2024 Best Schools Offering AP Courses in the Boston Area

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at Commonwealth. As a shy middle school student, I was advised by a family friend to look into small schools during my high school search. The community at Commonwealth helped me find my voice, connect closely with my friends and teachers, and learn about myself in a controlled environment. Although a large portion of my experience was heavily affected by the pandemic and the school chose some subpar ways to foster longtime school traditions, I still consider what I gained from my four years to have outweighed my losses. I'm eternally grateful to Commonwealth for my four years there and what I hope will become a lifelong connection to the community.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 154

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  60 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 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: My son recently graduated from MX and his experience was a game changer for him. It is academically intense but non competitive, with students studying together and helping each other succeed. It is one of the kindest places that fosters friendliness and acceptance. His friends are smart, caring, multi faceted and diverse in every sense. The teachers take the time to build relationships and get to know the kids, meeting weekly as advisors to learn about and support their students as they navigate academics, sports, friends and teen challenges. MX is a gem that you seek out for a different and special ISL experience. An incredible place filled with amazing people!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 418

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  150 reviews

Sophomore: Really amazing academic programs that really challenge your critical thinking skills. The admin. really cares about the students and mental health, and there are so many resources for one to succeed. Also, there are numerous clubs and community engagement opportunities for students to engage in with kind and welcoming faculty advisors. The teachers are also very open to help and really care about the students working there. One amazing thing about Milton is that our Upper School Principal teaches a class in order to get to know students better, and a lot of the admin. knows students on a name to name basis. The homework is manageable and allows for students to excel in extracurriculars. The students are not competitive in the sense that they try to bring each other down, but instead, the Milton environment is one of lifting people up!... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,020

• 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

• Cambridge, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  90 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 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,036

• 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 307

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  84 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 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• North Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: Brooks School is a very great school. It has great staff and faculty, as well as a student body that is not afraid to show school spirit!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 346

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Needham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  52 reviews

Alum: I graduated from St. Sebs in 2023 and cannot speak more highly of an institution. The school acted as a second home for me and many of my classmates. We would arrive before the doors opened and wouldn't leave until very late in the night. The school thrives at helping students gain the most out of their time by encouraging them to explore their passions and new pursuits. I, like many of my classmates, played multiple sports -all of which I picked up in highschool- participated in or led clubs, created new clubs, and created deep friendships with my teachers. St. Sebs is held in deep regard in my heart, and I can not more highly recommend it.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Weston, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  52 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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 525

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Byfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: Govs would be a fantastic choice over the other independent schools in the area. The faculty is top-notch, caring, and invested in helping students succeed. Academics are rigorous, yet offer many challenging paths, such as AP, Honors, etc. There are no Saturday requirements! Athletic options are wide-ranging, with athletes competing on state/national levels. In afternoon programming, students are encouraged to try new sports, even if they've never played before. There are alternatives to team sports as well. Student-led clubs meet regularly and provide an opportunity to get involved and make a difference. The music, arts, and theater options are fabulous. Students can even get involved in theater tech by building sets and running events. On-campus weekends are fun and open to boarding AND day students. The Head of School also opens his home for student activities. The administration could be more consistent when holding students accountable. There's always more room for diversity.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 415

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Lexington Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  393 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 393 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,273

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wellelsey, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  75 reviews

Senior: As a boarding student my Dana friends have become my family. I’ve never felt more supported and loved. The connections I’ve made at Dana I will forever cherish. On the flip side it’s really easy to get caught up in all the craziness happening. With such a busy schedule it’s common that students get overwhelmed and can break down. Though there are adults who can help support the students, the workload is a lot. Many students say they’re stressed repeatedly throughout the day. In summary, Dana has changed my life, it’s changed me. Both positively and negatively. But if you’re looking for a fun, and uplifting community this is the place for you. But if you struggle with time management Dana might be challenging... Read 75 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Weston Public Schools, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  108 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 108 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Lexington, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: I've been going to LCA since sixth grade and I genuinely enjoyed my time here! I really appreciate the friendships I've made, the many leadership opportunities the school offers, and the ability to express myself through the arts. Additionally, LCA is very involved throughout the college process, and prepares students well by helping them learn about careers, practice for the SAT, and fine-tune their college essays.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 288

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Boston Public Schools, MA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  562 reviews

Junior: This school does a good job in creating a good academic environment. A lot of teachers are pushing you to be your best and are incredibly supportive. There are so many resources whether it be for mental health, college applications, resume, job interview prep, financial literacy, and so much more. There are many clubs and events highlighted for different communities (Asians, LGBTQ+, etc). However, it can be an incredibly stressful environment and take some getting used to if a student's previous school was a very different experience. On one end, a lot of kids share the bond of communal suffering, but it can go the other end as well. There's an underlying competitive nature to the school as everyone is trying to be the best.... Read 562 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,416

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Public Schools of Brookline, MA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  364 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 364 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,087

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newton, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  67 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed my high school experience in Newton Country Day School, I love the long lasting traditions that are taken seriously by both students and teachers as well as the strong sense of community both in our school and with the greater sacred heart network. My personal favorite thing about our school is the teacher student connections that are fostered here. There is room for improvement, I think the schedule can be modified to allow students to try new things like maybe multiple clubs instead of just one. I also think it is important that all electives receive the same amount of importance, for example chorale and instrumental ensemble should be better advertised and should go on more trips as the school says. Celebrate the arts student with a ceremony similar to that of the sports ceremonies. This school really empowers me to look into the future with courage and confidence as I feel prepared to move on and take every chance that comes my way.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Waltham, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I am a senior at Gann Academy. I love the small class sizes, teachers, and tight community. I also love the opportunities I have in STEM to explore with some classes that usually are not offered till the second year of college. That being said, I came to Gann to lose some of the stress a public highschool might have. Even though I still think there is less stress now with the support Gann offers, the school is becoming more high pressure each year. They discourage free periods while encouraging clubs/sports. Though those with extra time on tests are often unable to go to club meeting. This environment, if you let it causes overworking oneself. When I was a freshman, I found I had more time on my hands than in middle school (to be fair a high bar). Now, sophmores take an advanced chemistry class/pre-AP class, that has 2-3 hours of homework a night. I think their are a lot of good parts about Gann, esspecially the people, but I wish students had more say in all the changes.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 267

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  85 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 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Braintree, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: My experience at Thayer Academy was phenomenal. The faculty is very supportive and helpful towards my academic success. The faculty finds time in their busy schedules for extra help or support. Thayer gives each student lots of freedom and opportunities during their time. Thayer is academically challenging but with with only 10-15 students in a classroom, there’s many opportunities for questions and help. Thayer has a great atmosphere with every student getting along with one another and building strong relationships with so few students in a class. One thing that makes Thayer stand out is the focus on the students mental health. Thayer provides anyone struggling with anything in or out of the classroom with support and love. Thayer is like a day college, where you see students go in and out of buildings for class and when they don’t have a class, you can see them having fun playing games on the open field. Thayer is a special place and I would attend it for four more years if I could.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 732

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1