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Best Counties For Public Schools in Massachusetts (2026)

The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a county which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.

A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.

Statewide Range: 20% 20% Avg. Statewide: 20%

Top-Ranked Counties With Best Public Schools in Massachusetts (2026)

County

% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide

Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)

Rank: #1-21 - 2.

Middlesex County, MA

20%
(78 out of 385)

Rank: #1-21 - 2.

Norfolk County, MA

20%
(37 out of 188)

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Did You Know?

Testing rankings and test scores should not be compared across states - there is large variation in how states define "proficiency" on their standardized tests. In states with the lowest expectations, "proficiency" can be several grade levels below proficiency in states with the highest expectations.