Massachusetts Leads Nation in Public High School Rankings
In a celebration of educational excellence, Massachusetts has once again claimed the top spot in the US News & World Report’s rankings of public high schools. The annual report, which evaluated over 24,000 public and charter high schools for the 2025-2026 school year, found that 43% of Massachusetts schools are among the top 25% nationwide.
Trailing Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey had 41% and 40% of their schools in the top tier, respectively. Boston Latin School topped the state rankings and was recognized as the 46th best public high school in the nation, albeit a drop from last year’s 27th position.
Other standout schools in Massachusetts include Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (2nd in the state), Lexington High School (3rd), Sturgis Charter Public School (4th), and O’Bryant School of Math & Science (5th). Several schools, including Mystic Valley Regional Charter School and Pioneer Charter School of Science 2, made significant gains in this year’s rankings.
US News incorporated various criteria, such as student achievement on state assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness, into the ranking process. LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at US News, emphasized the importance of these rankings for families navigating educational choices, especially for underserved populations.
The rankings serve not only as a benchmark for academic performance but also as a tool for families seeking schools that will effectively prepare students for future success. As Massachusetts continues to excel, educators and families alike are encouraged to reflect on the data provided in the rankings as they make decisions about education pathways.
For a full list of Massachusetts schools and their rankings, readers can refer to US News & World Report.
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