The English High School in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1821, is one of the first public high schools in the United States. Originally called The English Classical School, it was renamed upon its first relocation in 1824.
Serving 720 students in grades 7-12, English High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 49% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 720 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The English High serves the entire district of Jamaica Plain, MA, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 49.8 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 8.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Overview
English High School's student population of 720 students has grown by 38% over five school years.
The teacher population of 71 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
720 students
Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Year Founded
1821
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Columbia blue
School Motto
Honor, Achievement, Service to Humanity
School Rankings
English High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of English High School is 0.49, which is less 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
#1518 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
66%
26%
Black
28%
10%
White
3%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)63.6%
22.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: English Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is English High School's ranking?
English High School is ranked #1518 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are English High School often compared to?
English High Schoolis 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of English High School?
The graduation rate of English High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend English High School?
720 students attend English High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of English High School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of English High School?
English High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does English High School offer ?
English High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is English High School part of?
English High School is part of Boston School District.
School Reviews
Review English High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
