News Summary
Boston Latin School has been ranked as the top high school in Massachusetts by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings show that 43% of Massachusetts high schools are in the top 25% nationally, with Boston Latin achieving a graduation rate of 98% and 94% of students passing at least one Advanced Placement exam. The report highlights Massachusetts’ strong educational standards and commitment to diverse student populations, cementing the state’s reputation for academic excellence.
Boston Latin School Ranks as Massachusetts’ Top High School in U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Boston, MA – U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings of the best high schools across the United States, with Boston Latin School securing the top position in Massachusetts. The rankings were published on August 21, 2025, and Boston Latin School is recognized as the 46th best high school in the nation.
Massachusetts boasts an impressive representation in these rankings, with 43% of its high schools falling within the top 25% nationally. In total, 366 high schools from the state were included in the U.S. News evaluation, reflecting the strong educational standards present in the region.
Outstanding Performance Indicators
Boston Latin School has achieved a remarkable graduation rate of 98%. Additionally, 94% of its students successfully passed at least one Advanced Placement exam, underlining the school’s commitment to academic excellence and rigorous curriculum standards.
In the broader state rankings, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley follows closely, coming in second among Massachusetts high schools at 96th nationally. Lexington High School ranks 118th nationwide, demonstrating the overall high performance of schools across the state.
National Ranking Context
The U.S. News ranking comprises evaluations of nearly 24,000 public high schools across the country, with nearly 18,000 achieving a rank. BASIS Tucson North in Arizona has secured the top national spot, highlighting the competitive landscape of high school education across the United States.
Evaluation Criteria
The ranking methodology focuses on six key performance indicators that assess a school’s effectiveness in preparing students for college and career paths. These indicators include:
- College readiness (30%)
- College curriculum breadth (10%)
- State assessment proficiency (20%)
- State assessment performance (20%)
- Underserved student performance (10%)
- Graduation rate (10%)
College readiness has been identified as the most significant factor in determining the rankings, reflecting the increasing emphasis on preparing students for post-secondary education.
STEM and Charter School Rankings
Massachusetts also shines in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, with nine schools making it into the top 50 nationally. Concord Carlisle High School is the highest-ranked STEM school in the state, positioned at 16th nationally.
In terms of charter high schools, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School holds a prominent place at 22nd in the nation. Other notable charter schools include Sturgis Charter Public School at 38th and Mystic Valley Regional Charter School at 47th, demonstrating Massachusetts’ strength in innovative educational models.
Success Across All Student Populations
The U.S. News report highlights Massachusetts schools’ overall success in serving a diverse student population, including underserved communities. This aspect of educational equity reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring high-quality education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
As the U.S. News rankings continue to be a credible source for assessing educational effectiveness, the results from Massachusetts’ schools stand as a testament to the high educational standards and dedicated efforts of educators and administrators across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Undocumented Student Faces Tuition Inequities in Massachusetts
High School Football Returns to Boston Metro Area
Shooting Investigation in Dorchester
Boston Voters Cast Ballots in Preliminary Municipal Election
Dry Air and Mild Temperatures Return to Boston
LeBron Takes on Golf and Hall of Fame Induction
High School Senior Achieves Rare Par 4 Hole-in-One
US Junior National Team Shines at Sahalee Players Championship
Skanska Partners with Simmons University for Mixed-Use Development
Governor Healey Criticizes Federal Immigration Crackdown
Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Best High Schools in MA Rankings
- Boston 25 News: Top 100 High Schools in Massachusetts
- MassLive: Best Public High Schools in Massachusetts
- Patch: Top 25 High Schools in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Education in Massachusetts
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
