Families searching for the best schools near Boston, top public school districts in Greater Boston, or private K–12 schools near Boston suburbs often compare the same group of towns. Rankings play a role, but so do graduation rates, standardized testing results, college admissions patterns, and program breadth.
Below is an overview of public school systems and prominent private schools in the Greater Boston area that consistently appear in national and Massachusetts-based academic comparisons.
Public School Systems Near Boston
Wellesley
Wellesley Public Schools are regularly cited among the highest-performing districts in Massachusetts.
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Academic performance: Strong MCAS results across grade levels
(Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – https://profiles.doe.mass.edu/) -
Advanced coursework: High participation and pass rates in AP exams
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School structure: One comprehensive high school serving the district
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College outcomes: Graduates matriculate to a wide range of selective colleges and universities
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Rankings: Frequently listed in top Massachusetts districts by
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Niche – https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/s/massachusetts/
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U.S. News & World Report – https://www.usnews.com/education
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Wellesley College contributes lectures, arts programming, and academic resources within the town, though it operates independently from the public school system.
Newton
Newton Public Schools serve one of the largest student populations in the Boston suburbs.
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Academic performance: Consistently strong MCAS and SAT averages
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School structure: Two high schools (Newton North and Newton South) with broad academic and extracurricular offerings
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Advanced coursework: Extensive AP, honors, and elective options
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College outcomes: Graduates attend a wide range of public and private universities
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Rankings: Frequently included in top large-district rankings statewide
Lexington
Lexington Public Schools are widely associated with advanced academic programming, particularly in STEM disciplines.
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Academic performance: Among the highest MCAS and SAT averages in Massachusetts
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Course depth: Advanced math and science sequencing beginning before high school
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School structure: One large high school with multiple academic tracks
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College outcomes: High rates of admission to selective and highly selective colleges
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Rankings: Regular inclusion in national and state academic rankings
Brookline
Brookline Public Schools combine strong academic performance with close proximity to Boston.
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Academic performance: Consistently high MCAS results
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Curriculum: Noted strength in humanities, languages, and arts
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School structure: One primary high school serving a diverse student population
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College outcomes: Graduates attend selective colleges domestically and internationally
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Context: Close proximity to a large concentration of independent schools influences many families’ K–12 planning
Cambridge
Cambridge Public Schools operate alongside major higher-education institutions.
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Academic offerings: Broad course selection, including interdisciplinary and advanced programs
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School structure: One comprehensive high school (Cambridge Rindge and Latin School)
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College outcomes: Graduates matriculate to a wide range of colleges and universities
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Academic environment: Shaped in part by nearby
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Harvard University
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Natick
Natick Public Schools serve a mid-sized and diverse district.
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Academic performance: Solid MCAS results across subjects
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Programs: College-preparatory, vocational, and career-focused pathways
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School structure: One large comprehensive high school
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College outcomes: Graduates attend public universities, private colleges, and regional institutions
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Reputation: Often described as a balanced district with broad program access
Needham
Needham Public Schools are consistently included in high-performing district lists.
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Academic performance: Strong MCAS, AP participation, and AP exam scores
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School structure: One large high school with extensive academic and extracurricular options
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College outcomes: Regular placement into selective colleges and universities
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Rankings: Frequently cited by
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U.S. News – https://www.usnews.com/education
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Niche – https://www.niche.com/k12/
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Dover / Sherborn (Dover–Sherborn)
Dover and Sherborn share a regional middle and high school district.
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Academic performance: High standardized testing results and AP participation
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School structure: Smaller combined high school
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College outcomes: Graduates attend a range of selective colleges
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Rankings: Frequently listed among top small districts in Massachusetts
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DESE Profiles – https://profiles.doe.mass.edu/
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Prominent Private Schools Near Boston (K–12)
Boston / Brookline Area
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Roxbury Latin School (Grades 7–12, boys)
Classical curriculum with emphasis on humanities, mathematics, and sciences. Highly competitive admissions process including entrance exams and interviews.
https://www.roxburylatin.org -
Dexter Southfield (Pre-K–9, boys)
Traditional academic structure with athletics emphasis.
https://www.dextersouthfield.org -
Park School (Pre-K–8)
Progressive, inquiry-based approach and small class sizes.
https://www.parkschool.net -
Boston University Academy (Grades 9–12)
Accelerated academics tied to Boston University coursework.
https://www.buacademy.org
MetroWest / West of Boston
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Noble and Greenough (Grades 7–12, day & boarding)
College-preparatory curriculum with national placement outcomes.
https://www.nobles.edu -
Rivers School (Pre-K–12)
Interdisciplinary academics with strong arts programming.
https://www.riverschool.org -
Dana Hall School (Grades 9–12, girls)
Day and boarding options; college-preparatory focus.
https://www.danahall.org -
Tenacre Country Day School (Pre-K–6)
Progressive elementary education with small class sizes.
https://www.tenacre.org -
Montrose School (Grades 6–12, girls)
Catholic, college-preparatory program with structured academics.
https://www.montroseschool.org
Admissions, Tuition, and Commute Considerations
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Admissions: Most independent schools require testing, interviews, teacher recommendations, and prior academic records
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Tuition:
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Elementary independent schools: typically mid-$30,000s to $40,000s annually
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Secondary day schools: frequently exceed $50,000 per year
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Commute:
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Boston-based schools draw students from Brookline, Newton, and nearby suburbs
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MetroWest schools often rely on carpools or family transportation
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FAQs Families Actually Ask
What if my child doesn’t thrive in the public system?
Many families reassess at transition points such as middle school or high school and explore independent school environments aligned with learning style or academic pace.
Do families tend to stay in one system from K–12?
Some do, while others change paths as academic interests, social dynamics, or educational needs evolve.
Is it common to plan for private school later, even if starting public?
Yes. Families often research both tracks early to understand admissions timelines, expectations, and costs.
Closing Perspective
Education-focused towns near Boston differ in academic structure, scale, and culture, even when performance indicators appear similar. Reviewing public systems alongside independent school options allows families to compare pathways thoughtfully at each stage of K–12 education.
Molly Campbell Palmer
Vice President
Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
📞 508-269-0002
✉️ [email protected]
