The Top High Schools in MA 2015: #100 to #51
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Patrick Sargent, GoLocalWorcester Reporter
GoLocalWorcester has released its fourth Annual Top High Schools in Massachusetts based on a propriety ranking of test scores and school data for the definitive look at secondary schools in the Commonwealth -- and for the second year in a row, top honors went to Weston High School.
GoLocal spoke with four of the top ten high schools in Massachusetts to gain valuable insight about the keys to their success. All of the schools looked to the future, offering their thoughts on what they do best to prepare their students.
"At the end of the day, excellent instruction by our teachers help our students achieve to the high levels that they do," said Anthony Parker, principal at Weston High School. "Also, a very supportive administration and parent community that help provide resources and opportunities for our students to learn outside of the traditional classroom. Last, we don’t want to rest on our laurels. We want to innovate and meet students where they are and make school as relevant to them as possible."
In a state full of academic rigor, being labeled one of the top high schools in the state of Massachusetts is no easy task, requiring students, faculty, administration, and the community to work together.
SEE SLIDES BELOW: Top High Schools in MA 2015 - #100 to #51
In Central Massachusetts, 13 schools made the top 100. Of those 13, only one school is located in Worcester - the Massachusetts Academy for Math and Science.
Michael Barney, Director of Mass Academy, told GoLocal, "We offer unique instructional approaches to mathematics (Math Modeling), Physics, Immersion Language, intensive writing in both the Humanities and Science and Technical Writing areas, and numerous opportunities to work on presentation skills. We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, not to mention the opportunity to attend WPI full time as a senior in high school."
"We are very proud of our students and faculty at Mass Academy. Our goal is to foster both collaboration and independence. Students apply their knowledge and skills, and focus on inquiry based learning," Barney added.
Barney mentioned a long list of student accomplishments including last year's involvement at the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair at MIT. Mass Academy sent fourteen students to the Fair and one of the students was awarded the top prize. Additionally, five Mass Academy students were chosen to represent Mass Academy at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Top High Schools Put Focus on Students
The top three high schools in the rankings remain unchanged from last year - #3 Dover Sherborn Regional, #2 Lexington High School, and the previously mentioned Weston High School earned the top spot.
When principals were asked what their schools do well that allows their students to achieve such success, Lexington High School principal Laura Lasa told GoLocalWorcester, "I believe our school's success is the collective pursuit of a high quality education for all students; a commitment on the part of Lexington to provide resources for students and faculty; and a consistent focus on the academic and social emotional well-being of students and adults in our school community."
Lasa added, "As always, we have room to grow as a school and district, but we are talking about the right things and addressing needs as they arise so our students can be healthy, happy and productive in life after high school."
"What makes Dover Sherborn a great high school is the academic rigor of all of our classes," said Dover Sherborn Headmaster John Smith. "We stress critical thinking skills across the curriculum and our teachers also provide strong instruction with nurturing support. We are engaged in a program based out of Stanford University entitled Challenge Success. In this program we balance our strong academic rigor with strategies to de-stress our students. We offer homework free weekends, and we have a two test maximum per school day. Student classes are relatively small and we begin the college preparation process beginning in ninth grade."
Smith mentioned that success of Dover Sherborn's students is a community effort. Smith said, "Our student body is actively engaged in supporting one another through a peer mentoring program that pairs juniors/seniors with incoming freshmen and transfer students. We have strong student involvement in athletics( 82% of our student body) as well as a strong drama program that offers several performances throughout the school year. Our community is incredibly supportive both financially as well as personally in the success of our school. Our parent support groups fund many initiatives for our students and teachers that normally would not be included in a school budget."
Related Slideshow: MA’s Top 100 High Schools 2015- #100 to #51
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#100 Nipmuc Regional High
Upton, MA
2014 Rank: #134
Enrolment: 627
Mascot: Warrior
Claim to Fame: Aerosmith played its first gig at Nipmuc Regional high on November 6, 1970.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.2% (+0.7%)
District spending per pupil: $11,900
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
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#99 Somerset Berkley Regional HS
Somerest, MA
2014 Rank: #88
Enrolment: 925
Mascot: Raiders
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Gerald Peter Remy (Aka Jerry Remy) who played second base for the Boston Red Sox and is a current NESN announcer: a position he has held for nearly three decades.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.7% (-1.4%)
District spending per pupil: $12,970
Student-teacher ratio: 11.2:1
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#98 Shawsheen Valley Vocational Tech
Billerica, MA
2014 Rank: #83
Enrolment: 1,368
Mascot: Rams
Claim to Fame: This school offers 21 vocational career pathways to its students.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 97.3% (-0.9%)
District spending per pupil: $18,376
Student-teacher ratio: 10.6:1
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#97 Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter
Hyde Park, MA
2014 Rank: #91
Enrolment: 213
Mascot: Dragons
Claim to Fame: Despite its small student body, Academy of the Pacific Rim sent students to Smith College, Hamilton College, Boston College, and Brandeis University in 2013.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 85.3% (-7.3%)
District spending per pupil: $17,598
Student-teacher ratio: 12.2:1
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#96 Milton High
Milton, MA
2014 Rank: #120
Enrolment: 973
Mascot: Wildcats
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Rich Hill, who was a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox from 2010 to 2012.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.2% (0%)
District spending per pupil: $12,992
Student-teacher ratio: 13.3:1
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#95 North Central Charter Essential
Fitchburg, MA
2014 Rank: #197
Enrolment: 217
Mascot: N/A
Claim to Fame: Students from over 30 cities and towns in central Massachusetts are eligible to enroll at North Central Charter Essential.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 78% (-8.3%)
District spending per pupil: $13,569
Student-teacher ratio: 9.4:1
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#94 Georgetown Middle/High
Georgetown, MA
2014 Rank: #78
Enrolment: 404
Mascot: Royal Lancer
Claim to Fame: The class of 2014 will enroll at Ivy League schools, premier liberal arts schools, and others.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.5% (-2.4%)
District spending per pupil: $11,056
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
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#93 Wakefield Memorial High
Wakefield, MA
2014 Rank: #118
Enrolment: 1,030
Mascot: Warriors
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Scott Brown, a former Massachusetts Senator.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94% (-0.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,418
Student-teacher ratio: 13.4:1
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#92 Pentucket Regional Sr High
West Newbury, MA
2014 Rank: #100
Enrolment: 765
Mascot: Sachems
Claim to Fame: Every year Pentucket and Triton Regional High School play football against each other on Thanksgiving Day.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.2% (+1.5%)
District spending per pupil: $12,327
Student-teacher ratio: 12.6:1
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#91 Reading Memorial High
Reading, MA
2014 Rank: #90
Enrolment: 1,251
Mascot: Rockets
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Brad Whitford (Rythm guitarist for Aerosmith), Mark Erelli (Folk musician), and Mark Feeney (Pulitzer prize winning author).
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.2% (-0.4%)
District spending per pupil: $11,281
Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
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#90 Shrewbury Senior High
Shrewsbury, MA
2014 Rank: #117
Enrolment: 1,684
Mascot: Colonial
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Shawn Loiseau, who played linebacker in the NFL.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.9% (+0.2%)
District spending per pupil: $11,612
Student-teacher ratio: 14.8:1
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#89 Boston Latin Academy
Boston, MA
2014 Rank: #66
Enrolment: 1,174
Mascot: Dragon
Claim to Fame: Boston Latin has the oldest continuous high school football rivalry in the U.S., which started back in 1887 against English High School.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 92.1% (+1.5%)
District spending per pupil: $17,598
Student-teacher ratio: 17.7:1
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#88 Franklin High School
Franklin, MA
2014 Rank: #116
Enrollment: 1,698
Mascot: Panthers
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Peter Laviolette, the current coach of the Nashville Predators.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 97.2% (+12.5%)
District spending per pupil: $11,131
Student-teacher ratio: 14.5:1
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#87 Lunenburg High School
Lunenburg, MA
2014 Rank: #104
Enrollment: 427
Mascot: Blue Knights
Claim to Fame: Gordon Edes, a sportswriter for The Boston Globe, is a member of the class of 1972.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 98.2% (+1.4%)
District spending per pupil: $12,027
Student-teacher ratio: 12.4:1
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#86 Foxborough High School
Foxborough, MA
2014 Rank: #61
Enrollment: 855
Mascot: Warriors
Claim to Fame: Advanced Placement courses are offered in English Language and Literature, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics C, French, Spanish, Psychology, Studio Art, U.S. History, U.S. Government & Politics, and European History.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 93.9% (-3.3%)
District spending per pupil: $13,775
Student-teacher ratio: 12.7:1
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#85 Dedham High School
Dedham, MA
2014 Rank: #113
Enrollment: 700
Mascot: Marauders
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Leon Edney, retired Vice Chief of Naval Operations for the U.S. Navy.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.1% (+3.5%)
District spending per pupil: $16,434
Student-teacher ratio: 10.7:1
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#84 Natick High School
Natick, MA
2014 Rank: #72
Enrollment: 1,493
Mascot: Red Hawks
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Doug Flutie, a Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL star.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.5% (+0.2%)
District spending per pupil: $13,511
Student-teacher ratio: 14.7:1
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#83 Wahconah Regional High School
Dalton, MA
2014 Rank: #92
Enrollment: 543
Mascot: Warrior
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Jeff Reardon, who at one time held the MLB record for saves.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.2% (+6.1%)
District spending per pupil: $14,143
Student-teacher ratio: 12.1:1
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#82 Wilmington High School
Dalton, MA
2014 Rank: #115
Enrollment: 930
Mascot: Wildcat
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Jason Bere, who pitched in the MLB for 11 seasons.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.5% (+1.1%)
District spending per pupil: $14,049
Student-teacher ratio: 12.1:1
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#81 Chelmsford High School
North Chelmsford, MA
2014 Rank: #109
Enrollment: 1,577
Mascot: Lions
Claim to Fame: The school is based on a three-house system. The houses are all named after Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and John Greenleaf Whittier, three famous New England writers.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.8% (+0.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,158
Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
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#80 Minuteman Regional Vocational
Lexington, MA
2014 Rank: #55
Enrollment: 673
Mascot: Mustangs
Claim to Fame: The school offers 20 vocational specialties to its students, ranging from biotechnology to plumbing.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 86.5% (+5.4%)
District spending per pupil: $26,245
Student-teacher ratio: 8.5:1
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#79 Mansfield High School
Mansfield, MA
2014 Rank: #130
Enrollment: 1,337
Mascot: Hornets
Claim to Fame: The Mansfield football team has won the State Championship seven times, with the last victory occuring in 2013.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.7% (+1.9%)
District spending per pupil: $12,101
Student-teacher ratio: 13.9:1
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#78 Watertown High School
Watertown, MA
2014 Rank: #129
Enrollment: 693
Mascot: Raiders
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Eliza Dushku, who has starred in Tru Calling and True Lies.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 89.2% (+3.9%)
District spending per pupil: $17,279
Student-teacher ratio: 10.9:1
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#77 Mystic Valley Regional Charter
Malden, MA
2014 Rank: #106
Enrollment: 396
Mascot: Raiders
Claim to Fame: 95% of the class of 2014 will be enrolling in a four-year college in the fall.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.3% (+0.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,792
Student-teacher ratio: 14.1:1
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#76 North Reading High School
North Reading, MA
2014 Rank: #49
Enrollment: 792
Mascot: Hornet
Claim to Fame: North Reading spent 2014 on a brand new building (pictured).
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.8% (+2.6%)
District spending per pupil: $13,471
Student-teacher ratio: 12.2:1
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#75 Ashland High School
Ashland, MA
2014 Rank: #101
Enrollment: 719
Mascot: Clockers
Claim to Fame: Ashland High School boasts a safe, supportive learning environment by empowering individuals to be respectful, responsible and active partners as they develop lifelong learning skills.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.9% (+2%)
District spending per pupil: $12,677
Student-teacher ratio: 13.6:1
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#74 Innovation Academy Charter School
Tyngsboro, MA
2014 Rank: #67
Enrollment: 361
Mascot: Red-Tailed Hawks
Claim to Fame: All seniors work on a year-long independent Senior Project.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 92.3% (-1.6%)
District spending per pupil: $12,086
Student-teacher ratio: 11.4:1
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#73 Tahanto Regional High
Boylston, MA
2014 Rank: #80
Enrollment: 297
Mascot: Stags
Claim to Fame: Students, teachers, and faculty now enjoy a $32.2M building that opened in 2013.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 94.2% (+7.3%)
District spending per pupil: $11,644
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
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#72 Masconomet Regional High School
Topsfield, MA
2014 Rank: #79
Enrollment: 1,313
Mascot: Chieftains
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Chris Kreider, a forward for the New York Rangers.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 99.4% (+0.7%)
District spending per pupil: $13,374
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
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#71 Littleton High School
Littleton, MA
2014 Rank: #46
Enrollment: 445
Mascot: Tigers
Claim to Fame: Their football team went undefeated and took home the Division VI State Championship in 2013.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 93.1% (+1.8%)
District spending per pupil: $12,719
Student-teacher ratio: 14.8:1
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#70 Lynnfield High School
Lynnfield, MA
2014 Rank: #75
Enrollment: 632
Mascot: Pioneer
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Richard Tisei, who was the Minority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate from 2007 to 2011.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.3% (-4.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,615
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
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#69 Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
Cambridge, MA
2014 Rank: #23
Enrollment: 318
Mascot: Wizards
Claim to Fame: 11th and 12th graders partake in the College Institute program, which is the school's ways of familiarizing students with college coursework.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 85% (+1.5%)
District spending per pupil: $27,474
Student-teacher ratio: 13.1:1
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#68 Canton High School
Canton, MA
2014 Rank: #86
Enrollment: 913
Mascot: Bulldogs
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Bill Burr, an esteemed stand-up comedian.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.6% (+2.9%)
District spending per pupil: $13,379
Student-teacher ratio: 12.5:1
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#67 Groton Dunstable Regional High
Groton, MA
2015 Rank: #62
Enrollment: 867
Mascot: Crusaders
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Dan Shaughnessy, a sports columnist for The Boston Globe.
2014 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 99% (+2%)
District spending per pupil: $12,849
Student-teacher ratio: 15.5:1
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#66 Burlington High School
Burlington, MA
2014 Rank: #74
Enrollment: 1,123
Mascot: Red Devils
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Amy Poehler, star of Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 92.7% (-2.8%)
District spending per pupil: $16,643
Student-teacher ratio: 12.1:1
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#65 Smith Academy
Hatfield, MA
2014 Rank: #57
Enrollment: 130
Mascot: Falcon
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Judy Strong, who won a bronze medal in field hockey at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.8% (+5.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,977
Student-teacher ratio: 9.4:1
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#64 Hampshire Regional High School
Westhampton, MA
2014 Rank: #69
Enrollment: 488
Mascot: Raiders
Claim to Fame: Their softball team took home the Divsion II title in 2015.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.1% (+2%)
District spending per pupil: $14,819
Student-teacher ratio: 11.4:1
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#63 Tantasqua Regional High School
Fiskdale, MA
2014 Rank: #63
Enrollment: 770
Mascot: Warrior
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Joel Crouse (Country Singer) and James Lynch (Guitarist for the Dropkick Murphys).
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 91.7% (-3.2%)
District spending per pupil: $12,403
Student-teacher ratio: 9.6:1
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#62 Boston Collegiate Charter School
Dorchester, MA
2014 Rank: #41
Enrollment: 296
Mascot: Hurricanes
Claim to Fame: Members of the class of 2014 will be heading off to Wellesley College, Smith College, Dartmouth College, and others in the fall.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 77.8% (+1.1%)
District spending per pupil: $17,598
Student-teacher ratio: 11.7:1
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#61 Newburyport High School
Newburyport, MA
2014 Rank: #52
Enrollment: 784
Mascot: Clipper Ship
Claim to Fame: The building this school occupies was built in 1831 and still contains much of the original architecture.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.3% (+1.1%)
District spending per pupil: $13,428
Student-teacher ratio: 13.1:1
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#60 Framingham High School
Framingham, MA
2014 Rank: #58
Enrollment: 1,995
Mascot: Flying Eagle
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include David Blatt, the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 86.7% (0%)
District spending per pupil: $16,515
Student-teacher ratio: 11.5:1
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#59 Pioneer Valley Regional School
Northfield, MA
2014 Rank: #103
Enrollment: 301
Mascot: Black Panther
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Aaron Lewis, founding member of the rock group Staind.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 90.4% (+0.7%)
District spending per pupil: $17,077
Student-teacher ratio: 10.5:1
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#58 Monument Mt. Regional High School
Great Barrington, MA
2014 Rank: #51
Enrollment: 552
Mascot: Spartans
Claim to Fame: Students work on a site called "The Maroon Tribune", posting school news, sports stories, and more.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.5% (+3.5%)
District spending per pupil: $16,106
Student-teacher ratio: 11.9:1
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#57 Frontier Regional High School
South Deerfield, MA
2014 Rank: #37
Enrollment: 377
Mascot: Mohawk
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Mark Chmura (class of 1987), who played football at Boston College and later for the Green Bay Packers.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 91.9% (-1%)
District spending per pupil: $16,786
Student-teacher ratio: 11.3:1
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#56 Salem Academy Charter School
Shetland Park, MA
2014 Rank: #93
Enrollment: 187
Mascot: Navigators
Claim to Fame: This school is based on a REACH motto, which stands for responsible, empathetic, assertive, cooperative, and honest.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 88.6% (+0.9%)
District spending per pupil: $14,837
Student-teacher ratio: 8.7:1
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#55 Belmont High School
Belmont, MA
2014 Rank: #45
Enrollment: 1,236
Mascot: Marauder
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Emily Cook, who has competed in three Olympic games for skiing.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 96.3% (-2.1%)
District spending per pupil: $12,659
Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
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#54 Andover High
Andover, MA
2014 Rank: #40
Enrollment: 1,760
Mascot: Golden Warriors
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Michael Chiklis (actor), Jay Leno (comedian), Rob Oppenheim (professional golfer), and Ryan Hanigan (professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox).
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 95.7% (-0.9%)
District spending per pupil: $14,377
Student-teacher ratio: 14.8:1
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#53 Mt. Everett Regional
Sheffield, MA
2014 Rank: #71
Enrollment: 223
Mascot: Eagle
Claim to Fame: Students may take courses at Simon's Rock College and at Berkshire Community College.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 90.6% (-2.8%)
District spending per pupil: $17,100
Student-teacher ratio: 8.4:1
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#52 Rockport High
Rockport, MA
2014 Rank: #43
Enrollment: 304
Mascot: Viking
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Paula Cole, singer and songwriter known for the hit single "Where have all the cowboys gone?" and Andrew Stanton a screenplay actor for Disney's Pixar.
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 97.1% (+6.7%)
District spending per pupil: $15,877
Student-teacher ratio: 10.8:1
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#51 Algonquin Regional High
Northborough, MA
2014 Rank: #33
Enrollment: 1,452
Mascot: The Tomahawk (T-Hawk)
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Mark "The Bird" Fidrych (former MLB pitcher), Ryan Gallant (professional skateboarder), Nathaniel Raymond (human rights investigator and anti-torture advocate), and Mike Sherman (former head coach of the Green Bay Packers), and current offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins).
2015 performance at a glance
Graduation rate: 97.1% (-0.4%)
District spending per pupil: $12,929
Student-teacher ratio: 13.7:1
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