Rank Boston Area Prep Schools: Hardest to Get Into?

CapeCod2021
Sun, 04 Apr 2021 04:42:00 +0000

It’s very hard to compare Boston Latin to independent schools. Latin is an outstanding public school and has an excellent track record of placing students at top colleges. However, it is a public school, so it has much larger class sizes than private schools. I believe class sizes of 25 -30 are the norm, even for APs.

Latin offers many impressive extracurriculars, though in general the athletics are not comparable to the private schools. It does have an impressive rowing program. Performing arts are strong, and a high percentage of students participate in orchestra, band, and chorus.

Academics at Latin are very strong, but my impression is that there is less of a focus on developing writing skills than you would find at most private schools. I assume that is due to class size.

Putting aside cost, I think it really comes down to fit for your child and your family. Latin offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to get a great education in a diverse, urban school. However, it is a big school (approx 400 students in the graduating class), and there is not the same level of advising that you would find at a private school. I don’t say that to be critical of the faculty and administration. They do a fantastic job. It is just not possible to have the same degree of one-on-one attention as private schools offer.