Top 10 Public High Schools in Massachusetts

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Massachusetts is Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America (founded 1635), an exam school of about 2,400 students that pairs a demanding classics-rooted curriculum with near-100% college matriculation and a deep slate of AP and Advanced Studies courses.

The Best Value pick is Sharon High School in Norfolk County, a tuition-free traditional public school that delivers top-tier MCAS scores, strong AP participation, and a ~98% graduation rate in a community far more affordable than the state's wealthiest enclaves. This list is built for Massachusetts families and students weighing academics, college outcomes, environment, and fit.

Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the state, College Board, and school profiles.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against what Massachusetts families actually prioritize when choosing where to live or apply. We drew on published figures from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the College Board, and individual district sites. The weighting:

• Academic performance (MCAS and proficiency) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts strong test scores but stumbles on college placement or climate drops fast; the winners here balance all six.

1. Boston Latin School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public exam school (Boston Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Academically driven students who can pass the entrance exam

Founded in 1635, Boston Latin School is the oldest public school in the United States and the flagship of the Boston exam schools. It enrolls roughly 2,400 students in grades 7–12 in the Fenway neighborhood, admitting students through a combination of the exam-school assessment and GPA.

The curriculum is rooted in classics and requires multiple years of Latin, and the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement and Advanced Studies courses. Boston Latin reports near-100% college matriculation, sending graduates to Ivy League schools, MIT, and the top public universities every year.

Its alumni include Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and five signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Pros:

• Near-100% college matriculation to top universities
• Deep slate of AP and Advanced Studies coursework
• Historic classics curriculum dating to 1635
• Free public access through a merit-based exam

Cons:

• Competitive admission via exam excludes many applicants
• High-pressure academic environment is intense for some

Verdict: The standard-bearer for Massachusetts public education — historic, rigorous, and a reliable launchpad to elite colleges.

2. Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at WPI

Type: Public (statewide STEM, grades 11–12) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Top math and science students ready for college-level work

The Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science in Worcester is a public school for juniors and seniors only, run in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). It enrolls only about 100 students per class, admitted from across the state through a selective application.

Seniors take their courses directly on the WPI campus, earning college credit while completing a major independent research project. The school posts some of the strongest STEM outcomes in Massachusetts, with graduates routinely admitted to MIT, Caltech, WPI, and other top technical universities.

It frequently produces national science and math competition finalists.

Pros:

• Seniors take classes on the WPI college campus
• Tiny ~100-student classes with deep faculty access
• Outstanding placement into top STEM universities
• Free public access for students statewide

Cons:

• Only serves grades 11–12, so students transfer in
• Narrow STEM focus and heavy workload aren't for everyone

Verdict: The premier public STEM option in the state — free, selective, and a direct pipeline to elite technical colleges.

3. Lexington High School

Type: Public (Lexington Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a large, high-achieving suburban school

Lexington High School in Middlesex County enrolls about 2,300 students and consistently ranks among the highest-performing traditional public high schools in Massachusetts. It posts top-decile MCAS scores, with the vast majority of students scoring Meeting or Exceeding Expectations in English and math.

The school offers a broad menu of AP courses and strong participation rates, and reports a graduation rate around 98% with the overwhelming majority of graduates enrolling in four-year colleges. Lexington's size supports an unusually deep range of extracurriculars, from nationally competitive math and science teams to robust music and athletics programs.

Pros:

• Top-decile MCAS proficiency in English and math
• Broad AP catalog with high participation rates
• Graduation rate around 98% with strong college enrollment
• Deep extracurriculars from STEM teams to the arts

Cons:

• High housing costs in Lexington gate access
• Large size and competition can feel high-pressure

Verdict: A flagship suburban public school — broad, deep, and reliably college-bound for families who can afford the town.

4. Sharon High School 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public (Sharon Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families seeking top outcomes in a more affordable suburb

Sharon High School in Norfolk County enrolls roughly 1,100 students and quietly posts results that rival the state's wealthiest districts at a lower cost of living. It records strong MCAS proficiency, healthy AP participation, and a graduation rate around 98%, with most graduates heading to four-year colleges.

Sharon is known for a diverse, community-minded environment and a strong record in academic competitions, music, and debate. For families priced out of Lexington, Weston, or Wellesley, Sharon offers comparable academic outcomes in a town with relatively more attainable housing — the best outcomes-per-dollar on this list.

Pros:

• Strong MCAS scores at a lower town cost of living
• Graduation rate around 98% with strong college placement
• Healthy AP participation and academic-competition record
• Diverse, community-focused school environment

Cons:

• Smaller than the largest suburban powerhouses
• Fewer specialized course offerings than the biggest schools

Verdict: The value champion — elite-tier outcomes without the premium price tag of the wealthiest suburbs.

5. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

Type: Public (regional district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a large STEM-strong regional school

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in Middlesex County serves the towns of Acton and Boxborough and enrolls about 1,900 students. It is one of the strongest STEM-oriented public schools in the state, posting high MCAS proficiency and offering an extensive AP course catalog with strong participation.

The school reports a graduation rate near 98% and sends most graduates to four-year colleges, including top technical and research universities. Acton-Boxborough is known for competitive math, science, and engineering teams and a deep arts program, and its regional structure supports a wide range of electives.

Pros:

• High MCAS proficiency and extensive AP offerings
• Strong STEM teams in math, science, and engineering
• Graduation rate near 98% with strong college placement
• Wide elective and arts catalog from regional scale

Cons:

• Housing in Acton and Boxborough runs expensive
• Large, competitive setting can feel demanding

Verdict: A STEM-strong regional powerhouse — excellent for families who want depth in math and science.

6. Dover-Sherborn Regional High School

Type: Public (regional district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a small, high-performing regional school

Dover-Sherborn Regional High School serves the towns of Dover and Sherborn and is one of the smallest top performers on this list, enrolling about 650 students. Despite its size, it posts among the highest MCAS proficiency rates in Massachusetts and offers a solid slate of AP courses with strong participation relative to its enrollment.

The school reports a graduation rate near 99% and near-universal four-year college enrollment. Its small size translates into low student-teacher ratios and a close-knit environment, and it maintains competitive athletics and arts programs for a school its size.

Pros:

• Among the highest MCAS proficiency rates statewide
• Small ~650-student size with low student-teacher ratios
• Graduation rate near 99% and near-universal college enrollment
• Close-knit community with strong faculty access

Cons:

• Small size limits the breadth of course offerings
• Affluent towns mean high housing costs

Verdict: A small-school standout — exceptional outcomes and intimacy for families who value a tight community.

7. Wellesley High School

Type: Public (Wellesley Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting an academically rich suburban school near Boston

Wellesley High School in Norfolk County enrolls about 1,400 students and is a consistent high performer west of Boston. It posts strong MCAS proficiency, a broad AP catalog, and a graduation rate around 97–98%, with the large majority of graduates enrolling in four-year colleges.

Wellesley benefits from a well-funded district and proximity to higher-education resources, and its modern campus supports strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and arts. The school is known for an engaged, college-focused culture and competitive athletics across many sports.

Pros:

• Strong MCAS proficiency and a broad AP catalog
• Graduation rate around 97–98% with strong college placement
• Well-funded district with a modern campus
• Engaged, college-focused academic culture

Cons:

• Wellesley housing is among the most expensive in the state
• College-prep pressure runs high

Verdict: A well-rounded, well-funded suburban school near Boston — strong across academics, arts, and athletics.

8. Weston High School

Type: Public (Weston Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a small, elite, well-resourced suburban school

Weston High School in Middlesex County enrolls about 750 students and serves one of the wealthiest, best-funded districts in Massachusetts. It posts very high MCAS proficiency and offers a strong AP program with high participation, supported by per-pupil spending well above the state average.

Weston reports a graduation rate near 99% and near-universal four-year college enrollment, including frequent admissions to highly selective universities. Its small size keeps classes intimate while the district's resources sustain robust science, language, and arts offerings and competitive athletics.

Pros:

• Very high MCAS proficiency and strong AP participation
• Per-pupil spending well above the state average
• Graduation rate near 99% with selective-college placement
• Small size keeps classes intimate

Cons:

• One of the highest-cost towns in the state
• Limited socioeconomic diversity

Verdict: A small, elite, exceptionally resourced public school — top outcomes for families who can afford one of the priciest towns.

9. Westford Academy

Type: Public (Westford Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting strong academics in a more attainable Middlesex town

Westford Academy in Middlesex County enrolls about 1,500 students and is one of the strongest public high schools in the northwest suburbs. It posts high MCAS proficiency, offers a broad AP catalog with strong participation, and reports a graduation rate around 97–98% with most graduates enrolling in four-year colleges.

Westford is known for competitive STEM and robotics teams, a deep music program, and successful athletics. The town's housing, while not cheap, is generally more attainable than the wealthiest enclaves, making Westford a strong outcomes-for-cost choice in the region.

Pros:

• High MCAS proficiency and a broad AP catalog
• Competitive STEM, robotics, and music programs
• Graduation rate around 97–98% with strong college enrollment
• More attainable housing than the wealthiest suburbs

Cons:

• Large size can feel less personal than small schools
• Northwest-suburb location is farther from Boston

Verdict: A strong, well-rounded suburban school with good value — excellent academics in a more attainable Middlesex town.

10. Hopkinton High School

Type: Public (Hopkinton Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a rising, high-performing MetroWest school

Hopkinton High School in Middlesex County enrolls about 1,300 students and has steadily climbed into the ranks of the state's top public schools. It posts strong MCAS proficiency, offers a solid slate of AP courses, and reports a graduation rate around 98% with the large majority of graduates enrolling in four-year colleges.

Hopkinton — best known nationally as the start of the Boston Marathon — has invested in its schools as the town has grown, and the high school is recognized for strong athletics, robotics, and music alongside its academics. Housing is generally more attainable than in the eastern inner suburbs.

Pros:

• Strong MCAS proficiency and a solid AP slate
• Graduation rate around 98% with strong college enrollment
• Recognized athletics, robotics, and music programs
• More attainable MetroWest housing than inner suburbs

Cons:

• Rapid town growth has pressured school capacity
• Farther from Boston than the inner-ring suburbs

Verdict: A rising MetroWest standout — strong, well-rounded outcomes in a growing, relatively attainable town.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• MCAS and proficiency data — Check published DESE MCAS results for the share of students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations, not just averages. The schools here cluster near the top of the state.
• College outcomes — Look at four-year college enrollment rates and where graduates actually go, not just graduation percentages. Boston Latin and Mass Academy lead on selective placement.
• AP access and participation — A broad AP catalog matters only if students can enroll. Compare both the number of courses offered and participation rates.
• Town cost vs. Outcomes — The best value comes from matching outcomes to housing cost. Sharon, Westford, and Hopkinton deliver strong results in more attainable towns.
• Size and fit — Large schools like Lexington offer breadth; small schools like Dover-Sherborn and Weston offer intimacy. Match the setting to how your student learns.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy facilities, a single year's ranking jump, and the prestige of a town name. A school's MCAS data, college outcomes, and whether it fits your student affect their future far more.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in Massachusetts? Boston Latin School earns our top spot — the oldest public school in America, an exam school with near-100% college matriculation, deep AP offerings, and a historic classics curriculum.

Which Massachusetts public high school is the best value? Sharon High School delivers top-tier MCAS scores, strong AP participation, and a ~98% graduation rate in a community more affordable than the state's wealthiest suburbs — the best outcomes-per-dollar here.

Do I need to pass an exam to attend the top schools? For some, yes. Boston Latin School and the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI are selective. The suburban schools like Lexington, Sharon, and Weston are open to families who live in those towns.

Which Massachusetts public high school is best for STEM? The Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI is the premier public STEM option, with seniors taking classes on the WPI campus. Acton-Boxborough and Lexington also have outstanding STEM programs.

How are these schools ranked? We weighted MCAS academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value and cost (15%), teachers and resources (15%), environment and safety (15%), and extracurriculars and fit (10%), using DESE, U.S. News, Niche, and College Board data.

Are smaller schools as good as the large ones? They can be. Dover-Sherborn and Weston are among the smallest schools here yet post some of the highest MCAS proficiency and graduation rates, with low student-teacher ratios and close-knit communities.

Bottom Line

For Massachusetts families, Boston Latin School is our Best Overall public high school — historic, rigorous, and a proven launchpad to elite colleges through a merit-based exam. Sharon High School is our Best Value, delivering top-tier outcomes in a more affordable community.

If your priorities lean toward STEM, a small close-knit setting, or the most attainable strong suburb, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Mass Academy, Dover-Sherborn, Weston, Westford, or Hopkinton instead. Judge schools on MCAS data, college outcomes, and fit — not town prestige — and you will find the right match for your student.

Sources

• Massachusetts DESE — school and district profiles
• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Massachusetts
• Niche — best public high schools in Massachusetts
• GreatSchools — Massachusetts school ratings
• College Board — AP and SAT data
• NCES — public school data
• Boston Latin School
• Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI
• Lexington Public Schools
• Sharon Public Schools

*Public high schools in Massachusetts review — best public high schools Massachusetts rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top public high school picks for families.*