If you're moving to Boston with school-age children, you need to understand one crucial fact: your address doesn't guarantee your school assignment. Unlike most American cities, Boston uses a lottery system that can send your child to a school across town, regardless of where you live.
This system, called "School Choice," was designed to promote equity but often leaves parents confused and frustrated. Here's what you need to know before buying a home in Boston.
How the Boston School Lottery Works
Boston Public Schools (BPS) uses a computer algorithm to assign students to schools based on several factors:
1. The Application Process
- Registration window: January 1 - February 5 (for the following school year)
- Online application: Submit through the BPS website
- School preferences: Rank up to 6 schools in order of preference
- Waitlist options: Can be added to waitlists for additional schools
2. Assignment Factors
The algorithm considers several factors when making assignments:
- Walk zone priority: Students living within 1 mile get preference
- Sibling priority: Siblings of current students get preference
- Program priority: Students in special programs get preference
- Random lottery: For students with equal priority
⚠️ Important Reality Check
Even with walk zone priority, there's no guarantee your child will get into your neighborhood school. Popular schools often have more applicants than seats, and the lottery can send your child across the city.
Types of Schools in Boston
Neighborhood Schools
These are traditional public schools that serve specific geographic areas. However, even "neighborhood" schools aren't guaranteed based on address alone.
Exam Schools
Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and the O'Bryant School require entrance exams. These are highly competitive and not based on lottery.
Pilot Schools
These schools have more autonomy in curriculum and hiring but still participate in the lottery system.
Charter Schools
These are public schools with separate application processes and their own lotteries.
The Hidden Costs of School Choice
Living in Boston with school-age children comes with hidden costs that many families don't anticipate:
Transportation Costs
- BPS provides transportation for students living more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school
- But it's not door-to-door: Students often need to walk to bus stops or T stations
- Time cost: Commutes can be 45+ minutes each way
- Backup transportation: When buses are late or don't show up
Before/After School Care
- Limited availability: Not all schools offer extended day programs
- Cost: $200-400/month per child
- Transportation coordination: Getting kids to/from care can be complex
Private School Backup
- Many families apply to private schools as a backup plan
- Application fees: $50-100 per school
- Tuition costs: $15,000-40,000+ per year
- Financial aid: Available but competitive
Strategies for Navigating the System
1. Research School Quality
Don't just look at test scores. Consider:
- Student-teacher ratios
- Special programs (arts, STEM, language immersion)
- Parent satisfaction surveys
- Graduation rates and college acceptance
- Extracurricular activities
2. Apply Strategically
- Include a mix of schools: Some popular, some less competitive
- Consider walk zone schools: Even if not your top choice
- Apply to multiple programs: Different programs within the same school
- Don't leave slots empty: Use all 6 preference slots
3. Have Backup Plans
- Private school applications: Apply to 2-3 private schools
- Charter school lotteries: Apply to multiple charter schools
- Waitlist strategies: Get on waitlists for preferred schools
- Appeal process: Know how to appeal assignments
💡 Pro Tip: The Waitlist Game
Many families get their preferred school through waitlists, not initial assignments. Don't give up if you don't get your first choice. Waitlists move throughout the summer and even into the school year.
What This Means for Home Buyers
When evaluating neighborhoods for school quality, consider these factors:
1. School Density
Neighborhoods with multiple high-quality schools give you better odds in the lottery.
2. Walk Zone Schools
Even if you don't get your top choice, having good walk zone options provides a safety net.
3. Transportation Access
Easy access to public transportation makes longer commutes more manageable.
4. Private School Proximity
Living near good private schools gives you more backup options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming your address guarantees assignment - It doesn't
- Only applying to popular schools - You might not get any
- Not researching school quality - Test scores don't tell the whole story
- Ignoring transportation logistics - Long commutes affect the whole family
- Not having backup plans - The lottery is unpredictable
The Bottom Line
Boston's school choice system can work well for families who do their homework and have realistic expectations. But it's not for everyone. If you prefer the predictability of neighborhood schools, you might want to consider suburbs like Newton, Brookline, or Cambridge, where school assignment is based on address.
For families committed to Boston, the key is flexibility, research, and having multiple backup plans. Use our property analysis tool to factor in school quality and transportation options when evaluating potential homes.