Boston
Public Schools
are failing her.
In Boston Public Schools, 7 out of 10 students are not reading or doing math at grade level. The numbers don’t lie. With a budget of $1.7 billion and expenditures of $37,000 per student in 2026, why are only 30% of students proficient in our city’s schools?
Four facts every Bostonian should know
From the 2026 MCAS, the annual statewide assessment for public school students in grades 3-10.
of BPS students in grades 3–8 are proficient in English Language Arts*
of BPS students in grades 3–8 are proficient in Mathematics*
are below grade level in reading & math in grades 3–8*
is what Boston will spend on its public schools this year**
*Source: Massachusetts DESE, Spring 2026 MCAS results
**Source: Boston Public Schools FY27 budget as passed by the Boston School Committee and Boston City Council.
Boston spends $1.7 billion a year on schools where 7 in 10 students can’t read or do math at grade level. We can change that story.
Help us write Boston’s next chapter
The data is telling us a story. It’s a story we’ve ignored for too long.
Behind every percentage point is a child: a third grader who can’t yet read the books on her classroom shelf, an eighth grader who dreads math class, a family that was never told what the test scores really mean.
Boston is a historic city of renowned universities, hospitals, museums, and industry. As a municipality full of economic opportunity, our students deserve nothing less than a world-class education — one that will lead them to a vibrant, sustainable future. Today, our schools are denying the majority of Boston’s children the bright futures they deserve.
We believe the next chapter can be different. But only if families, educators, and neighbors write it together.
Read our story →Three ways to turn the page
Learn the facts
See what the state’s own data says about student reading and math scores in the Boston Public Schools — in plain language, school by school.
Data for Families →Get answers
What does “meeting expectations” actually mean? Is it really 70%? We answer the questions families ask most.
Read the FAQ →Take action
Join our community, and tell school and city leaders that Boston’s students deserve a real plan for action — this year.
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