Best Dorchester Public Schools

For the 2026-27 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-taylor 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 49% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Dorchester, Dorchester Center, MA (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lee Academy
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
25 Dunbar Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8618
Gr: PK-3 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Upper
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
18 Croftland Av
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-6365
Gr: 2-12 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #33.
Shaw-taylor Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
429 Norfolk Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8777
Gr: PK-6 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Up Academy Charter School Of Dorchester
Charter School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
35 Westville Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8810
Gr: PK-8 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Boston International High School & Newcomers Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Maxwell St
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-9373
Gr: 9-12 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #66.
Lee K-8 School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
155 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 635-8687
Gr: PK-8 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%

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-taylor 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 49% (majority Hispanic).

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