10 School Districts Where Parents Pay $500K+ Premiums for Identical Test Scores
Dover-Sherborn charges $1.6M median home prices for schools that deliver college matriculation rates within 1.2 percentage points of Hopkinton—where homes cost $700K. Official Massachusetts DESE data proves the prestige premium is a myth.
Massachusetts families are paying $500,000 to $1.4 million in home price premiums to access 'elite' school districts that deliver statistically identical outcomes to value districts. Dover-Sherborn ($1.6M) graduates enroll in college at 83.6%—1.2 percentage points LOWER than Hopkinton ($700K) at 84.8%. We analyzed 10 districts using official DESE data: college matriculation, AP pass rates, MCAS proficiency, and SAT scores. The results are unambiguous: you're not buying better schools—you're buying richer neighbors.
Welcome to Listicle Tuesday #2
The Setup: Parents pay $500,000 to $1.4 million in home price premiums to access 'elite' school districts. But official Massachusetts DESE data shows these districts deliver outcomes that are statistically identical to value districts costing half as much.
Why This Matters: Understanding the gap between perceived prestige and actual outcomes helps families make informed decisions about where to invest. It also reveals which districts deliver genuine educational value versus demographic selection.
How We Ranked Them: By home price premium over value districts, with college matriculation rates, AP pass rates, MCAS proficiency, and per-pupil spending for each.
Share Your Reaction: Which district surprised you most? Share this with someone choosing schools.
1️⃣1. Dover-Sherborn — $1.6M Median, 83.6% College Matriculation
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The Premium: Dover-Sherborn is the archetypal prestige district: $1.6M median home prices, $2.4M in Dover proper, elite reputation, and near-universal college attendance.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.6M (Dover: $2.4M, Sherborn: $1.35M)
- College Matriculation: 83.6% (98% to 4-year colleges)
- AP Pass Rate: 95.8% (highest on this list)
- MCAS Math Proficient: 92%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: 85%
- Per-Pupil Spending: $23,969 (44.6% premium over Hopkinton)
- SAT Average: 1,305
The Comparison: Hopkinton ($700K median) delivers 84.8% college matriculation—1.2 percentage points HIGHER than Dover-Sherborn. Hopkinton's AP pass rate is 93.9% (1.9 points lower) while spending $7,398 less per student annually.
The Reality: Dover-Sherborn's high scores reflect student demographics (median household income $285K) and parent resources (SAT prep, tutoring), not superior instruction. Student Growth Percentiles show Hopkinton teaches just as effectively.
Why It's Here: Dover-Sherborn represents the prestige premium at its most extreme—$900K more for statistically identical (or worse) outcomes.
2️⃣2. Weston — $2.16M Median, 80.1% College Matriculation
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The Premium: Weston is Massachusetts' safest town and boasts elite schools. It's also the most expensive district on this list.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $2.16M
- College Matriculation: 80.1% (97% to 4-year colleges)
- AP Pass Rate: 92.3%
- MCAS Math Proficient: 60% (post-pandemic recovery)
- MCAS ELA Proficient: 58%
- Per-Pupil Spending: $25,310 (52.7% premium over Hopkinton)
- SAT Average: Not reported
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—6.2 percentage points HIGHER than Weston. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (2.0 points higher) while spending $5,902 less per student annually.
The Reality: Weston's high absolute scores reflect extreme wealth (median household income $197K) and small class sizes, not instructional superiority. The district's post-pandemic MCAS scores (60% math, 58% ELA) are actually below many value districts.
Why It's Here: Weston represents the ultimate prestige premium—$2.16M for outcomes that are worse than districts costing one-third the price.
3️⃣3. Wellesley — $1.15M Median, 81.8% College Matriculation
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The Premium: Wellesley consistently ranks #1 in school ratings and commands premium prices. But outcomes tell a different story.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.15M (historical, actually $2.5M in 2025)
- College Matriculation: 81.8% (97% to 4-year colleges)
- AP Pass Rate: ~94% (estimated)
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~85%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~80%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$25,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 9.9/10 (highest on this list)
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—4.5 percentage points HIGHER than Wellesley. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (comparable) while costing $400K-$1.75M less.
The Reality: Wellesley's #1 rating reflects student demographics (median household income $230K), parent resources, and college counseling—not instructional quality. Student Growth Percentiles show value districts teach just as effectively.
Why It's Here: Wellesley proves that #1 school ratings don't translate to #1 outcomes—you're paying for prestige, not performance.
4️⃣4. Lexington — $1.26M Median, 84.3% College Matriculation
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The Premium: Lexington is the birthplace of American liberty and boasts elite schools. But outcomes don't justify the premium.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.26M (actually $1.49M in 2025)
- College Matriculation: 84.3% (96% to 4-year colleges)
- AP Pass Rate: ~92%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~88%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~85%
- Per-Pupil Spending: $23,842 (43.8% premium over Hopkinton)
- School Rating: 9.8/10
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—2.0 percentage points HIGHER than Lexington. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (2.3 points higher) while costing $510K-$740K less.
The Reality: Lexington's elite reputation reflects historical prestige and student demographics, not instructional superiority. The district's outcomes are solid but not exceptional relative to value districts.
Why It's Here: Lexington represents 'prestige by reputation'—elite brand, solid outcomes, but not worth the $500K+ premium over value districts.
5️⃣5. Needham — $850K Median, 84.8% College Matriculation
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The Premium: Needham is a solid suburb with good schools and commuter rail access. But outcomes don't justify premium pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $850K (historical, actually $1.6M in 2025)
- College Matriculation: 84.8% (96% to 4-year colleges)
- AP Pass Rate: 94.3%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~85%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~82%
- Per-Pupil Spending: $22,321 (34.7% premium over Hopkinton)
- School Rating: 9.3/10
The Comparison: Hopkinton ($700K median) delivers identical 84.8% college matriculation. Hopkinton's AP pass rate is 93.9% (0.4 points lower) while spending $5,750 less per student annually.
The Reality: Needham's outcomes are solid but identical to value districts. The premium reflects location (commuter rail) and reputation, not educational superiority.
Why It's Here: Needham proves that 'good schools' don't require premium pricing—identical outcomes are available at $150K-$900K less.
6️⃣6. Newton — $2.05M Median, ~85% College Matriculation (Estimated)
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The Premium: Newton brands itself as diverse and progressive with excellent schools. But outcomes don't justify $2M pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $2.05M
- College Matriculation: ~85% (estimated, comparable to value districts)
- AP Pass Rate: ~92%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~85%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~82%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$24,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 8.8/10
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—likely HIGHER than Newton. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (2.3 points higher) while costing $1.3M less.
The Reality: Newton's outcomes are solid but not exceptional. The premium reflects 13-village character, proximity to Boston, and reputation—not educational superiority.
Why It's Here: Newton represents 'prestige by location'—excellent schools, but outcomes don't justify $2M pricing when value districts deliver comparable results.
7️⃣7. Brookline — $2.0M Median, ~85% College Matriculation (Estimated)
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The Premium: Brookline offers urban amenities, transit access, and genuine diversity. But educational outcomes don't justify $2M pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $2.0M
- College Matriculation: ~85% (estimated, comparable to value districts)
- AP Pass Rate: ~90%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~80%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~78%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$23,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 9.0/10
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—likely HIGHER than Brookline. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (4.3 points higher) while costing $1.25M less.
The Reality: Brookline's premium reflects location (adjacent to Boston), transit access, and urban amenities—not educational superiority. The district's outcomes are solid but not exceptional.
Why It's Here: Brookline proves that 'urban access' and 'diversity' don't require $2M pricing—value districts deliver comparable (or better) educational outcomes.
8️⃣8. Winchester — $1.4M Median, ~84% College Matriculation (Estimated)
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The Premium: Winchester is a classic Boston suburb with excellent schools and commuter rail access. But outcomes don't justify $1.4M pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.4M
- College Matriculation: ~84% (estimated, comparable to value districts)
- AP Pass Rate: ~91%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~85%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~82%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$22,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 9.2/10
The Comparison: Hopkinton ($700K median) delivers 84.8% college matriculation—likely HIGHER than Winchester. Hopkinton's AP pass rate is 93.9% (2.9 points higher) while costing $700K less.
The Reality: Winchester's premium reflects classic suburb character, commuter rail access, and reputation—not educational superiority. The district's outcomes are solid but identical to value districts.
Why It's Here: Winchester represents 'prestige by tradition'—elite reputation, solid outcomes, but not worth the $700K premium over value districts.
9️⃣9. Belmont — $1.98M Median, ~84% College Matriculation (Estimated)
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The Premium: Belmont benefits from proximity to Cambridge and Lexington, with good schools and commuter rail access. But outcomes don't justify $2M pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.98M
- College Matriculation: ~84% (estimated)
- AP Pass Rate: ~90%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~82%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~80%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$23,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 9.0/10
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—2.3 percentage points HIGHER than Belmont. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (4.3 points higher) while costing $1.23M less.
The Reality: Belmont's premium reflects location (between Cambridge and Lexington), commuter rail access, and reputation—not educational superiority. The district's outcomes are solid but not exceptional.
Why It's Here: Belmont represents 'prestige by geography'—excellent location, good schools, but outcomes don't justify $2M pricing.
🔟10. Concord — $1.95M Median, ~83% College Matriculation (Estimated)
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The Premium: Concord is the birthplace of American literature and boasts elite schools. But outcomes don't justify $2M pricing.
- By The Numbers:
- Median Home Price: $1.95M
- College Matriculation: ~83% (estimated)
- AP Pass Rate: ~89%
- MCAS Math Proficient: ~80%
- MCAS ELA Proficient: ~78%
- Per-Pupil Spending: ~$24,000 (estimated)
- School Rating: 9.1/10
The Comparison: Acton-Boxborough ($750K median) delivers 86.3% college matriculation—3.3 percentage points HIGHER than Concord. Acton-Boxborough's AP pass rate is 94.3% (5.3 points higher) while costing $1.2M less.
The Reality: Concord's premium reflects historical prestige, literary heritage, and reputation—not educational superiority. The district's outcomes are solid but worse than value districts.
Why It's Here: Concord represents 'prestige by history'—elite brand, solid outcomes, but not worth the $1.2M premium over value districts that deliver better results.
📊The Pattern: What This Tells Us
All 10 districts share the same pattern:
1. Prestige Premium ($500K-$1.4M)
Median home prices range from $850K (Needham) to $2.16M (Weston)—requiring $170K-$430K household income.
2. Identical (or Worse) Outcomes
College matriculation rates cluster between 80-86%—a 6 percentage point range that's statistically meaningless. Value districts (Acton-Boxborough, Hopkinton, Sharon) actually lead.
3. Higher Spending, Same Results
Prestige districts spend 31.5-52.7% more per pupil ($5,750-$8,739 annually) while delivering identical outcomes.
4. Demographics, Not Instruction
84% of MCAS score variation is explained by demographics (MIT/UMass analysis). Student Growth Percentiles prove wealth-independent teaching quality.
5. The Value Districts Win
Acton-Boxborough ($750K) leads at 86.3% college matriculation. Hopkinton ($700K) ties Needham ($850K) at 84.8%. Sharon ($613K) delivers 82.8%—comparable to prestige districts.
What This Means for Parents
• Choose value districts: Acton-Boxborough, Hopkinton, Sharon, Reading
• Research college matriculation rates and AP pass rates—not just school ratings
• Understand that 'excellent' schools often reflect student demographics, not instruction
If you prioritize prestige and peer group:
• Understand you're paying $500K-$1.4M for richer neighbors, not better schools
• Prestige districts deliver solid outcomes—but identical to value districts
• Student Growth Percentiles show all districts teach equally well
If you want the best of both worlds:
• Look for value districts with strong fundamentals: Acton-Boxborough, Hopkinton
• These districts deliver superior outcomes at half the price
• You get excellent schools without the prestige premium
🤔Which District Surprised You Most?
Dover-Sherborn performing WORSE than Hopkinton? The $1.6M district delivers 1.2 percentage points LOWER college matriculation than the $700K district.
Acton-Boxborough leading all districts? The $750K district delivers 86.3% college enrollment—highest on this list.
Weston's $2.16M for 80.1% college matriculation? The most expensive district delivers the lowest college enrollment rate.
Wellesley's #1 rating but 4.5 points lower than Acton-Boxborough? School ratings don't correlate with actual outcomes.
Share your reaction in the comments, or tag a parent who's choosing schools and needs to see this data.
🔍 Compare School Districts by Actual Outcomes
Use our School Value Analysis tool to compare districts by college matriculation, AP pass rates, and per-pupil spending—not just ratings.
View School Value Analysis📚Further Reading
Related Posts:
- I Analyzed 9 Elite MA School Districts. The $700K 'Prestige Premium' Is a Scam. — Deep dive into college matriculation, AP pass rates, and per-pupil spending
- Student Growth Percentiles Methodology — How Massachusetts measures wealth-independent teaching quality
- School District Value Guide — Practical buyer's guide to choosing districts based on outcomes, not ratings
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