How are schools ranked?

Schools are ranked using a composite score combining SAT results (40%), MCAS proficiency rates (30%), 4-year college enrollment (20%), and student-teacher ratios (10%). Data comes from Massachusetts DESE (Department of Elementary & Secondary Education) for the 2023-24 academic year.

Do expensive school districts deliver better outcomes?

Not always. Our analysis shows Dover-Sherborn, Weston, and Wellesley charge $700K-$1.4M home price premiums but deliver statistically identical test scores and college outcomes to moderate-income suburbs like Reading, Needham, and Hopkinton. See our School Value Analysis for detailed data.

Which towns have the best schools under $1M median price?

Top-rated affordable districts include Reading (9.1/10 schools, $850K median), Hopkinton (8.8/10, $925K), Medfield (8.6/10, $975K), and Westwood (8.5/10, $895K). These deliver elite educational outcomes without the ultra-luxury price tag.

What is the SAT score range for Boston-area schools?

SAT scores range from 1520+ average (Dover-Sherborn, Weston, Wellesley) down to 950-1000 in lower-performing districts. The metro median is approximately 1150. Scores above 1300 indicate strong college-prep programs.

Boston Area School Rankings: 48 High Schools by SAT, MCAS & College Rates

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48 Schools Rated • 2023-24 Data

Data-Driven Investigation

Why Expensive School Districts Aren't Actually Better

Dover-Sherborn, Weston, and Wellesley charge $700K-$1.4M home price premiums for schools that deliver statistically identical outcomes to moderate-income suburbs. See the data.

Boston-Area Private Schools

Greater Boston has some of the most prestigious private schools in the country. Here's a quick reference for buyers considering independent school options alongside public district quality.

School	Location	Grades	Type	Tuition (2024–25)	Ranking / Notes
The Winsor School	Boston (Fenway)	5–12	Girls	$61,700	Top-ranked girls school in New England; strong Ivy placement
Roxbury Latin	West Roxbury	7–12	Boys	$43,500	Consistently ranked #1 boys' school in the US; 38% receive financial aid
Nobles & Greenough	Dedham	K–12	Co-ed	$60,660	Broad excellence; 25% of families receive financial aid
BB&N (Buckingham Browne & Nichols)	Cambridge	JK–12	Co-ed	$61,850	Exceptional STEM; Cambridge location; 23% receive aid
Milton Academy	Milton	9–12 (day/boarding)	Co-ed	$66,900	Boarding & day; strong arts + sports; 31% receive aid
Belmont Hill	Belmont	7–12	Boys	$47,400	Elite boys school; strong college placement; non-boarding
Dana Hall	Wellesley	6–12	Girls	$57,900	Girls' day school; rigorous academics; Wellesley location
Thayer Academy	Braintree	6–12	Co-ed	$50,200	Strong athletics and academics on South Shore

Tip: Financial aid is widely available — even households earning $250K–$400K often qualify at top schools. Apply regardless of income. Tuition figures are approximate 2024–25 day-school rates.

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Why Expensive School Districts Aren't Actually Better

Boston-Area Private Schools

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Why Expensive School Districts Aren't Actually Better

Boston-Area Private Schools

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