The numbers don't lie.
Here is what the state's own testing tells us about reading and math outcomes in the Boston Public Schools — and why we should all be concerned.
First, how to read these numbers
Every spring, Massachusetts public school students in Grades 3 through 8 and Grade 10 take the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The state sorts results into four levels, and a student who scores in the top two levels — "Meeting Expectations" or "Exceeding Expectations" — is considered on grade level. A student in the bottom two — "Partially Meeting Expectations" or "Not Meeting Expectations" — is not.
One sentence to remember: When we say 29% met expectations in reading, it means 71% — about 7 in 10 students — did not.
Reading & Math Proficiency, Grades 3–8
Grade 10 — On the path to graduation
The financial side of the story
Boston's costs of $37,000 per student are among the highest in the country, with a total district budget of $1.7 billion — approved by the School Committee and the Boston City Council. We are not asking whether Boston spends enough on schools. We are asking tougher questions: what is this investment producing for students and how are we spending resources differently to achieve better results?
Find your school in three steps
Look up your school
Every BPS school has a public report card on the state's website, with MCAS results by grade, subject, and student group. (Please note 2026 school report cards are not yet posted. The most current results are from 2025.)
Ask three questions
At your next school event or teacher conference, ask: What percent of students here read at grade level? Is my child reading on grade level? Is this school using evidence-based instruction and, if not, when will you start?
Share what you learn — and join us
Download our one-page fact sheet, share it with a neighbor, and add your name so we can act together.