Massachusetts has long been known for its strong education system, but in 2025, a few high schools truly stand out as the best of the best. Whether you’re a parent planning your move, a student aiming for top-tier college prep, or just curious about the top-ranked schools in the Bay State, this list will give you an in-depth look at the five best high schools in Massachusetts. We evaluated these schools based on academic performance, college readiness, faculty excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and student reviews. Let’s dive in.
1. Boston Latin School – Boston, MA
Type: Public Exam School
Grades: 7–12
Founded in 1635, Boston Latin School is the oldest public school in America and continues to dominate the rankings year after year. In 2025, it holds its top spot thanks to stellar SAT scores, AP participation rates, and a legacy of Ivy League admissions.
Why It Stands Out:
Over 95% of students participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Nationally recognized for classical education and strong STEM offerings.
Graduates consistently gain admission to elite universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale.
2. Lexington High School – Lexington, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Lexington High School
Lexington High is a powerhouse in academics and student wellness. Known for its strong math and science programs, it also offers diverse extracurriculars and a supportive environment.
Highlights:
Offers over 25 AP courses, with high pass rates.
Robust robotics and debate teams that compete nationally.
Strong focus on student mental health and wellness resources.
3. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School – Acton, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website:Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Located in a serene, suburban town, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) offers a well-rounded education that blends academic rigor with a vibrant arts and athletics scene.
Standout Features:
Impressive college matriculation rate (95%+ of graduates attend 4-year colleges).
Offers unique electives in engineering, digital arts, and environmental science.
Deep focus on inclusivity, with programs for diverse learners.
4. Brookline High School – Brookline, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Brookline High School
Just outside of Boston, Brookline High is known for its exceptional teaching staff and diverse student body. The school provides an urban-suburban blend that prepares students for both college and life beyond.
What Makes It Unique:
Offers more than 30 AP and honors courses.
Nationally recognized Performing Arts and Theater departments.
Multiple language programs including Japanese and Mandarin.
5. Weston High School – Weston, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Weston High School
Consistently ranking in the top tier, Weston High School shines with small class sizes, a high faculty-to-student ratio, and a culture that promotes academic exploration.
Key Highlights:
Graduation rate over 98%.
Unique senior projects program and internship opportunities.
Exceptional sports and arts programs.
6. Newton North High School – Newtonville, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Newton North High School
Newton North is not just a large school; it’s a powerhouse of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Known for its state-of-the-art campus and vast curriculum, students here are exposed to everything from robotics and journalism to musical theater and entrepreneurship.
What Sets It Apart:
Home to one of the most robust Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in the state.
High SAT and MCAS scores, and a 98% graduation rate.
National award-winning theatre, visual arts, and science programs
7. Belmont High School – Belmont, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Belmont High School
Located just minutes from Boston, Belmont High continues to shine with exceptional AP performance and college prep programs. The school recently moved into a brand-new, energy-efficient building that’s as forward-thinking as its academic programs.
Highlights:
100% of students graduate on time.
Offers AP Capstone program and strong dual-enrollment opportunities.
Active student government and civic engagement projects.
8. Wayland High School – Wayland, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Wayland High School
Consistently ranking in the top 10, Wayland High School is known for innovation and individualized learning. The school promotes critical thinking and real-world problem-solving across all subjects.
Key Strengths:
97% of students pursue post-secondary education.
Strong offerings in AP sciences, English, and foreign languages.
Award-winning jazz band and creative writing programs.
9. Wellesley High School – Wellesley, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Wellesley High School
Wellesley High delivers an elite public education in a suburban setting known for its affluence and academic focus. The school prepares students for top colleges with a rigorous curriculum and an emphasis on integrity and leadership.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Highly ranked across multiple academic metrics including SAT and ACT performance.
Strong writing and humanities departments.
Well-funded programs in STEM, athletics, and student wellness.
10. Sharon High School – Sharon, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Sharon High School
Sharon High School rounds out the top 10 with a track record of excellence in diversity, academics, and inclusion. The town of Sharon is one of the most diverse in the state, and the school mirrors that richness in its student body and curriculum.
Why It’s Impressive:
94% of graduates attend college.
Recognized for strong performance in math, science, and social studies.
Active multicultural clubs and inclusive student initiatives.
11. Winchester High School – Winchester, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Winchester High School
Winchester High School consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the state, thanks to its academic rigor, engaged faculty, and forward-thinking programs. Its newly renovated campus offers a cutting-edge learning environment with top-notch labs and tech integration.
What Stands Out:
Over 90% of students score above proficient on MCAS.
Offers extensive AP courses and electives in digital media and robotics.
Strong student support services and active parent involvement
12. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School – Acton, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Often praised for its well-rounded programs and exceptional faculty, ABRHS (as locals call it) offers students a vibrant academic and extracurricular experience. It’s especially strong in STEM, humanities, and student-led initiatives.
Highlights:
Home to award-winning math and science teams.
Offers early college pathways and global studies programs.
Impressive student publications and debate club.
13. Weston High School – Weston, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Weston High School
Weston High School is known for small class sizes, an elite academic profile, and strong college placement success. The school blends rigorous coursework with a focus on creativity, offering classes in music theory, computer science, and even architecture.
Why It’s Notable:
One of the highest student-to-teacher engagement ratios in the state.
SAT and AP scores consistently exceed state and national averages.
Focus on innovation, leadership, and character-building.
14. Lexington High School – Lexington, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Lexington High School
While it already appeared in the top 5, it’s worth noting that Lexington High remains a shining example of how public education can compete with top private schools. With over 20 AP courses, elite STEM and humanities programs, and global partnerships, Lexington continues to lead.
15. Brookline High School – Brookline, MA
Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Website: Brookline High School
Located near Boston, Brookline High is a dynamic and diverse school that offers both academic rigor and cultural richness. Students can choose from hundreds of electives, including entrepreneurship, Mandarin, filmmaking, and neuroscience.
Key Features:
Offers over 15 world languages and international exchange programs.
Outstanding arts, theatre, and music departments.
Emphasis on social justice, inclusion, and student voice.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right School
Choosing the right high school in Massachusetts is about more than just rankings. It’s about finding the best fit for your child’s academic needs, personality, and long-term goals. Whether you value rigorous academics, arts, athletics, or a mix of all three, the schools on this list represent the pinnacle of education in the state for 2025.
Related Post you may like:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
