2023 Best Schools in Westwood

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  54 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 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  141 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 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,020

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• West Roxbury, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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 4.6 out of 5  48 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 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Wellelsey, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  71 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 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 481

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Weston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  70 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 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 311

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Newton, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: I went to Newton for 8 years and truly loved it. I made my greatest friends for life from the small and tight-knit community. A highlight for me personally were the sports teams because I played 3 seasons and really enjoyed the competitive spirit, yet loving family energy of the teams. The academics were rigorous from day one and now as a college student I am prepared and confident, especially in writing and history. My teachers, too many to name, turned out to be some of the most transformative people in my teenage years and I learned so much from them. The NCDS traditions - conge, gouter, retreats - are unlike any other and I will cherish them forever. I love that place and the people from the bottom of my heart and I attribute so much of my growth as an individual academically, athletically, and spiritually to Newton. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn and grow in such a resourceful, unique, and nurturing environment, and I am forever grateful for my years at NCDS.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: When looking for schools for my son, I wanted the strong academics, but I also wanted an environment that fostered independent thinking and discovery; an increasingly difficult combination to find given the climate of education and expectation these days. However, Beaver delivered it all. The core skills being taught are the same as what other schools are teaching, but Beaver does it in a way that draws the students in to ask questions, test their own ideas (knowing that it is ok, and expected, for some ideas to flop), and explore topics as they apply to real life. AP classes are not offered and that is a huge pro, not a con. By taking them out of the mix, students have space in their schedules to try classes that pique their interests...Neuroscience and Theories of Justice to name a couple. The list of colleges into which graduates matriculate year after year is a testament to the strong education students are getting and how it is perceived in the broader academic world.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Medfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  80 reviews

Parent: Our daughter's overall experience at Montrose School has been very positive. She is an active participant in her learning experiences, while also being challenged in many ways to grow each day. The dedicated teachers engage with students in a variety of areas. In addition to academics, teachers mentor students and support each of them along their unique journey at Montrose. The school offers countless opportunities for students to stay active and involved in sports and clubs, which helps to balance both academic and social development. We are blessed to have found such a wonderful school to support our daughter!... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 215

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: We have children in all divisions of the school. It has been an unbelievable experience for all of our kids! Our kids always want to be at school. They feel loved and connected in addition to loving the curriculum and coming home every day to tell us what they are learning. They are engaged and excited about learning! The schools in all divisions are very strong at individualizing instruction and caring for the whole child-emotionally, socially and academically. This is more important than ever during these pandemic times. We continue to be blown away by the care and responsiveness by the faculty, staff, teachers and administrators. Our kids are happy and thriving! The academics are very strong yet they are always supported!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Braintree, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: My children have found their people and place at Thayer and are thriving. Teachers truly know their students as reflected in detailed comments and teacher feedback. Not only are my children being challenged and inspired academically, they are trying new sports and activities constantly from volunteering for special olympics to acting and singing. The scholars in residence program is bringing amazing thought leaders to the school to teach leadership, communication, human rights, poetry and marine science. We chose Thayer because of the exceptional academics combined with amazing arts and athletics and a culture where people truly see and care for our children. The school is delivering on its mission and promise to know, connect and prepare my children.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 719

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brookline, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  42 reviews

Parent: The admistration is highly productive. They did not lose a day of teaching in the pendemic. They has no expereince for the online teaching before the covid hited us. Right after the spring break, online lessons were started as a half day program on Monday. On Wednesday, they switched to a whole day class to fully engage students. They never missed the summer camp and even open the campus much earlier than most other schools still did not know how to open their campus. It truely respect people's choice & rights. Never force anyone to be vacinnated. They teach kids critical thinking by allow them to listen to all perspectives instead of teaching kids to one direction which would altimatly destoy the country. Teachers are really caring about kids and would approach parents regarding how to help the kids become better. Not the fake love elsewhere. Great school with true loves, caring and common sense. I think its' ranking must be affected by the name of diversity which is a nonsense.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 754

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Brookline, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  38 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Maimonides! The school ensures that students leave with a great education in both Judaic and Secular studies. The classes are taught by wonderful, devoted teachers who build strong relationships with the students. The personal interactions are a unique feature of this school that can make any student feel comfortable. Maimonides has built a culture where the students support each other while also challenging each other to achieve the most that they can. Being a Jewish School, Judaism is sewn into the fabric of the school with a foundation built upon Jewish values, Jewish classes throughout the day, and opportunities to learn and develop Jewish identities. Students here, are known for their advanced Talmudic skills and Derech Eretz (respectful behavior). Maimonides manages to perfectly balance the seriousness of an academically-focused school, with a supportive culture that comes with being a smaller school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 428

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Westwood Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  226 reviews

Senior: My experience at Westwood High School has been eventful and innovative. Westwood has consistently challenged me to be my very best and push myself to new limits. Regarding education, teachers are completely invested in their students and provide the school with meaningful instruction. The community at Westwood is inclusive and encouraging. Although there isn't a lot of diversity, as a Muslim girl, I feel incredibly welcomed by everyone. The friends and connections I have formed at school will last a lifetime and are incredibly important for my mental health. Additionally, Westwood High School always acknowledges how students are struggling with the workload and how that affects their performance. In order to limit this effect, the district provides students with accessible resources such as therapy and yoga classes. Overall, my experience living in Westwood for most of my life has been extremely rewarding.... Read 226 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 993

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  82 reviews

Senior: Though I am almost done with my time here at Boston Trinity, this is my home. This is my family. With our new covid protocols, we have lost a lot of the aspects that make the community what it always is but I wouldn't want to be in any other community during this time. Yes we are stressed, yes we miss a lot of our typical activities, yes this was so unexpected and sad but our school has dedicated all of their energy to salvage what they can of our small tight knit fun loving community. Because of our school i am challenged, empowered, and supported. I believe this school can change the world! We are blessed and highly favored.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 236

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Waltham, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  61 reviews

Parent: Chapel Hill-Chauncey Hill HS has provided a nurturing, yet academically, challenging environment that our daughter has thrived in. Teachers, staff and administration take time to know our daughter and provide support as necessary but also give her the needed freedom to experiment and grow. We strongly recommend CH-CH be on you short list of high schools your considering!... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 192

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Braintree, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: My only child graduated from CATS Academy Boston a year ago. She got straight into Computer Sci uni program without taking competitive uni entrance exam. I'm happy so today I share this review. I can't say enough good things CATS offer to students: beautiful n safe campus, rich food, diverse culture, great teacher guidance...Boarding room is so unique, my child was given a single room with own clean bathroom n aircon, something I can't find in any other boarding school before. Therefore, she studied very hard n got great results during 2 years highschool at CATS. CATS prepares so well for university. AP n advanced courses she took at CATS, my daughter joins in many helpful clubs within n outside of school. Helpful visits to famous universities such as MIT, Harvard, Boston...Creative sessions at YouthCITIES, Boston Children's Hospital are golden opportunities CATS offer to enrich knowledge n brighten uni profile for students. I'm so grateful and proud to recommend CATS.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Natick, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  81 reviews

Alum: Walnut Hill Provides young people with a chance to hone their craft and live their dream every day of the week. Academics are brilliant and have small focused classes. You don't sacrifice any of your academics for arts here; you get it all. On the downside- I attended Walnut Hill for my junior and senior years. Before that I attended one of the most underfunded public schools in the nation. Bringing a bunch of "big-fish-small-pond", talented, young people together... having them live together, attend every class together-- creates a level of immaturity and selfishness I had never experienced. The students here represent the utter lack of compassion and perspective- the literal problem with America. I had to remind myself to separate from the constant drama and focus on why I was there-- the music. The music is truly incredible. No other high school works with a real Conservatory (NEC), and no other high school will prepare young musicians better than Walnut Hill.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 284

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• West Roxbury, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  91 reviews

Junior: I’ve always despised school, growing up I bounced around from school to school and I could never find the right fit. All my life I have been surrounded by teachers who thought boring lessons straight out of a book and clearly showed a lack of inspiration and effort when it came to teaching. Just as I was about to bow my head and surrender to the education system, it was CM that revived my thirst for knowledge. Despite the fact that I have only been enrolled for a year CM has provided me with an experience like no other. At CM I feel like that teachers believe in me and care about me. I feel inspired to learn everyday and I appreciate the efforts the teachers put into engaging lessons. But the best thing about CM is the countless opportunities available to a student. CM offers a wide range of teams and clubs to be appart of. You can be a star athlete one day, a debater the next, and peer minister by the end of the week. Next year I will be a junior and I already can’t wait to go back!... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 628

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Westwood Public Schools, MA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I loved it! :) :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 271

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Westwood Public Schools, MA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 2.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: Workload can be heavy at times but curriculum is challenging and on par with grade level and MA Core Frameworks.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westwood Public Schools, MA•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I LOVE the Downey Elementary School! The kids are just AMAZING! No wonder the Downey Elementary School earned a Blue Ribbon award this year! The staff are amazing, and everybody at this beautiful school is kind, patient, and helpful. Every person that works, learns, and cooperates there is part of a community! This school is amazing!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Quincy, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  84 reviews

Middle School Student: The Woodward School is by far one of the best all girls schools in all of Massachusetts. Their teachers are top notch and their curriculum is fun while also very educational. Many of the teachers write their own curriculum and they do such an amazing job of it. They also really include the students in decisions. For example when they were choosing a new head of school they let the students meet the candidate and ask him/her/them questions about what they plan to do for the school, how they would handle specific problems, even just their opinion on snow days, also if they support the LGBTQ community. The Woodward school is very supportive of the LGBTQ community they have many students who are part of the LGBTQ community as well as some teachers! The Woodward school does many great things for the community for example our animal welfare club collected toys and treats for the nearby dog shelters, and our environmental club has done numerous things for the community and the school.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1