Test taking and paper writing are more limited, so college preparation in those areas is difficult. The student body is small so a little cliquey. You'll have a good time if you find your "group" however.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 311

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Boston (jamaica Plain), MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: Our children moved from a local State school to BISB three years ago. From day one the school has provided a first class academic and social education, helping children become well rounded members of the community. The curriculum is varied, thought-provoking, interesting, and challenges and encourages the children to be creative and ambitious. The teaching staff are very attentive to each individual child’s learning capabilities and needs, and the small class sizes are a definite advantage. As an international family we are excited that our children will have the opportunity of doing the IB Diploma, a highly regarded and recognized qualification that provides children with a wonderful springboard to move into higher education not only in the US, but worldwide. Overall as parents we are thoroughly impressed with the school as a whole, but more importantly our children are engaged and interested in their education and really enjoy attending school each day. We highly recommend BISB.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 495

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Public Schools of Brookline, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  354 reviews

Senior: Brookline High School as a whole is a great experience. There are so many options for classes and electives! Most of the teachers seem to genuinely care about their students. There are so many clubs, sports, and activities- you can certainly find something you’re interested in (or make your own club!). The culture is competitive but teachers are always available to support students. As with any school, there are issues but ultimately students, teachers, administrators, and the town collaborate to make changes.... Read 354 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,035

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Byfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: My son is currently a senior at Governor's and has had a fantastic experience! It truly is a very special place and we are so grateful he has had the opportunity to attend...The academics are definitely tough, but Governor's finds a way to create balance. There are prep schools out there that are so rigorous kids are stressed out and depressed. I distinctly recall touring one elite school which had an entire floor of a building dedicated to counseling offices because kids were so stressed out. That is not the case at Govs. Balance is important in life and Govs makes a conscious effort to explicitly weave that into the experience. I highly recommend Governor's to any parent looking for a school which will not only prepare your son or daughter for college, but one that will encourage growth on many levels.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Waltham, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: Gann Academy is a great school They really hold true to their core values of create, care, connect, and strive. The faculty and staff are excellent. Gann strives to educate and empower students, connects with students, faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and the larger Boston area community. Gann cares about its community, and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome. Gann works to create new and innovative ways to educate students, as well as help create/nurture future leaders. Gann has only been around for a bit more than 20 years, but I know its students go on to do amazing and inspiring things.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 286

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1