Expat Education Guide: Schools in Boston

Education Overview

Boston scores 5.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 14 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Boston boasts one of the most prestigious education systems in the United States, with a rich academic heritage and numerous renowned institutions. The city combines historic educational excellence with innovative approaches, featuring a diverse mix of traditional public schools, exam schools, charter schools, and prestigious private institutions. Boston Public Schools (BPS) is one of America's oldest public school districts, while the metropolitan area hosts world-class universities like Harvard and MIT that influence the broader educational ecosystem.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$9,950

Monthly Costs

$13,500/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $250

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $4,500/mo

Tuition Fees International $6,000/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

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Cambridge

Density 5/6

Types: Public, private, charter, and university-affiliated

Notable: Harvard University, MIT, Cambridge Rindge and Latin

Brookline

Density 5/6

Types: Public, private, and parochial options

Notable: Brookline High School, Baker School, Dexter Southfield

Back Bay

Density 4/6

Types: Private, public, and specialized academies

Notable: Newman School, Commonwealth School, Kingsley Montessori

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Practical Tips

Apply to Boston Public Schools through the Home-Based school choice system in January, even if moving in summer

registration priority is based on application timing, and late applicants get significantly fewer choices regardless of address

Consider Advanced Work Class (AWC) programs in Brighton and West Roxbury, not just exam schools

these less competitive programs often have similar quality but are overlooked by most families focusing only on the three exam schools

Utilize the Boston Public Library's free homework help resources, available online and at various branches.

They provide access to tutoring and academic support, offering valuable assistance for students across the city.

Explore diverse adult education classes at the Boston Center for Adult Education throughout the year.

They offer a wide range of courses for personal and professional development, catering to various interests.

Useful Links

Boston Public Schools

Official website of Boston's public school system with enrollment information, school finder tools, and educational resources.

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Massachusetts Department of Education

State education department providing school performance data, curriculum standards, and educational policy information.

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Boston Centers for Youth & Families

City agency offering after-school programs, community education, and family support services across Boston neighborhoods.

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Boston Public Library

Public library system providing free educational resources, language learning tools, and community programs for all ages.

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English for New Bostonians

Non-profit organization providing English language learning resources and classes specifically for immigrants in Boston.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston has 14 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Boston varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Boston, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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