Boston Arts Academy in Boston, Massachusetts, USA is Boston's first and only high school for the visual and performing arts and is a partnership between Boston Public Schools and the ProArts Consortium.
Serving 473 students in grades 9-12, Boston Arts Academy ranks in the top 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 30-34% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 473 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Boston Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Boston Arts Academy's student population of 473 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
473 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
1998
School Calendar
First Day of School
Thu. Sep 4, 2025
School Motto
Talent is evenly distributed in society, but opportunity is not.
School Rankings
Boston Arts Academy ranks within the top 50% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Boston Arts Academy is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#715 out of 1626 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
7%
Hispanic
46%
25%
Black
34%
10%
White
13%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boston Arts Academy's ranking?
Boston Arts Academy is ranked #715 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Boston Arts Academy often compared to?
Boston Arts Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Fenway High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Boston Arts Academy?
The graduation rate of Boston Arts Academy is 85-89%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend Boston Arts Academy?
473 students attend Boston Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Boston Arts Academy students are Hispanic, 34% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Boston Arts Academy?
Boston Arts Academy has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Boston Arts Academy offer ?
Boston Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Boston Arts Academy part of?
Boston Arts Academy is part of Boston School District.
In what neighborhood is Boston Arts Academy located?
Boston Arts Academy is located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA.
School Reviews
5 12/28/2015
Boston Arts Academy has saved my life. I came from Newton Country Day School, where I was bullied (specifically around my economic status, where I live, my culture, and my non-religious lifestyle), socially isolated, received no assistance for disabilities (I have ADHD), and was harassed. I suffer from not only ADHD, but depression, severe anxiety, and social anxiety. Being at Newton Country Day, I was suicidal, had no friends, no hope, no joy. I am now a (transfer) Sophmore student at BAA, and I'm the happiest I've ever been. I have friends, good grades, and not nearly as much social anxiety. There's no amount of money you could ever pay me to leave this school.
5 12/19/2014
i like this school, me & my bestfriend has been wanting to go to this school for quiet some time. i will set an appointment. i hope to see you soon
Review Boston Arts Academy. 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
