Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

Two of my children went to this school and loved it. They did very well academically but more than anything AB made them well rounded individuals. The teachers in AB are exceptional. There is a lot of diversity in this school. The students are very tolerant, friendly and helpful. Highly recommend AB to all.
--Submitted by a parent

As a student at a fantastic university and a former student at Acton-Boxborough, I'd must say that AB has been the best preparation for college that I could have ever asked for. The academics are rigorous, the students self-motivated, the atmosphere for excellence ever-present in the air. To be sure, excellence at AB extends to an array of areas. With academics aside, I met students who were truly gifted in sports, in theater/drama, in music (band, chorus). The teachers are (for the most part--there are always exceptions, at every institution) truly invested in, and devoted to, what they teach. They are interested in our opinions and encourage us to further explore our interests! The administration gives us a fair degree of freedom, from which mutual trust between admin and the student body grows. Nevertheless, the environment that the students cultivate, I'd have to say, is the most nourishing of all. At AB, there is a love of learning and a love of helping others learn that I found to be similar to what I found in college. Without my peers, I don't think I would be performing so successfully here at Harvard.
--Submitted by a student

OMG I love this school district! We moved 2500 miles so our kids could attend these schools and they are incredible. It's all about the amazing teachers-- dedicated, nurturing, hardworking, and brilliant, with very high expectations. Our kids have different learning styles and are working hard and challenged every day. The teaching of math, writing, and critical thinking skills is world class. To top it off, families and kids in this town are genuinely nice, friendly and supportive. We've lived all over the country and have never experienced such a pro-education community. The surroundings are beautiful and if schools are your priority, look no further.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm blown out. Even though the rigor of academics has been oppressive at times, it has prepared me well. By some miracle (AB has spotty prestigious college admission success) I'm at an ivy-level school and, now in my sophomore year, I've never gotten anything less than a 94 in a class (even when test averages were in the 60s), and I've never felt like I had to work hard for my grades alone. Instead, I have time to actually learn for enjoyment, which is a true gift made possible by AB. I'm never stressed, and love getting to know professors and having time for a social life. The prep school kids aren't as well prepared! I had great teachers for all but senior English, and made incredible friends here. If you can stick it out, you will be well prepared for the next step.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a student at AB and I absolutely love it. Classes here are very difficult (especially honors), but the teachers are amazing and I learn so much. Despite the stress I often have, I know i will be well prepared for college and life.
--Submitted by a student

Four years ago, I would have been amazed to see myself giving my high school five stars. There were MANY times throughout my experience at AB where I was completely overwhelmed by the academic rigor (as a kid who switched from private to public school I thought it would be a piece of cake, boy was I wrong) as well as the overall cut-throat competitive spirit that is AB. But as a college freshman looking back, I realize that AB was a totally awesome school. Hard yes. But still fun. And it is crazy to realize the advantage I have been enjoying at college compared to my peers; so far University has been a breeze. All that being said, the stress level at AB is probably a little bit higher than most schools. If you can handle the pressure, its completely worth it.
--Submitted by a student

Just voted a Blue Ribbon School from the DOE...only 39 HS's in the country get that honor.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a great kid, and a good student: meaning she tries, but she isn't at the rop of her class. At her last high school, this meant that she wasn't a priority, but not here. Thie school stands apart from the rest because it doesn't teach to, or even care about, standardized tests. This means that the people at AB are more concerned with my daughter the person than my daughter the number. Even though she is considered to be in the middle of her class, the standards are higher here and for the first time in my memory, she's started doing her homework immediately after ballet without me nagging. She's even made friends and its only her freshmen year. i highly recommend this school to any parent who feels that their child is falling through the cracks and is undervalued at her current school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student here, and I just got my acceptance letter to Yale last week, so I'd like to thank the Acton system. Despite having the 5th lowest per pupil expenditure east of Worcester, ABRHS has taught me not only english and history, but also how to deal with life situations and how to treat other people. I've played in the band, and it is excellent. I also how enjoyed working with amnesty international and the track team (DCL champs) with the school. I commend the new principal for being top notch and facilitating a smooth transition. The best teachers I've had are stellar, and the worst are mediocre: AB doesn't hire bad teachers. The food is horrid, the buiding is nice, and I enjoy the trust and flexibility the school gives us students. OVerall, I wouldn't change a thing.
--Submitted by a student

This is really a pretty good school. I'm a junio this year and I've got to admit I'm having fun doing all sorts of activities. Yes we've only had two weeks of school and yes I've already had 1-2 tests in each subject, but I feel like I'm actually learning, you know? Not just like I'm memorizing stuff I'll forget tomorrow. I think the teachers are really good and so are the after school activities and electives. Also, I know it's a bonus, but the buildings in great shape, too. If you go here/send your kid here, you won't regret it!
--Submitted by a student