A high school can be considered exceptional based on various factors, each of which contributes to its overall quality and reputation. Here are some key aspects that often distinguish top high schools:
Academic Excellence
High-performing schools typically have rigorous academic programs that challenge students and prepare them for college and beyond. They may offer a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or dual enrollment courses, and have high average standardized test scores.
College Placement Rates
Top high schools have high rates of college acceptance to prestigious universities and colleges. They provide comprehensive college counseling services to guide students through the application process and help them find the best-fit schools.
Quality of Teachers
Exceptional high schools attract and retain highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated teachers who are passionate about teaching and fostering student success.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Top high schools offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, clubs, sports teams, and enrichment programs that cater to students' interests and talents. These activities provide opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth outside the classroom.
Resources and Facilities
High-quality facilities and resources are essential for supporting student learning and engagement. Top high schools typically have state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, libraries, arts facilities, athletic fields, and technology infrastructure that enhance the educational experience.
Community and Culture
A strong sense of community and positive school culture contribute to the overall success of a high school. Top schools foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued, and respected, and where collaboration and mutual respect are encouraged among students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
Innovation and Adaptability
Leading high schools continuously strive for innovation and excellence in education. They adapt to changing educational trends, incorporate technology into teaching and learning, and implement best practices to meet the evolving needs of students and prepare them for the future.
Student Support Services::
High-quality student support services, such as counseling, tutoring, academic intervention programs, and special education accommodations, are essential for addressing the diverse needs of students and ensuring their academic and personal success.
Graduate Outcomes
The success and achievements of alumni can reflect the quality of a high school. Top high schools produce graduates who are well-prepared for college, careers, and citizenship, and who go on to make significant contributions to their communities and society as a whole.
Featured - Top High Schools
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Boston College High School
Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic college preparatory school. It is highly selective…
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The Governors Academy
The Governor's Academy is a prestigious private boarding school in Byfield, about 30 miles north…
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Boston Trinity Academy
Boston Trinity Academy is a nondenominational Christian college preparatory day school located in the Hyde…
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Buckingham Browne & Nichols…
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) is a highly respected day school in Cambridge for pre-K…
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Commonwealth School
The Commonwealth School is a small, independent college preparatory high school located in the Back…
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Fontbonne Academy
Fontbonne Academy is a Catholic high school for women located in Milton, MA. The school…
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Winsor School
Winsor is an independent day school for academically promising and motivated girls in grades 5–12.…
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Boston University Academy
Boston University Academy (BUA) is a college preparatory High School located on the campus of…
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Milton Academy
Milton Academy is a prestigious private school located in Milton, MA, and serves students between…
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Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic school for young women in grades 7-12. The school…
Top High Schools in the Boston Area
| Link | Name | Type | Tuition | Academics | Size | Grades | Town |
 | Clark School | Independent |  |  |  | 1-12 | Rowley |
| | Winsor School | Independent | | |  | 5-12 | Boston |
| | Austin Preparatory School | Catholic | | | | 6-12 | Reading |
| | Montrose School | Catholic | | | | 6-12 | Medfield |
| | Boston Trinity Academy | Christian | | | | 6-12 | Boston |
| | Meridian Academy | Independent |  | |  | 6-12 | Jamaica Plain |
| | The Rivers School | Independent | | | | 6-12 | Weston |
| | Thayer Academy | Independent | | | | 6-12 | Braintree |
| | The Woodward School | Independent | | | | 6-12 | Quincy |
| | Waring School | Independent | | | | 6-12 | Beverly |
| | St Johns Preparatory School | Indpendent | | | | 6-12 | Danvers |
| | Al-noor Academy | Islamic |  | | | 6-12 | Mansfield |
| | Mt Alvernia High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Newton |
| | Archbishop Williams High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Braintree |
| | Boston College High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Dorchester |
| | Cathedral High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Boston |
| | Catholic Memorial | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | West Roxbury |
| | Ursuline Academy | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Dedham |
| | Xaverian Brothers High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Westwood |
| | Notre Dame Academy | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Hingham |
| Pope John Xxiii High School | Catholic | | | | 7-12 | Everett | |
| | Belmont Hill School | Independent | | | | 7-12 | Belmont |
| | The Newman School | Independent | | | | 7-12 | Boston |
| | Noble And Greenough School | Independent | | | | 7-12 | Dedham |
| | Fontbonne Academy | Catholic | | | | 9-12 | Milton |
| | Brooks School | Episcopal | | | | 9-12 | North Andover |
| | St Mark's School | Episcopal | | | | 9-12 | Southborough |
| | Boston University Academy | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Boston |
| | Phillips Academy | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Andover |
| | The Governors Academy | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Byfield |
| | Cats Academy Boston | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Braintree |
| | Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall School | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Waltham |
| | The Cambridge School Of Weston | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Weston |
| | Pingree School | Independent | | | | 9-12 | South Hamilton |
| | Walnut Hill School For The Arts | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Natick |
| | Gann Academy the New Jewish High School | Jewish | | | | 9-12 | Waltham |
| | Torah Academy | Jewish | | | | preK-11 | Brookline |
| | Brimmer & May School | Independent | | | | preK-12 | Chestnut Hill |
| | British International School Of Boston | Independent | | | | preK-12 | Boston |
| | Buckingham Browne & Nichols School | Independent | | | | preK-12 | Cambridge |
| | Dana Hall School | Independent | | | | 5-12 | Wellesley |
| | Deerfield Academy | Independent | | | | 9-12 | Deerfield |
| | Milton Academy | Independent | | | | K-12 | Milton |
| | Commonwealth School | Independent | | | | 8-12 | Boston |
