Boston, known for its world-class universities, also boasts a very high standard of public high schools. Some of these public schools are recognized as elite institutions across the United States, sending many graduates to top universities each year, including Harvard and MIT. Therefore, for Korean families who prioritize education for their children, it is common to consider not only the school district but also the opportunities for admission to these prestigious public schools when looking for a home.

The most notable school is Boston Latin School. Established in 1635, it is the oldest public school in the United States, boasting nearly 400 years of history. This school has existed since before the founding of the United States, and notable figures in American history, such as Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock, are among its alumni.

Boston Latin School is not just an old institution; it also maintains an academic level that is among the best in the country. It continues a tradition of teaching not only English and mathematics but also Latin, and offers a wide variety of AP courses. Most graduates go on to four-year colleges, with many gaining admission to top-tier universities in the U.S. While there are annual variations, students from this school consistently gain admission to elite universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Princeton University, Yale University, and Columbia University. Harvard, in particular, is known for producing several admitted students each year due to its geographical proximity to Boston. MIT also sees a steady stream of outstanding students in STEM fields, but the competition is extremely fierce, resulting in only a small number of exceptional students being admitted.

The second school is Boston Latin Academy. This school is also a representative exam school in Boston. It has a larger student body than Boston Latin School and includes students from diverse backgrounds, with well-established AP courses and college preparatory programs. The college admission rate for graduates is quite high, with consistent cases of students being admitted to local prestigious universities such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts Boston, as well as Ivy League schools.

The third school is John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. As the name suggests, it is an exam school focused on mathematics and science education. It is popular among students interested in STEM fields such as computer science, engineering, medicine, and data science, and actively engages in college research programs and related activities. A significant number of graduates pursue degrees in engineering and medicine, with students gaining admission to top engineering schools like MIT each year.

One of the most common questions parents have is, "Do many students really get into Harvard or MIT?"

To answer briefly, these schools definitely show higher admission rates compared to general public schools. In particular, Boston Latin School is well-known for consistently producing students who gain admission to top universities, including Harvard and MIT, among all public schools in the U.S. However, it is not the case that dozens of students from a single school are admitted to Harvard. Harvard typically admits about 1,600 to 1,700 undergraduate students each year, and MIT's undergraduate admission size is only around 1,100. Given that the best students from around the world apply, students from Boston Latin School also face intense competition to gain admission.

Moreover, students from these schools not only gain admission to Harvard and MIT but also have a much higher rate of acceptance to the entire Ivy League, Stanford University, Duke University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California, Berkeley compared to general public schools.

Currently, the admission system for exam schools in Boston has changed slightly from the past. Previously, ISEE test scores were a significant factor, but recently, the system has been revised multiple times to reduce reliance on test scores and consider grades, residency, socioeconomic factors, and more. Therefore, families preparing to apply should check the admission criteria that change each year.

Another characteristic of these schools is their diverse student composition. The proportion of Asian students is relatively high, and the academic atmosphere is very competitive. Many students engage in AP classes, research projects, debate activities, music, and sports after school, making college preparation a natural part of their routine.

Ultimately, Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and John D. O'Bryant School are among the top public schools in the United States. While gaining admission to Harvard or MIT is not an easy goal for anyone, these schools are recognized for providing an educational environment that brings students closest to achieving that goal. If you are planning your child's education in Boston, it is crucial to check the admission schedules and the latest selection criteria for each school in advance and to prepare well in advance.