High Schools

  • High School

    Boston Public Schools offers a number of different high school options, each of which includes a wide variety of programs. All BPS high schools are city-wide, which means that every student living in Boston is eligible to apply for any BPS high school. Below is more information on how to find schools that are a good fit for you and how to apply to those schools. 

    Where can I learn about each of these schools?

    For information about BPS Secondary Schools, visit the GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL CHOICE

    1. Go to DiscoverBPS.org and sort your school options by the programs and school features that best fit your needs.
    2. Explore each school’s website - BPS School Directory.
    3. Visit each school in person at School Preview Times, or contact each school directly by phone or email to schedule other tour times. 

    How many schools should I rank?

    More is better. At a minimum, we suggest you rank five schools, but we encourage you to rank as many schools as possible. Ranking more schools do not decrease your chances of getting into your first choice school. Even if you really want your first-choice school, you should rank more schools in case you don’t get in.

    What does “Additional Application Requirements” or “Special Admissions” mean?

    Certain schools require students to submit an extra application to be considered for admission. These applications can sometimes include an essay, teacher recommendations, and/or an audition. Contact the school directly to learn about their application process. Please know that if you don’t submit a separate application to these schools, depending on the school, you may not be considered for admission.

    These schools include:

    • Boston Arts Academy
    • Boston Day and Evening Academy
    • Boston Green Academy
    • Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers
    • Fenway High School
    • New Mission High School
    • Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

    This document contains the specific requirements for each school and their application deadlines for the 2024-2025 school year.  The second page contains the link to the school's online application.   Special Application Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year

    How is the choice process different for these schools with additional requirements?

    Although each of these schools has its own application, families must rank them along with their other choices in the order of preference. Boston Public Schools tries to provide students and families with their highest ranked option, but it will always benefit you to rank your choices honestly.You will not gain an advantage by trying to trick the system and ranking special admissions schools last. It may actually make things more complicated later on if you get accepted. 

    What about the exam schools?

    The exam schools are Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, and O’Bryant School of Math & Science. Learn more about the exam schools and their admission process here: Exam Schools 

    What about charter schools?

    There are three in-district charter schools that serve students in grades 9-12: Boston Day and Evening Academy, Boston Green Academy, and Edwards M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers. These schools are shown on your choice list but also require an additional application for each school.

    There are additional charter schools in and around Boston that won’t be on your choice list. These schools are not part of Boston Public Schools and have their own enrollment process. If you are interested in one of these schools, you should visit applybostoncharterschools.org.

    When will I find out my assigned school?

    Students entering grade 9 that participate in the priority registration period and submit their school choices by the beginning of February will find out their school assignment by the end of March.  Students that are entering grades 10, 11, and 12 or students that miss out on the priority registration period for grade 9 will take place in the second registration period and will find out their school assignment by the end of May.  

    Please note that if your child requires a full inclusion or substantially separate placement, some of this information may not apply.  Please contact the Office of Special Education at 617 635-8599 if you have any questions.

    What is Boston Public School's policy on International Exchange Students?

    If you are an international student looking to enroll in BPS as part of an exchange program or on a temporary basis, you must be enrolled in grade 9, 10, or 11 and the duration of your enrollment in BPS cannot exceed one academic year.  Learn more about BPS's policy around international exchange students:  International Exchange Students