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2019 Best Schools in the Boston AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,472
Best Schools
1,472 results

  1. Phillips Academy

    • Private School
    • Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 73
    1 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Alum: The most incredible environment to prepare young people to think outside of the box, learn to challenge themselves mentally, physically and emotionally. An amazing place to develop lasting friendships with people from across the globe — different backgrounds and cultures... and enjoying a special bond through your time and experiences at Andover, and beyond.

    Andover teaches you so many life skills, that become more evident how useful they are the more you experience what gets thrown your way...college, business, challenges and opportunities.

    Andover is the greatest investment in oneself and one’s education you could ever offer.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Winsor School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 5-12
    • 54
    2 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Freshman: I recently entered the school as a freshman, and never have I experienced such a warm, welcoming, and intelligent community as this one. My favorite thing about Winsor is the people there (teachers and students), though the academics are also exceptional. I'm always challenged and intrigued by my schoolwork and when it gets too hard I always feel comfortable asking a teacher for help. Extracurriculars at Winsor are also amazing. Whether you're in the play or on the basketball team, everyone is super nice and I guarantee you'll have the time of your life.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Milton Academy

    • Private School
    • Milton, MA
    • K-12
    • 93
    3 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Milton Academy is one of the best things in my life, but also the most stressful. The opportunities at Milton are endless and I feel incredibly privileged to have teachers that care about my well being, activities and clubs, a beautiful campus, and a seemingly endless supply of resources (such as art supplies, computers labs, food).
    Our food selection is incredible with a food for every person in any mood. The staff is always kind which just adds to the joy of lunchtime.
    While there are teachers I have heard about that are hard to work with or learn from(which happens anywhere), I have been very lucky to only have dealt with one teacher I didn't like (out of more than 25). I appreciate the skill level that the teachers have and the personal relationship that students can build with them throughout the year.
    I think that the faculty is very fair and thorough when dealing with disciplinary issues and I completely agree with the standards of respect and honesty that we are held up to.
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,000 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    The Sage School

    • Private School
    • Foxborough, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 4

    Parent: The small size allows every child to feel valued. Advanced children are given the ability to work at their own pace and not forced to confirm to what the group is ready to learn. Open ended projects allow creative kids to stay engaged and enthusiastic about learning. The children are more individual in nature so there is no pressure to conform in general and very little to no teasing/bullying. Sadly, the visual arts program is sorely lacking. Math, Science and Humanities (History/English) are all great. Behavior management is also an issue but the latest administration has cleaned that up a lot and I feel it is an issue that is becoming a thing of the past.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 159 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 28
    4 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Groton School

    • Private School
    • Groton, MA
    • 8-12
    • 18
    5 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Parent: This is one of the best schools we've visited and experienced. The teachers are top notch and willing to go above and beyond for the students, the students are extremely kind and noble in the way they relate to one another; and needless to say, this stems from the leadership, Temba Maqubela and his wife. No wonder it is the most selective school to get into in the nation.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 368 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Middlesex School

    • Private School
    • Concord, MA
    • 9-12
    • 38
    6 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Parent: The Middlesex School is a very good school for academics. The teachers and administers are great! The overall culture and the sports programs need improvement. The children are safe and are looked after. Overall, its a good place to send your child.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 406 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. The Roxbury Latin School

    • Private School
    • West Roxbury, MA
    • 7-12
    • 42
    7 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Alum: As a preface, I will say that although I was involved in most parts of school life at Roxbury Latin, the most important criterion to me is academic rigor. This, Roxbury Latin has in spades. Standouts for me include upper-level French (particularly because of M. Diop) and all Classics courses (Ancient Greek and Latin). Ultimately, Roxbury Latin stands for the epitome of a liberal arts-centered classical education, something which seems to be declining in perceived value compared to STEM education. Although RL has attempted to change with the times and jump on the STEM bandwagon, its efforts have been so far misguided. Still, RL shines as a paragon of excellence in its more traditional offerings, and that is why I give it 5 stars.

    Other parts of school life are less stellar in comparison. The current headmaster, albeit kind, is hilariously pompous. Although the school is racially and economically diverse, the RL mindset is homogenous and rarely challenged.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 302 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Buckingham Browne & Nichols School

    • Private School
    • Cambridge, MA
    • PK, K-12
    • 48
    8 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: As a new sophomore, BB&N was an amazing place to transition into. Like all schools, it has its faults and its benefits. However, so far, and now a senior, I have had an overall great experience with my teachers, friends, and everyone else around. I do wish we had air conditioning in classrooms closer to the summer. Our college counselors are very prepared and ready to help but should be responding to emails a little more promptly. Yet, I believe BB&N allows you to grow as an academic and as an athlete and I would definitely recommend attending.
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,017 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. St. Mark's School

    • Private School
    • Southborough, MA
    • 9-12
    • 32
    9 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Fantastic STEM program as well as fantastic teachers. The new STEM building along with the programs they offer such as STEM fellowship are phenomenal. The school offers many recourses for those who want them, helping find summer programs that fit an academic interest and helping students apply for them as well as finding financial grants for those who cannot afford it. The general education and college preparation are fantastic. As a student, you have one college counselor for a total of 30 kids, half of which are juniors and half of which are sophomores.
     If you live in New England, for parents this is an ideal school. Kids tend to go home on the weekends, however, the community is very close-knit and kids tend to visit each other if they live near each other. The international community is a bit limited and on weekends the campus tends to be a bit bare but there is progress being made towards fixing these issues.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 365 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Concord Academy

    • Private School
    • Concord, MA
    • 9-12
    • 70
    10 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Parent: Students at CA are passionately engaged intellectually and share very close relationships with the their teachers. Morale on this campus is strikingly high. Openness and warmth extends not just to students but also to families, who are always welcome. Very capable young people attend this school and they are young people who challenge and push themselves but they also have more fun than I thought possible! Peer groups are remarkably fluid and accepting: genuine, loving and supportive. Older students take a strong interest in mentoring and supporting the younger students, which has makes a very positive impact on the overall culture. There is no question that these students are expected to work very hard and that these are high achieving young people but they are experiencing true joy along the way. Sending our daughter to this school is the best decision we have ever made.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 382 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Boston University Academy

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 9-12
    • 35
    11 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: As Academy students, we have access to nearly all of Boston University's resources ranging from its wide variety of courses to its educational resource center (for peer tutoring and help with classes) and even the Fitness and Recreation Center. Besides our affiliation with BU, the Academy itself is a small building (relative to the rest of campus), but the size lends itself to the connections I've made there. Even as one of the largest classes to date (52 students), I've gotten to know nearly everyone in my class and in other grades. With less than 200 students in the entire school, it is easy to get to know each teacher and faculty member. Additionally, our college counselors are very supportive, beginning to reach out to us in the end of sophomore year, when most people begin deciding which BU courses they would like to take. Throughout junior and senior year, they keep in close touch and help through the college application and decision process.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 175 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Commonwealth School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 9-12
    • 8
    12 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Commonwealth School provides a fantastic education which challenges students to develop deep academic understanding. This is because teachers at Commonwealth School are very qualified and are experienced in making challenging material understandable and interesting to all students. Even though the tests are extremely difficult and teachers grade harshly, students are able to gauge their understanding well. The only downside to this is that students have very low grades in terms of college admissions.
    Beyond academics, there are a multitude of fantastic clubs and teams. Ranging from anime club to chess team, students can find a variety of clubs at Commonwealth. While options are limited since the student body is under 150 people, the clubs are run with good leadership and inclusive principles. The best part of Commonwealth is the community. Everyone is there with a passion towards and learning and a goal to make Commonwealth a better place for everyone.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Belmont Hill School

    • Private School
    • Belmont, MA
    • 7-12
    • 11
    13 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Parent: This is a very diverse all boys school. They focus on male adolescence issues in a way that students understand without embarrassment in a risk free environment. It is big on tradition and students appreciate knowing that they are following in the footsteps of many successful alumi that came before them. Some teachers have taught their fathers, uncles and brothers. Academically it is unmatched. Divided into Forms (Middle and Upper) with themes: Who are your heroes and why, What it means to become a man, Leadership, Responsibility and the Future. Students take one or more AP classes. International & domestic community service trips (Costa Rica, China, Italy) & cultural and charity events take place. The athletics program is one of the strongest in NE (16 interscholastic sports, field 57 teams, and compete in over 700 athletic contests each year) Visual arts, performing arts and music. Boys feel free to particiapte and take chances that they might not in a co-ed environment.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Lexington High School

    • Lexington Public Schools, MA
    • 9-12
    • 290
    1 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Alum: There was a sense of belonging within the high school community, amazing people and faculty that supported me along my path to college, and their ability to prepare us well for college and beyond. I was an active member of one of the sports teams at the school and it gave me a chance to form relationships with people from my grade or below. Overall great school!
    Read 290 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,154 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Brooks School

    • Private School
    • North Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 40
    14 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Brooks took a chance on accepting me and changed my life. I have given the opportunity to play on competitive varsity sports, travel through a unique winter term experience and exchange program, and explore who I am through the arts. Not only was I privileged in the opportunities given to me at this school but it also has provided me with life long relationships with the faculty and students. I could not have asked for a more meaningful educational experience.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 352 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. The Rivers School

    • Private School
    • Weston, MA
    • 6-12
    • 17
    15 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Sophomore: Rivers is often underestimated. People compare it to schools like Nobles and think rivers isn’t as hard. That is very false. Nobles and similar schools are just ahead in their rankings because they tend to take people with more money so better colleges want to accept them (it has nothing to do with better academics). As a rivers student, I am far smarter and have way more homework than all of my friends at nobles. Rivers is a great school in which the teachers are always willing to meet with you. When looking at other local private schools, rivers may not have the highest ranking online, but it definitely is of the same value!
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 498 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Boston Latin School

    • Boston Public Schools, MA
    • 7-12
    • 423
    2 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Boston Latin School was a great place to challenge myself and to discover the potential inside of me. Although some teachers were tough, I believe it helped me develop myself into a person who readily accepts hard work no matter the circumstance. My favorite part of Boston Latin School is the in-school clubs and events that take place. It is a fantastic chance for people like me to showcase my work and also to learn more about the diversity of the school. Overall, it is an excellent place for both learning and having fun!
    Read 423 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,439 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. St. Sebastian's School

    • Private School
    • Needham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 34
    16 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: St. Sebastian’s developed me in to a better student, and man. With a big focus on public speaking, St. Sebastian’s really worked with me to develop my writing skills. The teachers are eager to see their students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Built on a strong athletic reputation, St. Sebastian’s teams all compete on a high competitive level. Sportsmanship is heavily influenced. The biggest part about St. Sebastian’s is the community. Everyone is extremely friendly and always willing to help out. Starting from the younger grades up, students support each other both inside the classroom and on the fields.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Brookline High School

    • Public Schools of Brookline, MA
    • PK, 9-12
    • 269
    3 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: BHS has been a great school, but still has its issues. The culture has allowed students to speak out against issues that are important to them and the school. The current headmaster truly listens to students concerns and knows everyones name! The rigorous workload has prepared me for the work to come later in my life, but can also be over kill especially when it is busy work. Teachers should focus less on giving an assignment, but focus on an assignment that really has meaning.
    Read 269 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,944 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Wayland High School

    • Wayland Public Schools, MA
    • 9-12
    • 124
    4 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: I am a current senior on my way to graduate WHS. In my past four years as a student at Wayland, I have seen many changes, majority of them positive.
    The reason why WHS is not getting five full stars from me is because although there's only so much a school can do, Wayland is not doing enough. To its credit, WHS has been moving in positive directions, but there are students that NEED extra attention and aid, such as specialized teaching styles or classes. For some courses it's taught cookie-cutter style, and if you don't understand the concept, you're out of luck. You're going to do badly. On the other hand there are teachers that understand their students and realize no one is the same in learning habits, organization, or motivation. Some teachers take into consideration our lives OUTSIDE of school, at home, at practice, and more... And it's these teachers that make Wayland better, and will only improve it over the upcoming years.
    Read 124 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Newton North High School

    • Newton Public Schools, MA
    • 9-12
    • 322
    5 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Overall, great school. Library's policy could improve... As a senior currently undergoing the college process, Newton North has prepared me very well and helps everywhere possible. Though it is a fairly competitive high school, it challenges students to do the best they can and take difficult courses. With the availability of many Advanced Placement courses, students are prepared for college early and, on average, do well on the SAT and ACT standardized tests.
    Read 322 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,057 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Newton South High School

    • Newton Public Schools, MA
    • 9-12
    • 234
    6 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Sophomore: Overall, Newton South is a great school. Academically, outstanding. Many courses that will prepare you for college and is extremely rigorous. Teachers are very good. They want to be there to help you a you succeed and get the resources you need. The problem with NS is that it is simply too big! Makes it harder to meet with teachers and get support. Sports/clubs/activites are well funded. Student body is kind and friendly. Is not a very supportive place but is a good school.
    Read 234 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,799 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Belmont High School

    • Belmont Public Schools, MA
    • 9-12
    • 174
    7 Best Public High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: What I loved about Belmont Highschool, is their ability to create an environment where each student can challenge themselves and come outside of their comfort zone. One thing I would like to change the schools system, is the amount of homework we get handed. Each teacher is giving college level homework, which does not permit us enough time to complete it all when it comes to extracurricular activities.
    Read 174 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,245 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Dana Hall School

    • Private School
    • Wellelsey, MA
    • 5-12
    • 37
    17 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Alum: Dana Hall offered me a great high school experience and prepared me well for college. In particular, all faculty at the school encouraged me to ask for help and to consult available sources. Now in college, I find that I am better equipped than many of my peers to ask questions and ask for guidance when necessary. When I was a student, I was a tour guide for prospective students and families, and was always told by parents that they could tell I loved the school. I still speak of the school with enthusiasm and am grateful for the skills I learned.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 469 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Newton Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Newton, MA
    • 5-12
    • 29
    18 Best Private High Schools in Boston Area

    Senior: Most of the teachers are incredibly friendly, helpful, and always willing to meet with you for one-on-one help. The school lacks in diversity but it is evident they are actively working towards this issue. Overall I've really enjoyed my time here, I've had amazing opportunities and the school really pushes you to be successful with rigorous academics and a supportive school community.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 406 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 8

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    CATS Academy Boston

    • Private School
    • Braintree, MA
    • 9-12
    • 7

    Alum: Diversity is the best thing about it. Students who attend CATS are intersting and ambitious young people. I had an amazing time making friends. Some of the teachers are truly great, they are ready to go above and beyond to help students achieve their goals. On the other hand, there are some teachers who are really unkind and unhelpful. The principle and the student affairs departnment, as well as most of other saff including dorm parents is horrific. They are people who are having personal issues and are not healthy for school environment. Of course, there are exceptions. I personaly had a great dorm parent, and I wish other students can get the same experience.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 420 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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