For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 6,113 students in Arlington, MA (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,777 private students). 76% of all K-12 students in Arlington, MA are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%). Arlington has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Massachusetts.
The top-ranked public schools in Arlington, MA are Arlington High School, John A Bishop and Ottoson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arlington, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Arlington have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Massachusetts public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Arlington, MA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Arlington High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
869 Mass Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3591
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3591
Gr: 9-12 | 1,677 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
John A Bishop
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
25 Columbia Road
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3791
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3791
Gr: K-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Ottoson Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
63 Acton Street
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3745
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3745
Gr: 7-8 | 963 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Gibbs School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
41 Foster Street
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-9003
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-9003
Gr: 6 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
Hardy
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
52 Lake Street
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3781
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3781
Gr: K-5 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
Cyrus E Dallin
(Math: 70% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
185 Florence Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3722
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3722
Gr: K-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
M Norcross Stratton
(Math: 66% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
180 Mountain Avenue
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3754
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3754
Gr: K-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #88.
Brackett
(Math: 63% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
66 Eastern Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3705
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3705
Gr: K-5 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #99.
Peirce
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
85 Park Avenue Ext
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3736
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3736
Gr: K-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1010.
Thompson
(Math: 63% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
187 Everett Street
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3768
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3768
Gr: K-5 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
17 Irving Street
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3698
Arlington, MA 02476
(781) 316-3698
Gr: PK | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arlington, MA?
The top-ranked public schools in Arlington, MA include Arlington High School, John A Bishop and Ottoson Middle School. Arlington has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Massachusetts.
How many public schools are located in Arlington?
11 public schools are located in Arlington.
What percentage of students in Arlington go to public school?
76% of all K-12 students in Arlington are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arlington?
Arlington public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Massachusetts public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Arlington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arlington include: Cyrus E Dallin vs. Brackett, M Norcross Stratton vs. John A Bishop, Brackett vs. Cyrus E Dallin
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