For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,668 students in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA.
The top ranked public schools in Dorchester are Lee Academy, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper and Shaw Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public school average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lee Academy
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
25 Dunbar Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Gr: PK-3 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
18 Croftland Av
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-6365
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-6365
Gr: 2-12 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #33.
Shaw Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
429 Norfolk Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Gr: PK-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Up Academy Charter School Of Dorchester
Charter School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
35 Westville Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Gr: PK-8 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Boston International High School & Newcomers Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 Maxwell St
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-9373
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-9373
Gr: 9-12 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Lee K-8 School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
155 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Gr: PK-8 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA?
The top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA include Lee Academy, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper and Shaw Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center?
6 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center?
the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center public schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Massachusetts public schools average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

What Are Public Schools Doing to Fight Obesity and Is It Working?
Childhood obesity rates continue to climb. While many public schools have implemented policies and programs to combat the problem, there is always more to be done. Keep reading to learn what schools are doing to prevent obesity and how you can help.

Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools Offer Free Lunches
Kids in Boston Public Schools will enjoy free lunches this year, thanks to participation in a federal program that cuts out paperwork required to prove eligibility for the free lunch program.

Michigan Schools: Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.