The Top 10 Best School Districts in Massachusetts

The Best School Districts in Massachusetts

Author: Francis Raboy

A home is more than a place to live. It’s where children are raised, memories are made, and where families plant their roots. When a family begins their search for a home the school district plays a large role during the decision making process. Parents want to place their children in the best possible school system. Luckily, Massachusetts has regularly ranked as the best state for public education within the United States. Massachusetts students hold an 1120 SAT average score resting the state average in the 56th percentile. In addition, Massachusetts in 2016 recorded an 88.3% high school graduation rate.  Moreover, public schools spend about $16,000 per student versus the $12,239 national average expense per student. Here are the top ten best school districts in the Commonwealth. Would you want to live here?

No. 10 Wellesley 

Located in Norfolk County, sandwiched between Needham, MA to the south and Weston, MA to the North, Wellesley ranks as one of the state’s best school districts. With 5,006 students, 78% math proficient, 82% reading proficiency in state test scoring, 97% high school graduation rate, and 1310 out of 1600 SAT score average (89th percentile) Wellesley is a top-performing district. Students in Wellesley share a 13:1 teacher to student ratio, meaning students receive more one-on-one attention. Moreover, the average expense per student is $22,198 — well above the national $12,239 average.

No. 9 Longmeadow

Settled in Hampden County, hugging the northern Connecticut border and south of Springfield, MA the Longmeadow school system ranks 9th in the Commonwealth. With 2,877 students, a 96% graduation rate, 72% math proficiency, 76% reading proficiency, 1280 out of 1600 SAT score average (84th percentile), a 12:1 student to teacher ratio, and $16,910 expense per student. Longmeadow is one of the state’s more desirable school districts. In addition, Longmeadow students have the luxury of only living 18 minutes away from Six Flags New England in Agawam. 

No. 8 Westborough

Nestled in Worcester county, right off I-90, Westborough holds the 8th position in the state’s best school districts. With 3,926 students, Westborough is a reasonably sized district. There is a 77% reading proficiency, 76% math proficiency, 97% graduation rate, 1300 average SAT score (87th percentile), a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and the expense per student is $23,332.

No. 7 Newton

On the outskirts of Boston, MA, Newton ranks as the 7th best school district in Massachusetts. With 12,928 enrolled students, Newton is a large school district in comparison to other districts. The Newton public school students average 74% in reading and mathematics proficiency, a 96% graduation rate, a 1330 SAT average score (89th percentile), 12:1 student to teacher ratio, and a $23,499 expense per student.

No. 6 Westwood

Another Boston suburb with 15,800+ residents Westwood, MA ranks 6th in public education in Massachusetts. With 3,122 students, Westwood boasts one of the highest high school graduation rates in the state at 99% completion. Moreover, Westwood has a 78% reading proficiency, 74% math proficiency, 1320 SAT average score (86th percentile), a 13:1 student ratio, and an $18,861 expense per student.

No. 5 Brookline

A Greater Boston town, Brookline ranks 5th in Massachusetts for the best school district in the Commonwealth. There are 7,801 students in the district, a 93% graduation rate, 1340 out of 1600 SAT score average (87th percentile), 78% reading proficiency, 75% math proficiency, and a 12:1 student to teacher ratio Brookline boasts as one of the state’s top five best school districts. Moreover, Brookline spends about $26,251 per student. The national average is $12,239 per student.

No.4 Weston

Ranked 4th for the best school district in Massachusetts, Weston resides next to Wellesley, MA, and Waltham, MA. With 694 students, Weston has a lower enrollment than many of the districts on this list. However, Weston stands near the tops as one of the state’s best. The average graduation rate is 95%, 1320 out of 1600 SAT score (86th percentile), 95% reading proficiency, 95% math proficiency, an 11:1 student to teacher ratio, and $27,133 per student. 

No.3 Lexington

Right outside Boston in Lexington, MA. Yes, it’s the historic town of Lexington in which the Revolutionary War began. Year after year, Lexington has been a top-tier school district within Massachusetts. The Lexington district has 7,246 students, and 83% reading proficiency, 84% math proficiency, 1370 out of 1600 SAT average score (90th percentile), a 12:1 student ratio, and $27,133 expense per student.

No.2 Hopkinton

Known as the town where the Boston Marathon starts, Hopkinton is also known as the second overall school district in Massachusetts. Settled in-between Upton, MA, and Ashland, MA, Hopkinton has 3,518 students enrolled in their system. Their district has a 98% graduation rate, 81% reading proficiency, 80% math proficiency, 1310 SAT average score (85th percentile), a 14:1 student to teacher ratio, and a $21,205 expense per student.

No.1 Westford

The number one ranked school district in Massachusetts is Westford, MA. With 5,074 students, Westford public schools have a 98% graduation rate, 78% reading proficiency, 80% math proficiency, 1310 SAT average score (85th percentile), a 15:1 student to teacher ratio, and $15,373 expense per student.

Sources:

• https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/s/massachusetts/
• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts
• https://patch.com/massachusetts/boston/top-100-schools-districts-massachusetts-2020-new-rankings
• http://profiles.doe.mass.edu