Boston’s public high schools continue to face significant challenges in improving student attendance and academic achievement, according to a recent analysis and city education officials. While Boston’s prestigious exam schools, including Boston Latin School, maintain strong performance nationally, the city’s other 31 high schools—serving nearly 11,000 students—are struggling with chronic absenteeism and low academic outcomes.

A report from the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, which reviewed state education data for non-exam public high schools, found that chronic absenteeism rates remain alarmingly high. In these schools, more than half of students—about 51.5 percent—missed at least 18 days of school during the academic year, substantially exceeding the statewide average of 19 percent. Absenteeism ranged from 27 percent at Fenway High School to as high as 98 percent at Community Academy, an alternative school scheduled to close by the end of this school year.

These attendance issues are closely tied to poor academic achievement. The report highlighted that only 21.4 percent of 10th graders at these schools met or exceeded expectations on the 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) English exam, and just 17.3 percent reached that benchmark in math. Notably, only Boston Arts Academy and New Mission High School outperformed the state average in English, with New Mission also exceeding it in math. These schools were identified as exemplars with unique approaches to education, offering potential models for improvement.

Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper acknowledged the persistent challenges but emphasized that much of the report’s recommendations are already underway. Skipper pointed to ongoing consolidation efforts, with the number of high schools expected to decrease from 31 to 25 by the end of the academic year. She also highlighted the need for careful consideration when closing schools, particularly to accommodate students with disabilities or English language learners.

Efforts to combat chronic absenteeism include hiring more social workers and attendance officers. While BPS reports some progress in reducing absenteeism, both Skipper and Boston Municipal Research Bureau President Steve Poftak agree that greater follow-through is needed. Poftak praised BPS staff for recent presentations on the issue but questioned the lack of sustained action.

Academic progress is another focus for the district. Skipper stressed initiatives such as expanding early college and career training programs, aiming to engage students with relevant educational pathways. Meanwhile, the Research Bureau recommends establishing clear, consistent performance standards and identifying successful schools whose strategies can be replicated across the system.

At a recent School Committee meeting, officials expressed skepticism about the district’s five-year “Strategic Roadmap” for 2026–2031, citing a lack of specific, measurable goals and year-by-year benchmarks. Committee member Quoc Tran described the plan as more of an overview than a practical guide to change. Skipper promised that more detailed and actionable data would be provided moving forward.

The ongoing challenges faced by Boston’s high schools spotlight long-standing issues in the city’s education system. With nearly three-quarters of high school students enrolled outside the exam schools, city leaders are under pressure to accelerate improvements. As Skipper noted, the time to act is urgent: many students cannot afford further delays in receiving a quality education.