Boston Latin Academy is a public exam school founded in 1878 in Boston, Massachusetts providing students in grades 7th through 12th a classical preparatory education. Originally named Girls' Latin School, it became the first college preparatory high school for girls in the United States.
Serving 1,693 students in grades 7-12, Boston Latin Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 76% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 1,693 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 10% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 76% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: The Boston Latin Academy's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Dorchester, MA, covering approximately 49.8 square miles. The average distance to the zone's edge is about 4.2 miles, with the furthest point being 7.2 miles away, and most families can expect a typical drive to the school of 10 to 12 minutes.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Boston Latin Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Boston Latin Academy's student population of 1,693 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,693 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1877
Average Class Size
25 students
School Motto
Vita tua sit sincera.
School Rankings
Boston Latin Academy ranks within the top 20% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Boston Latin Academy is 0.77, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#240 out of 1626 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
42%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
15%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
32%
26%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
51%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
98%
89.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.6%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
5%
Showing 2004–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
School Mascot
Jabberwock/dragon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boston Latin Academy's ranking?
Boston Latin Academy is ranked #240 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Boston Latin Academy often compared to?
Boston Latin Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Boston Latin School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 76% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Boston Latin Academy?
The graduation rate of Boston Latin Academy is 98%, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 89.2%.
How many students attend Boston Latin Academy?
1,693 students attend Boston Latin Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Boston Latin Academy students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 21% of students are White, 15% of students are Asian, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Boston Latin Academy?
Boston Latin Academy has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Boston Latin Academy offer ?
Boston Latin Academy offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Boston Latin Academy part of?
Boston Latin Academy is part of Boston School District.
In what neighborhood is Boston Latin Academy located?
Boston Latin Academy is located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Dorchester, MA. There are 2 other public schools located in Roxbury.
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