Exam Public Schools

Boston has 3 public schools which only admit the top-performing students. They are: Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and The O'Bryant School of Math and Science. Some estimate that only 20% of the approximately 3,500 students who apply each year are admitted.

Each school serves students in grades 7 through 12. Students can apply when they are in 6th grade or in 8th grade to be admitted the following September. Also, John D. O'Bryant admits a small number of students in the 10th grade; please contact the school to inquire.

Admission is based on two criteria. One is a standardized test called the ISEE, given on the first Saturday in November. The other is the student's GPA in math and English classes.

If you attend a traditional public school or pilot public school, you can get ISEE applications from your principal.

If you attend a charter public school, Catholic school, or a suburban school via Metco, you can get an ISEE application from your guidance counselor. Another option is the BPS "Student Assignment Center" at 26 Court Street. You can go there in person with 3 proofs of Boston residency. What counts as proof of residency?

There is a wonderful non-profit group called The Steppingstone Foundation which helps Boston students prepare for the ISEE exam. Kids in 4th, 5th, or 7th grade can get extra tutoring for 14 months: after-school, on weekends, and during summers. All of this is free. More information can be found at the Steppingstone Foundation website.

For more information on how to apply to an exam school or on prep programs offered by BPS you can contact Maria Vieira, Assignment Specialist, at 617-635-9512.